L J Pratley & Partners

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How to Make Your Office the Place to Be!

A fresh and innovative office design can really help boost the productivity and energy levels of your staff. Studies show that employees respond better to a positive visual environment as opposed to a bland and dreary backdrop whilst at work.

Office spaces were originally designed to be regimented in order to promote a sense of professionalism and discipline. They were often lined with cheapish furniture and blank walls to justify this approach.

However, modern bosses have recognised the benefits of renovating their office scenery so workers feel happier getting through the daily grind.

There are various ways you can make your office the place to be and here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Office Plan

Think practically but don’t be too disciplined with the layout. Allow staff as much as space as possible to move around, along with a personal workstation for privacy.

Have a regular clear out of unnecessary items around the office and encourage staff to declutter their desk when possible. A clean workspace leads to a clear mind.

Arrange the seating plan to hopefully create a positive bond between employees – this will also help improve communication and efficiency. Also make sure you invest in comfortable, adjustable chairs so staff are more content sitting down for long periods.

Accessorise

To make your office as welcoming as possible, throw in creative and original decorations where possible. Get the team together during Halloween and Christmas to decorate the room as one.

Improve bland wall spaces with a new paint job or various artwork pieces. Positioning plants or flowers around the room have been proven to significantly reduce the stress levels of workers too.

Allow staff to decorate their personal workspace with pictures, ornaments and mascots to add character to the room. This may also boost productivity.

A large bulletin board not only serves a practical purpose but can also be personalised for a bit more charisma – hang up pictures of team members and staff days out to remind everyone of what fun you are!

Fun Environment

Although the office is a place of work, there’s no reason why you can’t relax and have some fun once in a while. Encourage a bit of office banter and organise regular staff days out, for example with a local pub quiz or paintballing adventure. Celebrate birthdays with enthusiasm and organise a Secret Santa around the festive period.

Keep staff morale high by providing regular breaks. A top quality watercooler machine and kitchen equipment will be greatly appreciated.

To create a more comfortable atmosphere, take into account how the room temperature and air quality can affect productivity. Invest in an air conditioning unit or tinted windows to help with this.

It’s recommended you hold a team meeting to work through ideas together – that way, everyone will be get their say and you’ll soon create an office envied by all.