Boost Employee Happiness, Productivity With Strategic Office Design

41% of the global workforce may change jobs in the next year, while 55% say their work environment would factor into this decisions. On top of that, unhappy employees are absent 37% more often, have almost 50% more accidents, and make 60% more errors, compared to engaged employees. This ends up costing North American businesses over $350 billion annually in lost productivity, the Canada Human Resources Centre reveals. But the good news is, this is where’s where office design can help. A thoughtfully-designed office that supports employees can have a major influence on mood, wellbeing, and productivity — all of which creates the strong company culture SMEs ultimately need to attract and retain employees.   

Strike a balance between collaboration and privacy

Zoned open-plan office design improves “employee satisfaction, enjoyment, flow, and productivity”, whereas a completely open-plan design scores low in all these metrics, a study in the PLOS One journal reveals. This highlights the importance for SMEs to achieve a balance between collaboration and privacy — something which fully open-plan spaces often lack. So, for example, create designated collaboration zones that encourage employees to work together. Modular furniture that can be easily moved around and adjusted is great for flexible, team-focused spaces. Alternatively, privacy booths can give employees a quiet spot to do head-down work or take video calls without distraction. These booths can also be fitted with sound-proofed walls and air conditioning for optimal comfort.

Consider ergonomics

In Canada, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) account for 40-60% of injuries that require time off work. MSDs are often caused by poor workplace ergonomics: when offices aren’t designed for optimal comfort and performance. So, incorporate ergonomics into your office design to improve employee comfort and prevent MSDs. Sofas, for example, are ergonomically-friendly workspace additions that give employees a place to relax during breaks. This further benefits SMEs as happy workers typically become 13% more productive. In particular, minimalist sofas are stylish, and can add to the calm and spacious atmosphere you want your office to achieve. These sofas typically feature clean lines and neutral colours that create a warm, inviting yet orderly feel employees will love. 

Incorporate natural light

In a survey of North American employees, natural light and outside views were identified as the most desired workplace quality — even ahead of amenities like cafeterias, gyms, and premium perks. Optimal natural light also boosts energy levels and increases employee productivity by over 60%. So, to make the most of natural light , install large windows and skylights, and don’t cover them up with blinds or curtains. Also, place desks next to windows or near sources of natural light whenever possible. Although some employees may prefer to sit facing the window, it’s usually best to situate the desk adjacent to it. This way, employees can still benefit from natural light without glare hitting their computer screens. However, if glare is still an issue, anti-glare window film is an affordable and easy solution.

Optimising your office design can drive productivity, wellbeing, and satisfaction among employees. So, take steps to improve your layout, and you’ll ultimately help your SME thrive in the long term.