A happy office environment can help attract workers back to the office.
Recently many of TRS’s clients have been wondering how best to encourage their staff to come back to the office, rather than mandating attendance.
A well-designed and decorated office supports employees’ convenience, functionality and well-being, but also encourages staff to work from the office, rather than from home.
Here are 7 office design and decoration tips to help create a happy workspace:
1. Add some greenery
You don’t need to bring a forest into the office, but including plants and greenery in the office can enhance well-being and boost productivity. Some attractive and low-maintenance options for potted plants include Bamboo Palm, Devil’s Ivy, Kentia Palm, Mother-In-Law’s Tongue, or the Peace Lily.
2. Optimise natural light
Poor lighting causes eye strain and stress, while natural light can help increase productivity by up to 20%. Identify areas with the best daylight and consider how to utilise them. Darker areas can be lit with artificial lighting that mimics natural daylight.
3. Add creative touches
You can enrich the office environment by adding colour and texture with accessories such as rugs, paintings and prints, and occasional furniture. A painted feature wall can set the mood – bright colours stimulate energy and cooler colours calm. A vase of fresh flowers is also sure to delight staff.
4. Improve comfort
Uncomfortable workstations decrease productivity. There are now many office furniture options that are both stylish and comfortable. Ask staff if they have the right furniture for their day-to-day tasks.
5. Declutter
A simple and cheap way to improve office morale is to declutter. A good rule of thumb is to dispose of anything that hasn’t been used in 12 months unless you are certain you will use it in the future. Staff should be provided with a lockable drawer for personal items and a coat rack or cupboard.
6. Minimise noise
With virtual meetings becoming more common, office noise levels have become a greater concern. As a result, soundproofed “Zoom rooms” and noise cancelling headphones are becoming more popular. High-quality audio-visual devices – headsets, cameras, microphones and screens – allow better conversations, inclusivity, and collaboration.
7. Add a bookshelf
Creating a mini library can encourage professional development amongst staff. You can stock a small bookshelf with relevant and inspiring business books and magazines.
