The environment in which you work directly affects your efficiency and productivity. People have different work spaces and different needs. But, according to design experts, there are some elements everyone needs to look at when designing the perfect work space.
Windows : Are not just for looking out from though it’s amazing what a lift a good view can give. Windows provide better light for working and, it’s been found that people who work in spaces with windows get better sleep than those in windowless spaces.
Greenery : A few green plants can have a real impact on worker happiness. People feel better about their jobs than in an office with no greenery. Get plants that don’t need a lot of attention but make sure they are regularly watered and have some sunlight.
Color : Accents of color are important. Do you know that color has a significant effect on our mental state? Blue is said to be intellectually stimulating. Yellow inspires creativity. Green denotes calm and balance. Red affects the body and is a dramatic mood-enhancer.
Personalized Spaces : Small office, large office, even a small corner… it can all be customized even if there is an overall design for the whole office. Personalisation is much easier if you are working on your own. Adding pictures and plants and things that are definitely ‘you’ actually makes for greater productivity. As far as possible, employees at any level should be allowed control over their work space. A uniform plan with a sea of work stations does not have that element of individuality so essential to productive and enjoyable working.
Variety : Is the spice of a happy work environment. You need visual elements that disrupt the space to get the creative juices flowing. This does not mean creating walls or partitions if that does not fit in with the design scheme. For example, a colorful tent on wheels can be pulled in over a workstation for privacy as well as for dramatic effect. The senses need to be jolted to enable out-of-the-box thinking. A varied environment is really about choice – giving people the kind of space where they can do their work happily and more effectively. Flexibility is important when designing work spaces whether in formal offices or at home. People should be able to create a work space outside of just their desks. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t provide options and is not conducive to creativity. To get better performance from people, it is important to give them the flexibility to have a hand in the environment in which they work.
Art : Is, of course, aesthetics. But it’s also so much more. It enhances people’s sense of an environment that’s not just a pre-planned space. Art adds dimension to a space and is conducive to creativity. And what could signal ‘individuality’ more than art? Whether you like abstract art or landscapes or film posters, use art as a design element with your distinct ‘signature’ on it.
It’s not easy to plan the perfect work space specially with budget and space constraints. But with a little imagination and a flexible approach, so much can be done. And the result of all that effort is greater productivity and happiness in the workplace.