It is not enough for a company to provide a functional workplace to retain good employees. Efforts must be made to make the atmosphere in the workplace pleasant for employees. Doing so boosts employee retention, morale, and productivity. It has been found that the workplace environment impacts the employee’s mood, mental health, drive, and performance.

Providing a Good Office Work Environment

To get the highest return on investment with office design, hire a commercial space planning firm. They will provide a good working environment by taking into consideration the size and shape of the office area, the electrical needs and outlet locations, the location of doors, windows, and lighting fixtures, the number of employees to use the space and their needs, as well as other space planning considerations.

They will make a plan that uses existing furniture and new furniture that work together well. And, they will choose flooring, wall colors, and other decor features that add up to an efficient and pleasant workspace. They have the training and experience needed for designing your office. Professional commercial space designers will make the best advantage of natural light and existing space features while making sure there is adequate lighting, power, and space for employees to work comfortably.

Think About These Six Ways To Enhance the Office Workspace

There are multiple factors to creating a better workplace.

• Hire the best employees that fit into the existing work culture. Employees should be professional, effective, and good team players. It may be hard, but firing toxic employees with bad attitudes might make the rest of the team happier and more productive. However, give employees a chance to improve before firing them.
• Improving the lighting in the office workplace can have a huge impact. Natural light helps with employee mood, mental health, and energy. But, if natural light is not available, the same effect can be achieved using blue-enriched light bulbs in brainstorming rooms to reduce fatigue and improve work performance. Use warmer-tone light bulbs in break rooms or meeting rooms to achieve calmness and relaxation. Middle-tone bulbs should be used in conference rooms to welcome employees and help them stay alert during meetings. Harsh lighting should be replaced, and more lighting should be added as needed.
• Consider an office re-design to make the area more inviting and comfortable. Get employee input on what would make their workspace more comfortable and easy to work in. Comfortable chairs are important. Ask employees whether they would rather sit or stand at their desks. There are adjustable desks for those who want to sit at times and stand for others. Make sure all the office equipment is in good working order and placed conveniently.
• Improve office communications. Management communications with employees should foster a positive work environment. Providing positive reinforcement and feedback on how employees work contributes to the business’s success helps employees feel valued. Seek employee feedback before making decisions.
• Management and company owners should express gratitude for employees’ and team’s hard work and project success. This effort will improve company morale and employee retention rates.
• Provide company events to help employees become more engaged and valued. That annual Christmas party, 4th of July picnic, or celebration of successful project completion can help employees feel more a part of the company work culture.

Because employees spend a large part of their lives in the workplace, it is important to make that workplace pleasant and inviting for them. Things like wall color, art on the walls, well-designed break rooms, good lighting, and the design of employees’ desk areas can have a profound effect on employee morale and productivity.