5 Top Tips to Improve Your Office Space

Most of us spend a considerable amount of time in our office and at our desks. In fact, you are probably sitting at your work station right now while you read this. Before you get back to work, get some inspiration here for how to make your office space a place where spending time is more of a pleasure than a chore.

It should come as no surprise to learn that a dull and lacklustre office environment can affect the way we all approach our work, levels of professional morale and our general moods. Understanding that small improvements in setting can make huge differences to productivity is often key in getting the most out of employees.

So, with that in mind, here are our Top 5 Tips for you to boost your office space and create the perfect setting to let a better atmosphere blossom...

1. Consider colour

Too many bold, intrusive colours have been found to over-stimulate staff, prompting a recent trend towards softer shades. The colour red is best avoided in large amounts (but great as a subtle accent), as reports suggest it is linked to increased levels of anxiety and an inability to focus on mental tasks. But this doesn’t mean you should opt for the exact opposite. An employee surrounded on all sides by spotless white is even more likely to see a reduction in morale, due to the clinical feel. On the whole, you are better off choosing warmer colours, such as shades of blues, browns and greens. Blue is, in fact, regarded as the most productive colour and can have a very soothing effect.

2. Don’t be restrictive

Our comfort is paramount to the amount of work we are likely to produce. If you’re constantly having to adjust your chair or are confined in a solitary position all day, you’re not going to be at the top of your game. Installing furniture that allows freedom and movement can be a great way to keep to task. In order to coax the most innovation from your brain, you need to experience the world from more than one vantage point.

3. Design to reduce distraction

Once the hum of the printer or your colleagues’ chatter gets into your head, it can be very difficult to focus on your work. Shaping your work space to avoid these kinds of distractions can result in a far more harmonious environment. Try to keep communal break out areas away from workstations, in order to minimise noise – or, if you are working within a restricted space then consider ways to dampen sound such as introducing fabric partitions – or bringing in a few potted plants – as both act as effective acoustic sponges and will have an immediate effect.

4. Say no to chaos and clutter

Mess can create distractions, makes it difficult to find the things you need when you need them and simply gets in the way of organisation and productivity. Make sure everything has a place to be stored safely, securely and sensibly – and only display what you consciously choose to. Clean and tidy offices make a pleasant environment for all – so, make a list of what you might need to make this dream a reality whether it be filing and storage solutions, shredders, bins, cleaning products, folders or organisers.

5. Add aesthetics

Create eye-pleasing inspiration around you, using matching furnishings, draperies, and other touches that make the office feel comfortable such as lighting, pictures, and decorative items. There is no reason that something ‘pretty’ cannot also be practical – often, office supplies are designed with practicality and purpose in mind but there are many ranges that match this with beautiful contemporary design. Vibrantly coloured products are available in ranges such as Leitz WOW and Rexel Joy.