Tips for Increasing Productivity in Your Open Office
Fuse
Gone are the days when a company’s human resources show up to work only to hide behind a closed door in a private office. Shortly thereafter came the cube (short for “cubicle”) farms, which replaced the separate offices, Even still, the cubicles still essentially cut off people from each other within the confines of small, though semi-private, workspaces.
Today’s current rage in office design calls for open areas. Our workspaces blend a small number of private offices with low-sided cubes and open areas. In companies where creativity is a premium asset, many people prefer these open spaces. While creativity thrives in open areas, productivity may suffer because of distraction. The good news is that there are ways to improve productivity in an open office, and, surprisingly, they are very simple to implement and will still maintain the creative hub on which employees thrive.
CREATE COLLABORATION AREA
Basically, a collaboration area should bring people together for brainstorming or problem solving. A conference table and dry-erase board may be all that’s needed. It could also look like a living room with furniture in a semi-circular pattern. Depending on the type of office and decor, this area can be as formal or informal as needed or desired.
PRIVACY IS STILL NECESSARY
Even open offices benefit from having private spaces. Various levels of privacy are often needed throughout the day but not always at the same time by everyone. Set up one or two completely private offices to be used on a sign-in or as-needed basis. These small spaces are great for the important phone calls where distraction could lead to a lost client. Or maybe a 10-minute catnap is needed and the private office area is just right for that rejuvenating break in routine. Other areas can be slightly less private, closed off with curtains or screens so employees can hear the surrounding activity but not necessarily engage for a period of time.
FUN OR RELAXATION AREA
Open offices benefit from having a place for fun. A brew-it-yourself coffee and tea bar or a game area not only leads to relaxation, it doubles as a low pressure collaboration area. A large dental office set up daily patient/staff competitions using an electronic dartboard. Patients thought it was fun and, as a result, were significantly less tense during procedures. The designated fun area provide an icebreaker for conversation with fellow employees or supervisors.
OFFICE DECOR
Office décor doesn’t have to be boring gray and white. Why not paint and decorate the office with distinctive vibrant décor? Consider a decorative theme to match your company’s product or location. If your company makes or sells exercise equipment, gym style decor complete with a fitness area would be perfect. It doesn’t have to be over-the-top theming but nice surroundings and vibrant colors are pleasing to the eye. Research shows people are more productive, stay awake and on task longer when working in an attractive environment.
CREATE COMPANY CULTURE
Use office space and decor to create your unique company culture. Company culture and style can be as relaxed as people sitting around in bean bags wearing jeans and hoodies to posh upscale surroundings similar to those found in a resort or spa. Whichever direction you decide to go, don’t be afraid to tackle the open office and make it work. Employee creativity will skyrocket and productivity will follow.
Katina Beveridge is a freelance writer who works with a variety of clients, including Unispace, who are specialists in office design.
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