Americans continue trying to optimize the office work environment. Office work existed in the 1800s but not to the extent that it evolved in the post-World War II era.
So executives, management, and business owners aim to balance worker productivity with worker job satisfaction. In many ways, the best way to reach the balance is by keeping employees focused.
Office staff should have the tools and comforts that help them complete their tasks to their abilities.
We offer seven ways to improve your office working environment.
1. Pick the Best Floor Plan
Traditional work floor plans gave offices to management and executives. Then they made room for cubicles for staff and employees. Startup culture brought the open floor plan to the workplace for a decade.
However, in 2021, some companies have decided to return to offices and cubicles.
For your company, pick the floor plan that fits your business culture. In call center environments, cubicles and offices make the most sense. In innovative environments, the open floor plan has its place.
2. Provide the Right Tools
To improve the work environment and keep staff productive, provide them with the right tools. They include:
- Chairs
- Desks
- Software
- Hardware
- Leadership
Every company needs contributions from its employees to the bottom line. That’s why the sales team is so important. Administrative employees can contribute by finding more efficient ways to complete their tasks.
Therefore, office members require the right tools to create a solid working environment.
This doesn’t mean the latest and greatest gadgets. It does mean that the tools your business can afford keep employees productive.
3. Integrate Security
Most small- and mid-sized companies don’t require the obvious presence of armed security guards. Corporations and enterprises do. When the office consists of several floors and many employees, the risk of physical harm to them increases.
Thereafter, it’s a good idea to balance the presence of security guards with other measures such as video. To improve your office working environment, ensure that members feel safe. Harm to their person shouldn’t even enter their minds.
Your office environment might not call for the presence of commercial security guards. But you still benefit from a security system that works. Special Security Services provides more insight.
4. Reduce Distractions
Analysis of worker productivity shows that it is decreasing. One reason is the number of jobless claims that the public continues to file. The internet is another.
Common office environment distractions include:
- Smartphones
- Social media
- Personal email
- Online browsing
If employees walk into the office one day and find out that they can no longer engage in these activities during work time, it’s a shock. Therefore, consider setting this policy from day one.
In other cases, phase the activities out.
5. Focus on Lighting
Office buildings in 2021 are the most energy-efficient. They don’t allow the outdoor elements in; they don’t allow the stale air out either. This impacts the indoor air quality and indoor lighting.
If your office receives natural light, maximize it. When the windows are minimal, integrate optimal artificial lighting. Proper lighting improves the working environment. It creates a productive ambiance.
6. Offer Snacks and Food
Most people love free food and snacks. Offices that can afford to provide it for their employees will see an improved working environment.
Since they don’t need to go off-campus to purchase food, it gives them more time to consume the goodies and recharge. A walk to the breakroom is preferable to driving to the nearest eatery.
7. Encourage Work-Life Balance
Many workers live in fear that they can lose their job at any moment. Other individuals know they can never lose their job and they take their foot off the gas.
Improving the office working environment requires owners and management to put their workers’ minds at ease. To prevent complacency, set productivity standards. Then figure out a system that rewards employee results without pitting them directly against each other.
If you encourage a work-life balance, members can arrive at the office ready to work daily.
Conclusion
Office workers have good days and bad days. Plus each worker has a personality, set of responsibilities, and worries. Even in offices of two people, conflicts can occur. Your job is to help your employees focus on their work and remain productive.