Whether you’re working from self-employed and working from home or working for your employer in their place of business, a modern office space is essential. A drab, depressing office that’s trapped in a time warp will inspire feelings of doom and gloom, which can take its toll on morale and productivity. This is unlike a warm, modern office, which gives employees a lift and boosts productivity. It’s a no-brainer if you’re the boss, so here are a few ways you can upgrade your office space.
Upgrade your technology
An office is no place for retro-tech. This is the 21st century and a business won’t prosper if you’re using tech from yesteryear. Employee morale will also take a tumble and frustration will grow if their desktop computers, laptops, tablets, etc are letting them down, so upgrade your tech. Good tech can help you to eliminate repetitive tasks for your employees and increase their productivity.
Note, too, that you should stay on top of tech-related supplies and accessories. Printers, for instance, will need decent inks, which you can order online from sites such as Toner Giant. Employees may also require USBs (as well as storing documents in the cloud) so that they can back up their work.
Refresh the colours
A fresh lick of paint can transform a tired-looking office space completely. When choosing colours, it’s a good idea to think about each different part of the office and how it will be used. Colours such as grey and mint will work well in areas where people have to concentrate hard and need to focus, whereas if you’re looking to inspire creativity, you may prefer blue, green or even pink.
Upgrade the furniture
It’s not just the colours of an office that can give it a tired feel. Old-looking furniture can also cause it to cry out for a revamp. Dispense with tatty breakout space sofas and update the space and the rest of the office with something chic and stylish.
Remember that office furniture must go beyond just looking good, however. Ergonomics are a big consideration now. You want something that’s going to be comfortable for employees while they’re work. After all, they’re going to spend most of their days at your office, so it’s only right to ensure they’re as comfortable as possible. Besides, if they’re too busy shuffling around in their office chairs and at their desks, you won’t get as much as work out of them as you hoped.
Increase the amount of light
There are lots of people who don’t like winter because of the dark days. Now, imagine how they might feel if they arrive at your office each day and it’s relatively dark inside. Good lighting is important. Seek to let in as much natural light as possible. If you can, set up desks near windows. If there’s not much natural light in your office, make sure the lighting is adequate. If it’s too low, employees could end up straining their eyes and, in the long run, their eyesight could deteriorate.
Change to open plan
If you still have a partitioned office, then you’re well and truly behind the times. Cubicle-type office spaces create a divide between staff members and are unnecessary. Switching to an open-plan office will make them feel less isolated. It facilitates collaboration between employees and makes it easier for them to network and get to know each other. Not only all of this, but it creates more space and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Lower stress levels with plants
Plants can help to reduce stress and, if an employee has one on their desk, help them to keep their workspace clutter-free. Interestingly, the presence of plants in the office can improve productivity. If you don’t feel like buying the real thing because you don’t wish to look after them, artificial plants are the next best thing and will brighten up the place too.
Make your brand visible.
Don’t forget to let people know who you are when they walk into the office, whether they’re suppliers, guests or potential clients, by making your brand logo visible in the office. An office upgrade could be an appropriate time to refresh your brand as well, so take the chance to bring your logo into the 21st century with modern graphics. Display it somewhere prominent and ensure that the colours tie in with the other colours of the office.
Your office is where your employees will spend a lot of their time, so it’s important to keep the space as modern and as functional as possible to maintain positivity and productivity levels high. Simple measures such as refreshing the colours and adding plants require only a small investment but could generate greater productivity and performance from employees. If you’re an employer, the investment has got to be worth it.
