4 Office Design Hacks That Could Make Your Workers Happier

Are your employees lacking motivation? Has productivity and performance dwindled? Aside from boredom or stress, did you know that the physical office environment could be to blame for low worker morale? The good news is, with a few simple tweaks you should be able to transform your workplace into a stimulating and inspiring space for your staff. If you are looking to lift your employees’ spirits, here are four office design hacks that could make them happier.    
  1. Change your colour scheme
  Studies have shown that colours can have a significant impact on our mood and wellbeing. With that in mind, if you want to boost morale and help ensure your employees thrive in their jobs, it might be time to inject some colour into your workplace. Hues like blue and green are believed to instill feelings of calm and increase productivity, while brighter colours like red and oranges can stimulate creativity and enhance energy levels. However, be careful not to go overboard with your colour scheme; using too many vibrant shades can cause stress and frustration, while too many dark colours can bring about feelings of sadness.  
  1. Give your staff members a choice in how they work
  Today, open plan workspaces are a popular option for office designs. However, while shared spaces can be great for boosting teamwork and encouraging co-workers to socialise, the increased noise levels and distractions can lead to frustration and stress. On the other hand, private offices or cubicles can reduce communication between colleagues and increase feelings of isolation. The solution? Strike a balance by giving your workers a choice of both collaborative and private workspaces that can be used for different tasks. Office screens can help you achieve this. By providing alternative work zones, your staff will feel like they have more control over how they work, which will in turn boost their mood and lead to higher job satisfaction.  
  1. Get the lighting right
  Natural light is known to help stave off feelings of depression, stress and fatigue. So if you want your staff to be engaged and stimulated at work, make the most of sunlight by positioning as many desks as possible near to windows. Glass walls and partitions can also be used to brighten up your office and make the space feel more light and airy. When it comes to artificial light, try to avoid fluorescent strip lights and instead opt for bulbs that replicate natural light.  
  1. Provide breakout areas
  Staring at a computer screen for eight hours a day without a break is bound to make anyone miserable. To keep your workers happy, you need to provide spaces where they can wind down and de-stress. Having breakout areas, games rooms or canteens can encourage staff members to step away from their work to socialise with their colleagues and blow off steam, which can work wonders for morale and productivity. These office design hacks offer a simple and effective way to raise worker happiness - so why not give them a try and see what a difference they can make?