A positive workplace environment is simply a place where people feel able to do work. Easy, right? Wrong. There are infinitely many factors that affect a person’s ability to execute assignments, and if those factors are not properly addressed, work becomes challenging. For example, if a workplace is too overcrowded and noisy, employees may struggle to focus on their task at hand. Therefore, if you feel like your workplace is not producing the caliber of results you expect, it might be time to make some changes to the environment. Thankfully, transforming the workplace can be both affordable and impactful thanks to Interior Motions’ expert insights.
Step one: Identify the need that is not being met in the workplace.
We have mentioned before in regards to the interior design process that it is extremely difficult to resolve a problem if you do not know what that problem is. Oftentimes, proceeding with the renovation before identifying the issue leads to the misallocation of time and money. Therefore, it is important to be receptive to employees’ feedback and willing to make changes where necessary.
Step two: Determine if that need can be resolved through a physical transformation.
You would be surprised at how far little changes can go in terms of improving workplace conditions. A fresh coat of paint and new office chairs are sometimes the only thing needed to catapult your business into success. Here are some easy solutions for common problems in the workplace.
The workplace feels uninviting → Paint your walls a different color.
Colors evoke psychological responses in people. Choosing a wall color like red promotes energy and stimulation, blue promotes calm and tranquility, yellow promotes positivity and clarity.
The workplace feels dirty → Replace your carpets.
If your workplace feels dirty despite numerous attempts at cleaning the desks and disinfecting the windows, your carpet may be the culprit. According to the Carpet and Rug Institute, “one square foot of carpet can contain up to one pound of dirt.” Thus, no amount of wipes can cleanse the overall atmosphere if the carpet is beyond repair. Try swapping your old carpets with a fun, new patterned carpet.
The workplace is uncomfortable → Get ergonomic furniture.
It is nearly impossible to complete 8 hours' worth of tasks if employees feel like they are sitting on pins and needles all day. That is why ergonomic office chairs are essential not only to employees’ productivity, but also to their health. Additionally, sit-to-stand desks afford employees a much needed respite from sitting all day long.
Employees struggle to focus → Invest in space dividers.
Space dividers that create semi-private workstations are extremely helpful solutions for when the workplace feels too chaotic. Employees can enjoy distraction-free, heads-down work without being isolated in an entirely separate room.
The workplace is inefficient → Rearrange the departments.
Departments that often work in collaboration with each other should be located in close proximity to one another. Having employees run from one end of the building to the other every time they have a question or idea wastes valuable time.
The workplace feels lonely → Offer collaborative Areas.
The pandemic has highlighted the value of the office as a means of socialization and collaboration. Many companies who have adopted a hybrid work schedule (employees partially work from home) have decreased the number of workstations in the office and increased the number of collaborative areas to capitalize on the office’s newfound purpose.
The best part of all of these tips is that they will not cost you an arm and a leg to implement. They simply require taking the time to consider your employees’ needs and determine the right course of action.
Also read: Exercises for Fostering Innovation in the Workplace
