Have you ever considered that changes like skylight installation Brisbane companies implement can influence your bottom-line? Yes, it’s an indirect way of benefiting your business thanks to how you’ll impact your team of employees. But innovative approaches like this, all to improve their work environments, help scale companies.
Will you manage your business in a smart way too? When you implement this list of tips on improving workspaces, in a few months’ time you’ll see the ripple effect is much more beneficial than you can imagine today.
Comfort and Ergonomics
First up we have the aspect of helping employees be more comfortable when they’re on the job.
For office work, a quick solution here is investing in ergonomic chairs. This type of furniture helps with everything from improving blood flow to reducing back pain. Your team may be in a much better mood when they ‘feel’ better doing their jobs. And THAT results in better productivity.
You can also discuss specific needs with each employee regarding their work environment. Perhaps some of them prefer standing desks to sitting all day?
Teach Them to Timeout
Although society is more focused on self-care and mental health, workers may still feel they’re not allowed to properly look after themselves while at the office. It’s great for you if they’re giving you 8 hours of solid work every day, but over time this rigid routine may start impacting their emotional wellbeing AND reduce their productivity.
Allowing employees to take breaks and inspiring them to eat healthily while at work shows you care about them. You’ll have healthier employees—which means fewer sick days—and when you care for their wellbeing, they’ll become more loyal to you.
Some practical examples to create a culture of healthy timeouts during the workday:
- Create outside areas where workers can enjoy the sun while having their lunch.
- Provide a breakroom so making a cup of coffee or a smoothie is convenient.
- Have regular lunch breaks where team members relax together and see that the boss is comfortable with them taking a breather.
Colour to Break Monotony
Who wants to sit in a boring space five days a week? When you create a more interesting work environment, workers feel more positive about spending their time there. This is as simple as adding some colour to the walls, whether through décor or paint. Or, why not print huge canvasses with images relevant to your industry?
We do suggest you keep to a colour palette that suits your company. This will ensure cohesion between your interiors and what you want your team to think about while at work.
For example, pick a colour palette inspired by your logo. Or, use colours that communicate the message of your vision. A company working on eco-friendly alternatives can pick green, while a respected law firm can use red which represents power.
Remind Them Why They’re There
While you’re redecorating, why not incorporate the company vision into the design? You can add specific words to wall décor or set up TV screens that showcase what you’ve achieved. By reminding workers what their actions contribute towards, you’re helping them experience more purpose.
Once again, while this results in happier, more fulfilled workers, it will also boost productivity, which benefits the brand.
Improve Lighting
You’ll be surprised how much the amount of light in a space affects a person’s mood. On top of that, too little light can hamper a person’s workflow, so assessing each person’s work area is essential.
Try and incorporate as much natural light as possible, rather than just adding more light fixtures. This will be easier on the eyes, prevent a lot of eye strain and tends to affect emotional wellbeing in a positive manner. And that’s why you may have heard your competitors utilising commercial skylights in offices, factories and elsewhere on their properties!
Use Natural Elements
Also look for ways to incorporate other natural elements:
- Use plants as décor, since they can improve air quality and experts have proven greenery can put people in a better state of mind.
- Rather use natural fabrics for upholstery and floor coverings, to avoid unnecessary toxins and allergic reactions. This can also be a way of supporting sustainable supply chains, which many employees will respect.
Improve Functionality with Storage
When trying to improve interiors, the main focus areas are aesthetics and functionality. Ask for feedback about how you can improve your workers’ workflow in a practical way. For example, rearrange desks so people using the printer the most are positioned closest to it.
Also, since studies have proven that clutter can hamper one’s workflow, is it time you invest in more storage? Help employees organise files and other items in a more structured way, to clear their desks and create more functional workspaces.
Final Thoughts
Positive change can be small adjustments or an entire overhaul of your offices. Pick a plan that suits your budget and helps you create a happier, more motivated team.
However, with employees being primary role players in whether you achieve your company goals, you can’t ignore their work environments any longer. If you need motivation to spend some money to implement these tips, higher output and lower employee turnover are top reasons to mention this to your board or anyone in a position of authority.
Please share if you have tips for others wanting to improve management and leadership in the workplace.
