The design of your workspace can be as important for productivity and motivation as the members in your team. If this year has taught us anything it is that environment matters. For so many, working from cramped flats or distraction filled homes while being isolated from co-workers has been a nightmare for their state of mind.
The physical office provides something that many homes cannot. After all, we want our homes to be cosy and comfortable filled with entertainment and fun. The office is designed to be collaborative and inspiring, a place for focus and creativity. With this said, not all workspaces are created equal. When searching for a workspace it is imperative you have your team and your business goals at the forefront of your mind.
If inspiration and motivation are key components of your ideal workspace, here are a few things you should look out for when you go out on your office viewings.
Good Lighting
It goes without saying that a dimly lit room without any windows or scenic imagery isn’t the nicest place to spend eight hours a day. While it’s not always within budget to have an office with 360 degree panoramic views, this doesn’t mean that you can’t improve the feel of your workspace.
Bright LED lighting will instantly improve the atmosphere of the workspace while extra lamps also work wonders for mood. There has been plenty of research into the effects of nature and inspirational views on a person’s overall wellbeing and in turn, motivation. The good news is that the views don’t even have to be real. Adding glimpses of nature through murals, canvases or other forms of art have equally positive effects on our mood.
Sound Proof Booths
While working from home or in the office, noise distractions can be a huge productivity killer. There’s nothing worse than an important call being drowned out by a very enthusiastic sales pitch from the person next to you.
Sometimes we all need somewhere quiet and private to compose our thoughts and really focus on what is going on in that moment, on that call – even more relevant considering the huge increase in Zoom and Skype calls we now make on a weekly basis.
A Variety of Space
It is very likely that there will be a mixture of personality types within your team. Some people are introvert while some are extrovert and each thrives in different environments. Some people need the buzz of a busy co-working setting in order to feel energized and motivated. While other people find too much noise distracting; these people will often gravitate to more intimate breakout spaces that allow for better concentration. Choosing a workspace that offers both will ensure that all members of the team feel comfortable and supported in the workplace.
Air Quality and Temperature Control
Good air quality has never been more important than following the emergence of the Covid-19 virus. However, it is something to bear in mind for the long term when choosing your next workspace. Stuffy, airless and stale offices are highly unproductive not to mention bad for the health of your team. Having strong air filter systems that ensure clean, fresh air will breathe life into the space and your employees’ creativity.
Individual temperature controls within the office is another great feature to consider when choosing your next workspace. It’s a never ending battle getting the temperature right for everyone however, finding a happy medium is easier when it’s only your individual workspace in question. Let’s face it, nobody is able to do their best work when they’re dropping to sleep in a sauna of an office.
Wellness
The final thing to consider is wellness benefits. It is well known that happy, healthy and relaxed employees are the most productive and motivated employees. Many serviced offices will run wellness events such as breakfast clubs or have onsite gyms and fitness classes for members of the workspace.
Not only are these type of events good for wellbeing, but they are also great opportunities for the team to network with other companies within the building. This opens up numerous possibilities for business growth and partnerships.
Officio can find you a workspace with all of this and more. Whatever your requirements are, we are confident we can find you the ideal solution. Just give us a call on 020 3053 3882.