Why You Should Invest in Workplace Design
When running a business, things tend to come down to money. No matter what kind of company ethos you espouse, there’s no getting around the fact that money – or lack thereof – is the driving force behind many of the decisions we make for our businesses.
As a result, it’s often tempting to let certain “non-essential” aspects of the company, such as working environment, fall by the wayside – after all, how much difference can some new lights and a lick of paint make to the running of a successful business? The truth is: a lot.
If your business is stuck in a rut, losing its edge against competitors, or failing to boost profits, the solution may lie in a redesign of your workplace environment. If you don’t believe us, read on to find out how a well-designed office space can make all the difference to employee happiness and productivity.
Employee retention
Anyone who has ever worked in an office will know that a dingy, cramped and uncomfortable environment can seriously impact your mood. But did you know that there is a direct correlation between working environment and employee retention? In a study published last year 48% of people said that the design of their workplace was a significant factor in whether or not they stayed on at that company.
It may seem obvious, but if you can create a pleasant space for your employees, you’ll end up spending less time posting job adverts and interviewing new candidates, and more time building your business.
Increased productivity
Beyond employee retention, a well-designed workspace has the power to seriously boost productivity. Multiple studies have drawn a correlation between employee engagement (i.e. how efficiently and effectively they work) and workplace environment. In simple terms, workplace design informs worker happiness, which in turn dictates productivity.
Employee engagement aside, workplace design can also boost productivity by more easily facilitating different working styles. Open-plan offices are well suited to companies founded on teamwork and collaboration; in a business where individual projects are the key focus, a workplace design should incorporate personal working areas.
The bottom line? Creating a working environment that keeps your workers happy, engaged and efficient will save you money in the long run.[/vc_column_text]
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How can I improve my workplace environment?
If you’re keen to reinvent your workplace, there are several areas you can prioritise. The first is lighting. As explained here, natural light is an absolute must for a workspace. Natural light promotes more physical activity, better sleep, and improved quality of life.
When it comes to artificial lighting, you can make a big change by switching to LEDs. Not only do LEDs consume less than 80% of the electricity used by incandescent bulbs, they can produce a variety colours and don’t create glare. LED lighting can be expensive to install initially, but will save you money in the long run – and it’ll create a more attractive and versatile working environment.
In addition to overhead light sources, you might consider installing flexible lamps for individual workstations, which will allow employees to tailor their lighting to their precise needs.
Another top priority should be furniture. Comfortable, supportive chairs and height-adjustable desks are a given – but have you thought about investing in furniture that facilitates activity-based working? As we’ve written about here, ABW environments provide a variety of unassigned working spaces for employees to utilise when carrying out specific tasks. ABW furniture will therefore be adjustable, comfortable, and easy to move around.
The finishing touches can come in the form of plants, recreational areas where employees can relax and eat lunch, and a good supply of free tea, coffee, and fresh fruit accessible to everyone.
How much will a workplace redesign cost?
Each workplace is different, which means no two workplace redesigns are alike. If you are concerned that your budget won’t stretch to a full renovation with brand new furniture and equipment, consider leasing through Novex. There are a number of benefits to leasing office furniture over purchasing, which you can learn about by reading this blog post.
And don’t forget – the upfront cost involved in a redesign may seem hefty, but if it leads to happier, healthier and more productive employees, the return on your investment could be huge.
To find out more about how Novex can assist you with your workplace needs, get in touch via our online form or call us on 0845 458 8008 and we will be more than happy to help.
