Upgrading your office can provide a range of benefits for the teams who don’t work from home. However, the task of upgrading can be overwhelming with many different things to consider. Here, we will explore some of the best ways to upgrade your office to meet the needs of your employees and your business.
Ergonomic Office Furniture
Comfortable chairs, adjustable desks and other ergonomic furniture is just the upgrade your office may need. Introducing this type of furniture to your office can reduce physical strain, increase productivity and generally make for a happier team.
Ergonomic furniture ensures the user’s body is kept in a safe and upright position to reduce stress on the spine, neck and hips reducing problems down the line. Unlike the more traditional office designs which prioritised image over function, nowadays we’re beginning to realise the importance of space planning for health and wellbeing.
Lighting
Light – both natural and artificial – has a huge effect on our overall health. Studies show that windows in offices contribute to better sleep and more physical activity. The impact of natural light also has a huge impact on employee mood and productivity.
Ideally, natural light should take the lead. However, if utilising natural light isn’t an option, then using high-quality artificial lights is the next best thing. You can even invest in fluorescent light filters which allow you to experience close to full spectrum natural light even if you’re in a windowless office.
Décor
Create an inspiring and motivating work environment through the décor. You can even choose to have a full office refurbishment to really take your work space to the next level! A unique office design and décor can make the world of difference for your office-based team. Thoughtful décor choices such as plants, wall art, colour schemes and more can create a lively workspace and positively impact the mood and productivity of employees.
A careful selection of décor items can also help to reinforce company values and create a sense of community among employees in the office whilst also creating a positive impression on clients and visitors. With the right design choices, your office can become a space your employees look forward to working in every day.
Technology Updates
By providing employees with the latest tech tools and software, you can streamline workflows, reduce errors and increase motivation. Upgrading computers, servers and other hardware can also improve speed and reliability which helps minimise downtime and delays meaning work gets done quicker and more efficiently.
Cloud services can also be useful for hybrid working offices which makes it easy to collaborate with team members who aren’t in the same building. Technology is a great way to upgrade your office and keep motivation and productivity high.
Meeting Spaces
Having dedicated meeting spaces in the office can provide numerous benefits for businesses of all sizes. First of all, separating your meeting space can create a more professional environment for important discussions and presentations. It can also reduce distractions and interruptions from day-to-day office activities. It also helps increase productivity by providing employees with the right tools for presenting, such as monitors, projectors, whiteboards and even video conferencing.
A dedicated meeting space can also create a more professional look for clients who come to visit. It will enhance their experience and improve the efficiency of the meeting.
Storage & Organisation
Having adequate storage in your office can enhance productivity among employees. It can minimise clutter an improve the functionality of a workspace. Gone are the days where papers are piled high on desks, instead, make use of cabinets, shelves, file organisers and drawers to maximise the available space. This also provides a more professional appearance to clients and visitors.
Overall, proper storage and organisation can lead to less stress and increased satisfaction and wellbeing of employees.
Eco-Friendly Upgrades
The advantages of eco-friendly office upgrades goes beyond the positive effects on the planet. It also improves workers’ health and wellbeing. When you choose eco-friendly and sustainable office supplies, you’re choosing products with minimal amounts of chemicals. This means employees will get less harmful pollutants.
Eco-friendly upgrades your office also help you boost your brand image (as we know how Gen Z are becoming more and more eco-conscious), and can help you attract and retain great workers. Most products today have some level of sustainability, however things to look out for include:
- Made from recycled materials
- Second hand or repurposed
- Supported by schemes to offset carbon footprint
- Minimal packaging or waste
Takeaway
It doesn’t have to take much to upgrade your office for those who don’t work from home. Whether it’s prioritising light, choosing ergonomic furniture or improving storage, small changes can help increase productivity and mood.
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