Productivity at work… what do people mean when they talk about it? What do they need to do to achieve it? Well, you might assume it’s things like software, equipment, and not being distracted, but the truth is that there are plenty of other things that lead to good productivity, and it might be that the little choices you’re making every day when it comes to your office and how it runs is what’s doing the most work. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more. 

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

How Comfortable People Feel At Their Desks 

If someone’s uncomfortable, they’re going to be distracted – you’ll know that from personal experience. So if people are having to use chairs that don’t support their backs, screens that lead to eye strain and headaches, or desks that are too small to put everything on them that they need, for example, they’re not exactly going to be focused on the task at hand. That means they’ll take more breaks, they’ll be tired, and the work they produce isn’t going to be the best quality. 

But some simple upgrades like adjustable chairs, monitor stands, better lighting, and ergonomic desks can make a massive difference, and most of the time it’s not going to be a huge investment, at least not when you compare it to the improved results you’ll be seeing. 

Access To Basic Essentials 

It sounds quite obvious when you think about it, but some business owners don’t think about it, which is why we’re mentioning it now – the fact is that people work better when they don’t have to go hunting for the basics. That means things like stationery, the printer that actually works, a decent meeting space, and so on. 

Something like having reliable water coolers around the office can help too, especially when you realise that when people stay hydrated, they tend to feel more alert and less tired, and that’s going to help concentration and mood. 

The Layout Of The Workspace 

Open-plan offices can be great for some things, like collaborative projects, for example, but on the other hand, they can be noisy and very distracting. But the alternative of a lot of closed off spaces like cubicles of offices can just make everyone feel closed off and isolated. That’s why the best setups usually offer a mix of quiet areas and shared spaces so people can choose what works for their task. 

Even small changes like adding acoustic panels, quiet corners, or meeting rooms you can book when you need them can really help because people will be able to focus a lot better. 

Break Areas People Actually Want To Use

If your break area is… not very pleasant, your team isn’t going to want to spend a lot of time in it, and that’s a problem – it’ll lead to them eating at their desks instead of taking a proper break, or perhaps they’ll skip their lunch and breaks altogether because they haven’t got anywhere to go. Why is that bad? It’s because it tends to lead to burnout and lower energy levels later in the day. 

If you can give them a welcoming break room with comfortable seating, natural light, and a few amenities like a fridge and coffee machine, for example, that’s going to encourage people to spend time there, ensuring they’re at their best and well-rested and fed, which leads to high quality work and happier employees.