Given how much time our work lives can consume, our office spaces must be comfortable, efficient, and pleasant places to spend time. However, as the years go by, it’s easy for an office to become dated, cluttered, and in dire need of a refresh. If your once-inspiring workspace has become more of a source of stress than motivation, it might be time to make some changes.
Fortunately, promoting productivity in the workplace doesn’t have to be a major undertaking. Mannington Commercial, a commercial flooring manufacturer, is sharing their recommendations for simple updates you can do to transform your office space into a haven of creativity and productivity.
1. Paint the Walls
Because this is an office space, stick with light, neutral colors that will promote concentration and focus. Studies have shown that light blue and green are especially good at promoting productivity, but any light color will do the trick.
2. Add Plants or Flowers
Not only will adding some greenery to your office make it more visually appealing, but it will also help improve air quality. Access to fresh air is especially important in workspaces with little to no windows or in the winter when temperatures drop, and people are more likely to spend time indoors.
Indoor plants have been shown to reduce stress and increase productivity. Many employees feel that having a plant to care for at their desk makes them feel more invested in their workspace, so they’re a great addition to any office.
3. Bring in Natural Light
If your office lacks windows, try to find ways to bring in more natural light. Light plays a big role in our mood and energy levels, so the more natural light you can bring into your office, the better.
Swap out heavy curtains for light, airy ones that will let in more sunlight. If you can move furniture around, rearrange the office, so desktops face windows. And if possible, add some mirrors to reflect light and make the space feel brighter.
4. Incorporate Inspiring Artwork
Hang up some artwork that promotes positive energy and creativity. Art can be a great source of inspiration, so choose pieces that make you feel good when you look at them.
If you’re unsure where to start, try looking for artwork that incorporates your company’s values or mission statement. You could also hang up photos of employees, team-building events, or customer appreciation activities to make the space feel more personal.
5. Get Rid of Clutter
A cluttered office is a breeding ground for distraction and stress. Take some time to declutter your desk, file away any paperwork sitting out, and get rid of anything you don’t need.
If you have trouble letting go of things, consider investing in some storage solutions, like filing cabinets or storage bins. That way, you can keep everything organized and out of sight.
6. Add Some Comfort
Your office should be a place where you feel comfortable spending time. If your chairs are old and uncomfortable or your desk is too high or low, it can make it difficult to focus on your work.
Invest in some ergonomic furniture that will support your back, neck, and shoulders. And if you can, try to personalize your space with a few homey touches, like a family photo or a small succulent.
Investing in flooring that is comfortable to stand on for long periods of time is also important. Consider a quality carpet tile from a commercial flooring manufacturer with a cushioned backing for extra comfort.
7. Play Some Relaxing Music
If you find outside noise distracting, try playing soft music in the background. Classical music has been shown to help people focus and relax, but any type of calm, mellow music will do the trick.
Just be sure to keep the volume low enough that it doesn’t interfere with your concentration.
Final Thoughts
You can do many things to make your office space more conducive to productivity. By painting the walls, adding plants, bringing in natural light, and hanging up inspiring artwork, you can transform your office into a haven of creativity and productivity.
What have you done to make your office space more productive?
By Brianna Ferreira. Mannington Commercial is a family-owned company dedicated to the craft of making creative and functional flooring for all types of businesses. They have been making floors for a variety of companies for over a hundred years.
