A high-functioning and healthy work environment lies heavily on leadership. Managers and leaders are the backbones of any organization, and their care of their employees can make or break a team. This is specifically true in offices requiring high focus and output levels. Creating a healthy and encouraging environment for your employees can reap long-term benefits and increase success. Here are a few ways you can optimize your workspace to encourage productivity:
Implementing Fung Shui
Fung Shui is a Chinese system of organization that promotes focus and energy flow in a room or environment. It began to heavily influence the western world when interior designers adopted the system for living spaces. However, office spaces can benefit just as much from Fung Shui. Examples of Fung Shui include:
Desk placement by natural light or facing others
Artwork that inspires
Plants that liven up the room
Colors and wallpapers that stimulate the mind for creativity
Regular breaks
In the 1980s and ’90s, break time in the office was highly structured. Each worker would get allotted 10-15 minute breaks in their daily schedule so they could walk away from their desk and relax for a few minutes.
Today, our office environments tend to be a lot more relaxed. As long as you are getting your work done on time, you are free to take breaks when you need to and be more incontrol of your schedule.
This progress is great, but it can also lead to employees not taking their breaks and working through the entire day. On the surface, this may seem like there is potential for more productivity. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Sitting at the computer for hours can harm the mind and body. Getting up to move around and turn off the computer can boost morale and re-energize them to finish the day strong. Making sure your employees take regular breaks can greatly affect work output and general office attitude.
Optimize the Natural Light
Natural sunlight can be warming and invigorating, but it can also come with complications like the glare on electronic screens, harmful UV rays, and increased office temperature.
Most offices come with blinds, drapes, and other sunblocking systems. These work great at eliminating those problems, but they also block the sunlight from coming in and force the office to rely on artificial lighting systems.
3M window films can reduce glare, block harmful UV rays, and maintain a comfortable office temperature while allowing you to enjoy your view and the natural light of the outdoors.
We hope these tips help improve productivity for your team and boost overall morale. Remember, a happy and healthy team is a successful team!