We spend a lot of time in the office; in fact, we spend on average 90,000 hours at work over a lifetime. That means it’s important to make your workspace as comfortable as possible. Spending so many hours at work does affect your quality of life, which is why it’s vital that you improve the space you are in. So what office furniture can you use to make the office more comfortable?
Use Dividers
Due to the increasing popularity of open office spaces, and how effective it has proven to be, more companies are turning their offices into open office spaces. There are many benefits to having partitions for your office as office partitions give a more spacious and welcoming feel for office guests. If you use glass partitions, this allows for natural light to flow, which increases productivity in the workplace. Another key benefit is that it allows for more privacy, but at the same time, doesn’t eliminate communication between employees. Cost-effectiveness is one of the key benefits of office partitions as they are more durable and cheaper than having brick walls dividers.
Use the Brand Color and Add the Company’s Mission Statement
Choose the color scheme that best matches the brand. Having your office designed with brand colors makes the employees feel more connected to the company, which would motivate them to reflect a positive image of the company. Moreover, you can have the mission statement displayed clearly and visibly somewhere where all employees can see it. The mission statement acts as a constant reminder of what the company is all about and a reminder to uphold the company’s standards and message.
Create a Unique Vibe to Each Space
Comfortability inspires productivity, and that’s why you have to create a special atmosphere for each area in the office. For instance, the break room is a room where employees should let their minds a little. Therefore, it has to be accommodating for leisure purposes, which you can do by adding fun and colorful furniture that is unique to that space, while you could also add some games that employees get to play during their break. On the other hand, the conference room is a place where work has to be done, so add professional-looking furniture and a neutral color scheme to that specific room.
Allow Your Employees to Design Their Spaces
Encourage employees to design their working space the way they see fit. This would make them more comfortable where they work and create a sense of belonging that this space is theirs. As a result, you’ll have a range of colorful little designs that showcase the individuality of each employee and inspire productivity in them.
Add a Coffee and Snack Station
Everyone gets snackish, especially while they are working. On the other hand, you can never have enough of caffeine beverages. Therefore, having fruits, snacks, and a coffee or tea station are great ways to keep your employees’ energy levels high. Additionally, healthy snacks improve focus and enhance moods, so instead of adding chips, consider supplying your staff with nuts and granola bars. Bonding is another great benefit of these stations, as employees will get to socially bond with their coworkers while having a quick snack. Fruits can add a beautiful aesthetic to the office as well.
Accentuate the View
A good view makes the office beautiful. Working in a place with a good view motivates employees to be more productive. Moreover, the beautiful scenery has a calming and relaxing effect on the employees. This could also bring peace of mind and provide a much-needed break from the constant bombardment of emails and tasks.
Organize the Office
Computer and printer wires could create ugly clutter if not concealed. So invest in cable management desks to make the office look more organized. Another great addition to the office is more file cabinets, where employees can have plenty of room to store their files and any of their belongings. An organized office reduces stress levels and promotes productivity among employees.
A cozy and comfortable office could take away the stress of the work itself and make it feel like home, as being comfortable creates a feeling of belonging which promotes productivity. A comfortable space creates a positive vibe, which in turn, can be motivating, and can also ameliorate the quality of work. With that being said, it’s vital that you follow the aforementioned tips if you want to keep your staff happy, loyal, and productive. To maintain privacy and productivity, avoid cubicles and cramped spaces, and instead opt for simple dividers.
By: Samantha Acuna
Samantha Acuna is a writer based in San Francisco, CA. Her work has been featured in The Huffington Post, Entrepreneur.com, and Yahoo Small Business.
