WORK AND BUSINESS
WORKING DESIGN
A well-designed workplace can make you happier and more productive By Saida Macintosh
A
growing cultural shift within organizations has been on employee wellbeing initiatives, including creating a welcoming work environment. Research has indicated that a welcoming work environment can affect your business’ ROI in a positive way, bolster team morale and enhance overall productivity. Have you been thinking of turning an uninspiring workspace into something that wows visitors, and motivates current and prospective employees? Here are a few tips to help you move from the traditional office space to one that’s a strategic tool for productivity, collaboration and growth.
being emulated by companies across Canada and the United States. Shira Rosenburg, owner of DOS Design Group in Coquitlam, cautions not to simply copy what other companies are doing, however. “What makes an office environment productive, collaborative and proficient is different for every company,” she says. Some things to consider when planning your workspace are disruption elements, such as noise barriers, as well as physical barriers. “Don’t just grab onto the latest craze you see on the internet. Talk to your employees. Take their work into consideration,” she says.
Know your employees
Light it up
Your employees spend 40 hours a week in the office, so creating a positive working atmosphere can increase creativity and innovation, improve employee retention and overall happiness, as well as increase energy and proficiency — all of which is saving the company time and money in the long run. Companies like Facebook, Hubspot and Google have very positive workplace cultures that are
The right office lighting can keep employees alert and focused, while a poorly lit room can lead to tiredness, headaches and eye discomfort. Bright lights easily elevate a person’s mood, giving them a sense of motivation. In an article published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, it was noted that a dimly lit office or too many artificial lights tend to make employees sluggish, tired and can
22 EXPERIENCE TRI-CITIES
| SPRING 2020
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