• 29 January 2015
• by elitecretesystems

4 Ways the Design of an Office Can Affect Business

Many employers aren’t aware of just how important office settings and environments are to productivity and an overall positive working environment. Despite the amount of information and proven research available, many businesses do not find improving office design to be a necessary use of the budget. Although there is not much control average employees have over where their office is located and what tools are available to improve creativity, these following tips can help anyone in almost office find some ways to make a productive difference:

1. Lighting: Offering several different lighting options for employees in an office setting has been psychologically proven to enhance creativity. According to experts, bright lighting enhances teamwork and more methodical thinking experience. On the other hand, dimmer lighting fosters creativity and out of the box thinking. Lighting is incredibly important in office productivity for bad lighting can cause fatigue, irritability, headaches or even depression.
2. Plants: It has also been proven true that plants, real or fake, have different effects on people when in an office setting. Studies have indicated that plants, flowers and other forms of decorative vegetation improve the overall happiness of clients and employees, while increasing productivity as well. Plant life has also been associated with better breathing, longer attention spans, and stress relief.
3. Control the noise: Although it may seem impossible to completely manage the noise levels of an office space, there are tips available for work environments to permit noise when necessary, quiet when needed, to improve overall productivity levels. In any office environment, one can properly utilize commercial flooring solutions in order to enhance creativity, efficiency and a more pleasant workplace, such as carpeting and paneling. These devices, as well as tile ceiling, are available to help absorb sound waves and reduce echoing or carried voices. It is also recommended to keep fax machines and other noisy appliances in one central location, as well as keeping noisier employees separate from the quieter ones (i.e. sales people, customer service, those on the phone often).
4. Color: The color of any room has a direct affect on the people in it. Depending on the color scheme of a particular room, moods and emotions can be affected. For instance, blue has been scientifically proven to encourage feelings of happiness and increase levels of productivity in an office space. Since our brain functions are drastically triggered by the color patterns of our surroundings, it is important to surround yourself with productive, positive colors while at work. Most people do not have any control of the wall colors of their office space, but adding creatively encouraging colors to your cubicle or desk can all the difference.