|
In a 24/7 world where increased pressures are placed on us employers are relying more and more
on employing expensive management consultants to assess how they can improve working practices.
Employers often however neglect the workstation environment as a factor in staff morale and
productivity that can be addressed very easily to significant effect.
Many companies can spend thousands employing a consultant to implement for example staff
development and training programmes whilst ignoring obvious fundamental problems that can be
resolved very simply.
By designing the office with thought and an appreciation of design and environmental
factors this can measurably improve efficiency and productivity. It can improve communication,
wellbeing, and ultimately profitability.
The space planning of desks,
and workstations
must be sympathetic to the fact that communication must flow between the
relevant personnel and departments. Location of office
furniture must also enhance the process of information.
The total comfort of the environment is important and includes such factors
as air quality, lighting,
temperature and the ergonomics
of the workstation.
With the right mix each worker can work to their full potential and be
happier in their work. With new technology climates can be adjusted to
localise the environment for like-minded staff. A questionnaire can be
completed to determine the requirements of each individual. Employers
should offer ergonomic solutions such as footrests,
flat
screen monitor arms, CRT screen monitor arms, and other desk
top accessories to ensure the work space is comfortable and compliant
to current health and safety regulations. Task
lights can enhance lighting on the workstation.
Whilst uplighters
can provide a broader localised lighting source. The chair must be adjustable
and the size, design and flexibility of the office furniture all contribute
to the productivity of staff as they can be adjusted to suit.
Air quality is important as it has an impact on the health of an individual. Symptoms
such as Dehydration, fatigue, lethargy can be caused by the wrong temperature.
Air conditioning has also been known to lead to problems such as legionaires disease.
Noise can be distracting although an acceptable level of noise and interaction is obviously
important. Partitions and screens can be used to cut down on the noise factors.
The aesthetics of the office are very important. Colour, style and coordination
can significantly affect the morale of the workplace. The design of the
office and the materials used can be viewed by staff as an indication
of the their value whilst subliminally impacting on morale. Colours are
very powerful in for instance increasing creativity and increasing or
reducing stress. Where the office
furniture and accessories
have been bought over a number of years the office can look a mismatch
of clashing colours and styles. By coordinating the purchase of desks,
chairs, desktop
accessories, hat
and coat stands, shelving,
clocks
etc this will mean the office has a makeover that staff will be proud
of. Customers who visit will also be impressed by the professional atmosphere
and organised approach you display in your offices. Where corporate identity
is important the office can be designed to reflect this and can follow
through to other offices.
The positioning of equipment and office
furniture can also have an impact on the productivity of staff affecting
the distances they have to walk to complete tasks. The provision of filing,
storage and shelving is important as not only do staff need to clear
all their necessary clutter and paperwork away to maintain a clear desk
but files must be able to be put away and retrieved as and when needed
with the minimum of fuss.
More recently there has been a growth in the meeting area or chill out
zone where staff can meet and interact. These areas must be relaxed and
comfortable to encourage staff to chat informally. Glass
tables, and stylish sofas can all be used to great effect to create
the right environment.
If you need any advise on the above provision of furniture
and accessories
for the workplace or the home office Home Office Design Ltd can help.
With a wide range of products to suit every interior why not browse
our website www.homeofficedesign.co.uk.
If you've enjoyed this article or found it informative please tell your
colleagues and friends about it. Meanwhile be sure to take a look at
our first article - An Introduction
to Home Working and second article in the series - Health and Safety.
| 
