DESIGN CREATES EFFICIENCY

Office efficiency doesn’t just happen. It is a created by leveraging the use of the space and the environment to create a motivating and inviting office atmosphere. Office efficiency is a dynamic process which requires ongoing evaluation of the workspace and how conducive it is to efficiency, creativity, and employee morale.

Gone are the days when you set up dozens of tiny cubicles in a small space and expected employees to be happy. And gone are the days when managers were endowed by huge offices by the window that were intimidating to employees and blocked out all natural sunlight. Today’s office environment is about efficiency and how it can be used to motivate employees to want to come to work and do a great job.
Office design is the key to creating an effective and efficient office environment. There are some critical guidelines for office design that will benefit any industry and most any size office. Applying these concepts within your design plan will result in tremendous benefits to you, your employees, and your customers.

1. Managers are out and employees are in! This may sound strange, but the most efficient use of space includes allowing as much sunlight as possible into the workspace. This motivates employees and gives them an overall sense of well-being.

2. Ergonomics and safety are a big deal in today’s office space. Make sure that your desks, chairs, and even your mouse pads are ergonomically correct.

3. There are multiple centralized functions to be considered within any office. Copiers, mail slots, supply closets they all are important to getting a job done and they need to be centrally located for employees. Keep them as open and clutter-free as possible.

4.Consider workspace that centers around a central “conference area”. Having 2-4 workstations with computers and essential equipment within an area for each employee, and placing a small table with chairs in the middle of this team provides them with valuable space for collaborating on projects.

5. Small alcoves with a table and chairs throughout the offices are helpful if you have employees who need to get together often but who do not necessarily have their office space in close proximity to one another. These informal meeting rooms are a great way to promote productive collaboration among employees.

6. Providing a relaxing, calming location for employees to take much-needed breaks and lunch is important.

7. People spend more time in their workspace than they do in their homes. Make the space inviting and inspirational. Artwork and green plants located throughout the office can make a big difference.

Taking time to create a work space that is inviting, motivational, and efficient can go a long way towards a positive work environment. Employees who work efficiently are also more effective and they will appreciate the things you do to make their workspace comfortable and safe.

The planning you do today will benefit you, your employees, and your customers tomorrow!