Working in an office primarily made up of cubicles may have seemed appealing in the past, but to modern American sensibilities, it's now considered limiting and even boring. This perception can affect your employees' mentalities and productivity levels, which means that in order to keep your workplace efficient, you'll need to modernize. Here are four big ways that you can improve your office:
1. Create a New Layout
One of the most popular new trends emerging in the corporate world is a concept borrowed from residential architecture: namely, the open floorplan. Many companies are tearing down those claustrophobic temp walls and opening up the entire floor. Some recent studies have indicated that these floorplans produce higher employee productivity and satisfaction. This may have to do with several factors, such as easier interaction with co-workers and better lighting. Regardless, these designs will help your bottom line.
2. Offer Flexible Hours
In many industries, traditional nine to five work days are being phased out in favor of more flexible options. This usually means offering a window within which employees can show up to work. From there, they work the designated eight hours (or however long their shift is) and then go home. This will give employees more freedom to work around their own priorities (such as dropping their kids off at school or daycare or getting home earlier to wait for a repairman), and improve their satisfaction.
3. Invest in Efficient Equipment
One of the biggest complaints about any office is the outdated computers, conference phones, and even printers. To improve office efficiency, consider updating all the equipment with brand new replacements that can cut down on once time-consuming tasks. New computers can speed up workflow, an address printer can be used to mail out letters, fliers, and documents, and new phone systems can improve the quality of client calls.
4. Supply Complimentary Snacks & Drinks
Everyone loves free snacks and drinks – and that includes your employees! By providing complimentary snacks and beverages, you show workers that you care about their wellbeing. As unimportant as it may seem, providing free coffee and donuts can make a big difference in productivity. You'll have happier employees, which will translate into positive performance!
1. Create a New Layout
One of the most popular new trends emerging in the corporate world is a concept borrowed from residential architecture: namely, the open floorplan. Many companies are tearing down those claustrophobic temp walls and opening up the entire floor. Some recent studies have indicated that these floorplans produce higher employee productivity and satisfaction. This may have to do with several factors, such as easier interaction with co-workers and better lighting. Regardless, these designs will help your bottom line.
2. Offer Flexible Hours
In many industries, traditional nine to five work days are being phased out in favor of more flexible options. This usually means offering a window within which employees can show up to work. From there, they work the designated eight hours (or however long their shift is) and then go home. This will give employees more freedom to work around their own priorities (such as dropping their kids off at school or daycare or getting home earlier to wait for a repairman), and improve their satisfaction.
3. Invest in Efficient Equipment
One of the biggest complaints about any office is the outdated computers, conference phones, and even printers. To improve office efficiency, consider updating all the equipment with brand new replacements that can cut down on once time-consuming tasks. New computers can speed up workflow, an address printer can be used to mail out letters, fliers, and documents, and new phone systems can improve the quality of client calls.
4. Supply Complimentary Snacks & Drinks
Everyone loves free snacks and drinks – and that includes your employees! By providing complimentary snacks and beverages, you show workers that you care about their wellbeing. As unimportant as it may seem, providing free coffee and donuts can make a big difference in productivity. You'll have happier employees, which will translate into positive performance!