Unconventional Ways to Improve Your Office’s Productivity

Improving your office’s productivity is more than fun chairs and the right equipment. It’s even more than ergonomically sound desks, as fantastic as they are. Factors like lighting, sound, and even air can affect your employees’ focus.

If these elements are off, then productivity-and revenue-decreases. These unconventional ways will help you create an office where people won’t just work. They’ll focus.

Lighting

Your office’s lighting is more than providing a way to see. It’s a way to support healthy, happy, and productive employees. Studies have shown that bright, natural light can positively impact mood, reduce eye strain, and provide a space where employees can thrive.

In the absence of large windows, replace all fluorescent lighting with blue-tinted bulbs. It may seem minor, but this hue can help employees remain productive throughout the day while also protecting their eyesight.

Ambient Noise

In an office, loud conversations and silence can be deafening. When crafted well, ambient noise can prevent your team’s productivity from dropping nearly 70 percent. This could be a natural extension of your office design from people typing and shuffling papers, or it could be an intentional improvement like playing quiet music or white noise over your stereo system.

With fewer distractions, as well as accommodations for those who prefer silence or need to take a call, you can promote a productive office.

Color

Color psychology affects more than your branding. An office’s color, including the walls, décor, and furniture, will impact how your team operates. For example, blue is believed to offer a calming effect that helps employees de-stress. Some scientists believe green can reduce eye fatigue and promote efficiency. Yellow supports creativity and can help your team stay optimistic throughout a project.

Implementing color psychology throughout your office can help keep areas distinct.

Meeting rooms can have green and yellow elements throughout, while the lounge can use blue décor and even walls to help employees relax throughout the day.

Air Quality

We don’t need to convince you that an office filled with smoke negatively impacts your health. What you may not realize, though, is that even smoke-free air can hurt productivity. In fact, poor air quality can lead to a 6 to 9 percent decrease in productivity.

If your windows don’t open, there are still ways to promote cleaner air. Add an air purifier near the entrance, and use air-cleaning plants like Spider plants, Dracaena, or Sword Ferns.

Temperature

The topic of your office’s thermostat may make you want to hide in your office, but adjusting the temperature can help your employees work productively. Studies show that 71 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature.

Preferences among your team may lead you to adjust this in your office, but the concept remains: employees who can work comfortably are more likely to remain productive throughout the day.

Plants

Plants can help more than your office’s air quality. Bring your space to life by adding flowering and non-flowering plants throughout your work area.

Low-maintenance plants like succulents and cacti are perfect for teams who prefer low-maintenance plants, and lilies or flowering bonsai trees are ideal for those teams who want some color. Make sure to match plants with areas that provide the right amount of sunlight.

Are You Ready to be Unconventional?

As a leader in your office, supporting your team’s workflow is part of your job description. If you’ve tried all the other techniques and productivity is still decreasing, it’s time to review these unconventional factors. Once your office is complete, your team will produce the work product that excites your customers and helps your company thrive.