Much has been said regarding the return to the office, with many employers being called to justify the commute by creating a place where people want to be, rather than have to be.
Designing engaging and exciting workspace does not need to cost a fortune or take a long time to complete. Simple adjustments can have a profound impact.
Here are 12 quick impact ideas that can make a difference:
1. Paint accent walls with a burst of colour Colours evoke different emotions and feelings, bright and bold stimulate energy and creativity, while cooler colours tend to calm and soothe
2. Enrich the environment with colour and texture through accessories, such as upholstery and rugs Texture and surfaces have as much impact as colour, and putting them to good use in the workplace can transform the look and feel
3. Switch to LED lamps, this both improves lighting and saves money Lighting affects both physical and mental health, with poor lighting resulting in eye strain and stress. You can boost lighting and personalise workspaces with task lamps or uplighters.
4. Identify the best daylight areas and think about how to utilise them Natural light can help increase productivity by up to 20 per cent. Consider brightening darker zones with light panels to mimic natural daylight
5. Ask people if they have the right furniture for their daily tasks Uncomfortable workspaces can negatively impact productivity.
6. Engage teams by asking them if they want to be involved in an artwork refresh programme Art can be a positive distraction, boosting productivity and lowering stress levels. Rotating artwork regularly keeps it interesting and adds a few surprises.
7. Include planting and greenery in the office, either physically or visually with graphics Consider growing programmes if there is outdoor space for herbs, vegetables or even a beehive. Biophilia supports the human need to interact with nature and enhances physical and mental wellbeing.
8. Ask employees what they would like to see in the fridge, such as new milk options or cereals and fruit Food provision encourages people to break from their desks within a sociable environment. Offer free food events on Mondays or Fridays to encourage workers into the office on less popular days.
9. Consider improving ventilation if smells are emanating from an eating area Smells coming from cooked food ranks as one of the highest workplace complaints.
10. Improve sound in the workplace with acoustic materials, such as rafts or hanging panels Think about booths and pods for virtual calls and equipment such as noise cancelling headsets. High levels of noise contribute significantly to workplace stress and impacts performance.
11. Ask people what they like at home and consider whether this can be introduced into the workplace This will help employees feel both valued and engaged in the process.
12. Declutter Carry out a full spring clean to get rid of redundant papers and filing.
Well thought-out changes will help to draw people back to the office, particularly if they hear positive feedback from colleagues. Choose a few that work for your business, or better yet ask employees what would make a difference to them.
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