Is an open-plan office stifling your creativity? Read our tips for developing the work environment!

The conditions of the work environment inevitably affect both the employees’ experiences during the work day and their productivity. If the premises do not live up to the requirements of the job, the staff must struggle to retain their motivation and creativity.

The working conditions in an office boil down to much more than just interior decor and furniture solutions. Wall colours, ergonomic tools and air quality are all important factors, but at least as important is the work community’s team spirit.

If the general mood is positive, motivation can be high even when working in a grey environment under harsh fluorescent lamps. If the work community has poor team spirit, however, there is no saving it with bright paint, a casual meeting room or even a billiard table.

Creating and maintaining good team spirit starts with each employee – it’s about how we behave and take others into consideration.

A small, but easy-to-forget deed that boosts team spirit is praise. Who wouldn’t want to be thanked or given a high-five now and then for a job well done, so why hold back in giving positive feedback? Even a small word of praise can mean a lot and start a positive chain reaction that leads to new, even bigger successes!

Leadership also plays an important role. Clearly measurable realistic long- and short-term goals help maintain motivation, as does a long-term attitude in achieving them throughout the organisation. The openness of communication is another key factor – a sense of uncertainty or a rumour mill at the office fuel a different atmosphere than direct, honest and clear internal communication.

Five tips for developing the work environment

Business premises are an environment that must create a framework for the organisation to succeed – an organisation that works toward a common goal and operates in a transparent and consistent manner. This framework must be assessed from time to time, not to mention developed if possible.

With that in mind, we have compiled five tips for developing the work environment – could one of these steps help take your business premises to the next level of functionality?

1. Present the ground rules

• agree with the entire personnel on rules for the office
• keep the rules visible and up to date – guide, advise and remind
• plan routes in the office to be the least disruptive to others

2. Offer personnel a sufficient range of soundproof spaces that they can use

• office pods for casual discussion
• phone booths
• mini meeting rooms for quick meetings
• customising your own soundproof Module is easy and fun

3. Create different mood areas in the workspace

• lean on professionals to help plan the space
• examples of such areas: a trendy café, a relaxed indoor garden, a workshop
• pay special attention to plants, lighting, acoustics and air quality

4. Invest in adjustable furniture

• ergonomics is important
• it should be possible to change work positions effortlessly

5. Bring more flexibility to working options 

• offer workspaces that support the requirements of various jobs, as well as tools for teleworking
• do not force employees to work in a noisy space if their tasks demand intense focus