While managers and leaders focus enormous effort on employees, many tend to overlook how important a working environment is. From the layout of desks, to the flow of traffic, to proper lighting, it all plays a big role. If a workforce does not feel comfortable in their space, they are not going to be focusing on getting tasks done. Above all else, a comfortable employee is a productive employee.
Getting a work environment right is the first big step in creating a productive business, and where you should be putting effort before the first employee has even been hired. Let’s have a look at what should be taken into account when laying out an office.
Every Employee In Their Space
Office employees being shoved into cubicles like sardines is a cliché for a reason. Namely because businesses can, and often do, shoehorn desks into the tightest spaces possible, all in the name of avoiding higher rent. Yes, making use of space is necessary. But there is a point where an employee simply starts to feel like they’re being treated like a piece of furniture. The key is that every individual must feel as if they have their own space, and are provided at least some degree of privacy.
The Natural Flow Of Traffic
If traffic must pass through a space, the traffic better have a path to do so. If employees are falling over one another, desperate to simply reach their desk, something is wrong with your layout. Having desks near a bathroom or kitchen door is quickly going to turn into a nightmare. Not just for the unlucky soul that has the desk, but for every individual attempting to simply get a glass of water. Frequently used doors should be kept clear. If they can’t be kept clear, you need a bigger space, or need to rethink the space while you play the online pokies NZ offers.
Essential Conveniences
Speaking of glasses of water, there are a few things that every workforce needs. A watercooler is amongst them. Or at least easy access to a kitchen. Dehydration is not to be taken lightly, especially for those that are expected to occupy the same desk from 9 to 5, for 5 or more days a week. Most will also ask for a coffee or tea machine, or at least access to a reliable kettle. It goes without saying that clean bathrooms are also top of the priority list. All of this seems obvious, but is worth mentioning given that it plays directly into productivity.
Lighting Can’t Be Taken For Granted
Lastly, the power of natural light cannot be taken for granted. Sunlight does wonders, more so than might be assumed. If windows are not an option, a workplace should be evenly, carefully lit across the board. Any employee finding themselves in a dark corner will quickly start to feel as if they have been forgotten. More to the point, productivity is not being inspired when a workforce is spending most of their time fighting eyestrain.