12 December 2024

Find out how to improve your office space for enhanced productivity and improved energy levels, with tips on office layout, the right plants, and best colours.

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How To Improve Your Office Space And Get More Done

Along with working Wi-Fi and a constant supply of teabags, the importance of a good office environment shouldn’t be underestimated. Basics aside (plug sockets are pretty non-negotiable), there are many elements that can enhance and improve your office space. Studies show that the workplace environment can positively impact workers’ motivation, enthusiasm, creativity, and efficiency. So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at how to improve your office space and get more done during your working day.

What makes a good office environment?

Before we deliver a list of ways to improve your office space, it’s a good idea to consider what makes a good office environment. This might look different for everyone (if you don’t argue about the air con, do you even work in an office?), but there are some things that can really enhance the way you work. Factors that contribute to a positive office environment include:

• The right furniture - Comfortable chairs, adjustable desks, and properly positioned monitors make being at your desk much more comfortable

• Good lighting - Natural light is ideal, but adjustable artificial lighting that reduces glare and strain also helps

• Temperature control - You’ll never keep everyone happy, but a consistent and comfortable temperature prevents distractions caused by being too hot or too cold

• Cleanliness and organisation - A clutter-free workspace promotes focus and efficiency, and hygiene really needs no explanation

How to improve your office space

Here are our top tips to improve your office space and reap the benefits of boosted productivity, enhanced motivation and increased enjoyment.

1. Choose office layouts wisely

Working in an office that has designated spaces for different working styles can significantly enhance productivity and overall job satisfaction. Modern serviced offices come with key areas carefully planned out to cater to different needs. Workers can access a diverse range of spaces, including:

• Private spaces - Having a private space to work in is essential for tasks requiring deep focus, concentration or confidentiality. This can range from a completely private office, an individual phone booth, or even a quiet corner to escape to

• Communal spaces - Coworking offices often have a number of communal areas that can foster teamwork and communication. These spaces might have hot desks to rent ad-hoc or dedicated desks that you can use regularly. Communal areas should be flexible and free-flowing to accommodate different group sizes, events and activities

• Break areas - A good office environment isn’t only about the time spent at your desk; having somewhere to take a breather or grab a drink is essential for stress relief and helps to keep productivity levels high

• Meeting rooms - For those times when you need more than a Teams call, having a space to hold in-person meetings can help you and your whole team swap ideas, discuss results or plan your next event

Discovering a space that suits the way you work makes life a lot easier and work more enjoyable.

2. Invest in quality furniture

Office furniture is a must, but if you want to improve your office space, we’re not just talking any old chairs or tables. Choose designs you like and that match the decor, but also look at ergonomic furniture designed to support the natural posture of the body. You’ll be more comfortable, leading to reduced stress levels and optimal output. When selecting office furniture, focus on adjustable chairs with lumbar support, desks at proper heights, and accessories like footrests and monitor stands.

3. Keep your space neat and tidy

An organised workspace means an organised mind, so keep your office space neat and tidy.

Cluttered desks often lead to distractions, making it harder to find essential items and focus on the task in hand. Create a tidy and efficient office environment by:

• Decluttering regularly - A weekly tidy to remove unnecessary items and papers will help you stay on top of office organisation

• Cleaning up - Give your office space a regular clean or rent a managed office with a cleaner if furniture polish isn’t your thing

• Having enough storage - Use filing cabinets, drawers or shelves to effectively store documents, and clearly label folders to make it fast and easy to find what you’re looking for

• Organising your desk - Use trays or organisers to keep supplies neat and accessible. If you’re a remote worker in a coworking office, having a bag solely for your work bits and pieces keeps things in one place when you get to your desk

4. Use lighting to enhance your mood

When creating a good office environment, lighting makes a huge difference. Ideally, make the most of any natural light, as it can elevate energy levels. According to studies, exposure to natural light enhances alertness and promotes creative ideas, making it an essential element in modern office designs. To make the most of natural light, try to position desks near windows, use glass partitions in private offices, and minimise obstructions to allow light to pour in.

When looking at office spaces to rent or coworking office memberships, take a tour first to find one that maximises the available light and feels like a fresh place to spend the 9-5.

5. Get some plants

If you want to know how to improve your office space quickly, one of the simplest solutions is to add some greenery. Research has shown that office plants are known to improve air quality, boost wellbeing and create a calmer environment. Some popular office plants are:

• Snake plant - these can survive in low light and improve air quality

• Peace lily - as well as purifying the air, peace lilies are a beautiful plant to enhance your office

• Spider plant - a low maintenance option that’s great for busy offices

• Pothos - an easy starter plant that can grow without too much help

In addition to physical plants, designing office walls with green motifs or using vertical gardens can further integrate plants into modern office layouts. Whether in private offices or communal spaces, adding a few plants can transform a cluttered office into a more serene and productive workspace.

6. Pick colours carefully

Colour psychology is another factor that can positively contribute to creating a good office environment. This involves using different colours to influence mood, energy levels, and even stress levels.

Blue and green

Ideal for boosting calmness and concentration, these colours are great in spaces where focus is paramount.

Yellow

Known for stimulating optimism and creativity, yellow can be effective in communal spaces or areas where collaboration and ideas are encouraged.

Red

Red can increase energy levels and is often used in dynamic office designs, but could be overwhelming and induce stress if overused.

White and beige

Perfect for modern office designs, neutral tones help in maintaining a clean look, and allow other elements like office plants to stand out.

Purple

Associated with luxury, purple can inspire creativity and is often used on office walls for artistic agencies and creative industries.

Improve your office space with Colony

If your current workspace is your kitchen or you’ve outgrown your rented office, then the best way to improve your office space is to find a purpose-built serviced office that has everything you need already in-situ. Colony is a network of coworking offices that has a range of options to suit every kind of worker, from floating desks for freelancers to private offices for growing businesses.

Talk to us today to find out how a coworking membership can elevate every day and improve productivity, and how working in a beautiful, centrally located Manchester office can help you do more.