The ebb and flow of office productivity often seems to be bending to the whim of external forces, with scant regard for the will of the workers themselves.
Well, there might be more than a modicum of truth in the belief that the dark arts can play a part in workplace efficiency, and there are a host of hacks an office can implement which, while seeming innocuous, can have a huge impact on everything from staff wellbeing to turnover and much more besides.
In a post-pandemic working world where the central office space has never felt more impotent and at times political, it’s essential that employers and workers are making their office spaces as productivity-positive as possible.
With that in mind, today we’re sharing some of our most closely guarded office secrets. Here are 9 small changes to boost office productivity and create the IDEAL work environment.
The Best Colours To Boost Productivity
Is your office a horrible dull grey colour or stark white? Studies show that boring and bland grey, beige and white offices bring about feelings of sadness and depression. Not great for productivity! Colour-based psychology has been around for a long time, so why more offices haven’t employed a few of the key components amazes us, with certain choice colours now widely believed to have a huge impact on productivity.
It’s been written that a highly saturated blue colour stimulates the mind, so for analytical work grounded in logic, this is a great choice. Blue can improve efficiency, focus and create a better overall sense of well-being. However, if your work runs on emotion and creativity needs fueling, a vibrant orange or yellow is the key to stimulating the imagination.
In short, the theory of colour is more precise than simply ‘paint your walls red for $’, so a nuanced, goal-orientated approach is the best one to opt for.
Plants Can Aid Concentration
With colour psychology still fresh in our mind, it’s also been widely reported that green boosts productivity in workers, and, as such, investing in some plants is a great way to improve the natural vibe of the office and slyly give efficiency a nudge. Low wave and earthy hues of various greens are also said to inject calmness and focus into a room, improving workplace moral and productivity in the process.
It’s not just the colour that has positive effects across the board though. Plants can have numerous benefits , including for office air quality. On a bright, sunny day, it might just make the idea of being inside slightly more bearable too, as we have a sense of being close to nature. Lovely stuff.
Invest In Proper Ergonomic Furniture
In the perpetual quest for workplace efficiency, one often overlooked yet crucial element is the quality of office furniture. Whilst many businesses focus on technological solutions and psychological approaches to boost productivity, the humble office chair and desk arrangement can have a profound impact on both output and wellbeing.
Studies consistently demonstrate that employees who work with properly adjusted, ergonomic furniture experience fewer physical complaints and maintain higher concentration levels throughout the workday. A well-designed chair supporting the natural curvature of the spine, paired with a desk at the optimal height, can reduce the nagging discomfort that silently chips away at productivity minute by minute.
As Andrews, who supply office furniture in London, so sagely intone, you should consider implementing adjustable standing desks which allow staff to alternate between sitting and standing positions. This small change can increase energy levels, improve circulation and reduce the lethargy that often descends after the lunch hour. The investment pays dividends not only in immediate productivity gains but also in reduced absenteeism from work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Beyond the individual workstation, thoughtfully arranged communal furniture can facilitate spontaneous collaboration. Strategically placed comfortable seating areas with acoustic properties designed for small group conversations can spark innovation without disrupting colleagues nearby.
Remember that furniture isn’t merely functional—it’s an essential component of your workplace culture. Quality pieces signal to both employees and visitors that wellbeing and professional standards are valued, fostering a sense of pride and belonging that naturally translates to heightened engagement and productivity.
Read: How to banish bad posture when at your desk
Harness The Power (& Playfulness) Of Gaming Tech
Something a little more esoteric next, though no less useful. Many offices have recently been installing gaming keyboards to replace traditional ones. This is due to the prevalence of shortcuts found on a gaming keyboard, which can help boost productivity and speed of work immensely. Ditto a gaming mouse in place of a standard one.
The automated systems streamline mundane tasks and their ergonomics are designed to suit those who binge on the latest games without causing repetitive strain injury and, as such, are perfect for an office worker who doesn’t wish to visit the Occupational Health any time soon.
Constantly Declutter
Tidy desk, tidy mind, said your office nemesis when surveying the debris of your desk. He may have had a point though. The clutter of a thousand redundant files and papers can have an adverse effect on our brain’s organisational abilities. At the very most basic level, the search for lost items and documents can eat into any day, and would be vastly reduced by an orderly filing system and lack of clutter.
On a more abstract note, the brain may respond to visual mess by losing focus and concentration. In the modern, paper-free(ish) workplace, it’s easier than ever to be streamlined and minimalist in your desk space décor. Do it today and you’ll notice the results immediately.
Of course, you can only declutter effectively within the parameters of available workplace storage, but a simple reshuffle of office-based real-estate may eke out new areas for employees to swing a cat (or, more simply, to enjoy a well earned break).
Enlisting the services of a specialist might be a wise investment here, and could help give your company the productivity boost it needs through the power of space-saving.
Read: 9 sometimes simple, sometimes innovative storage ideas for your home office
Working In Silence? Turn The Radio On
It seems a natural assumption to make; that silence promotes a steely, undisturbed focus, and is therefore preferable in the office environment. Think again though, as having the radio on at work could actually boost productivity. Noise sparks the creative process into life, giving new ideas impetus and allowing a freedom of thought often stifled by an atmosphere too quiet. Silence, then, is anything but golden.
Utilise Adaptive Soundscaping
Speaking of which, innovative offices are now going further, and using adaptive soundscaping to manage the acoustic environment. This technology involves creating soundscapes that adapt in real-time to the noise levels in the office. For example, when the office gets noisy, the soundscape can increase the volume of natural sounds like flowing water or rustling leaves to mask distracting conversations or office machinery. This can help maintain a consistent auditory environment that supports concentration and productivity, without the need for intrusive noise-cancelling headphones.
Foster Collaborative Robotics
Embrace the future of work by integrating collaborative robots, or ‘cobots’, into the office environment. These robots are designed to work alongside humans, assisting with repetitive or physically demanding tasks. In an office setting, cobots could be programmed to handle tasks such as organising and delivering documents, setting up meeting rooms, or even making coffee.
This not only frees up employees to focus on more complex, value-added tasks but also introduces a novel element to the workplace that can boost morale and foster a culture of innovation and efficiency.
Implement Dynamic Desking With Smart Technology
We end our article on the move. That’s because we’re engaged in something that’s widely become known as ‘dynamic desking’. Powered by smart technology, this is an innovative approach to office layout that allows workspaces to be easily reconfigured to suit the needs of different tasks and teams throughout the day. Using a system of modular furniture and integrated technology, employees can book desks, meeting pods, or collaborative spaces through an app, depending on their immediate needs.
This system not only optimises the use of office space but also encourages movement and collaboration, which can lead to increased creativity and productivity. Smart sensors can adjust lighting, temperature, and even desk height for optimal comfort and efficiency, creating a truly personalised work environment.
The Bottom Line
In the quest for peak office productivity, it’s clear that small, innovative changes can have a profound impact. These forward-thinking strategies reflect a deeper understanding of the interplay between our physical spaces and our mental agility. As we continue to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace, it is these kinds of nuanced, intelligent adaptations that will define the successful offices of the future and, in turn, the businesses that inhabit them.
