Office Design and Productivity

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Most of us spend our lives at work--indoors, behind a desk. And nine out of ten people believe quality workspaces contribute to positive attitudes and increased productivity (Hughes, 2007). In addition, there are multiple studies supporting the notion that dissatisfaction, cluttered workplaces and employees’ physical environs play a major role in loss of productivity (Carnevale 1992, Clements-Croome 1997).

With so much information about the effects of a positive work environment, what can we do in our offices to improve productivity?

Five physical variables contribute to a healthy work environment:

1. Furniture
2. Noise
3. Lighting
4. Temperature
5. Spatial arrangements

Below, we’ve expanded upon each to help you improve the environment within your own office:

Furniture
The number one consideration when choosing office furniture is ergonomics. Appropriately sized desks & chairs that can be adjusted for comfort help avoid sore backs, necks and carpal tunnel syndrome. In addition, make sure computer monitors are positioned at an appropriate height to avoid neck and back pain.

Noise
Noise has significant impact on productivity and often is one of the last things employers consider. According to Julian Treasure, Chairman of Sound Consultancy, typical ambient noise in offices can reduce productivity by over 60%. Treasure also notes that productivity can triple when employees wear headphones playing the sound of twittering birds. While no one expects employers to provide chirpy bird sounds, this is a poignant reminder to pay attention to the auditory aspect of your office environment.

Lighting
There is a direct connection between lack of light and depression. In office environments with low light, and especially low natural light, productivity and energy are often affected. If there is a way to offer employees better natural light throughout the office as well as task lighting, then do it-- positive feelings will abound, and in turn so will productivity.

Temperature
Indoor temperatures between 72-77F degrees are proven to be best for office productivity (Source: Helsinki University of Technology). Overall, a Cornell University study found that warm environments promote productivity better than cold ones--citing that at 77F degrees, workers were at their most productive.

Spatial arrangements
Office furniture promotes productivity when three main things are considered:

1. Proximity to important machinery (copier, fax, etc.)
2. Low risk of distraction from visitors and activity
3. Works as part of the office community, limiting isolation

If you are unable to change any other variables, furniture rearrangement is one most offices can handle with little to no cost. Review the floor plan to determine whether it’s the optimal setup for employees’ access to critical areas & departments. Also consider whether some people are too much in the path of traffic, or perhaps too isolated.