How to Optimize Small Office Space

TIPS TO OPTIMIZE SMALL OFFICE SPACE

You and your employees spend practically a third of your waking hours in the office. Time invested in making that physical environment optimal for work is never wasted. Research shows that to  optimize small office space, consider that color and light improve employees’ mood and long-term productivity. Once you have found the balance between cost and amount of space needed, you should make the best of that space using best practices. A little research may be required to find the right furniture and colors, but your personal taste and ideas from your team also play a large role. With that in mind, here are some good practices to study when optimizing your office layout.  Optimize small office space for your success.

Want to Optimize Small Office Space? Ask Your Employees

Your office layout research should start with your own team. Ask them for suggestions but also observe their behavior in the office. Do they eat at their desk because the rest area is too crowded? Are they bringing their own keyboard because they need more comfort? Do they dress warmly because the air-conditioning is too strong? Observing your employees’ behavior and flow throughout the office will give you clues on what needs improvement. Making those changed will show them that you care and fortify their commitment to productivity and long-term goals.

Desk, light, noise, and color

There are a range of desk formations you can employ based on the space you have and the interaction level you are aiming for. Finding the right balance between privacy and collaborative work is not easy. The right mix rests on your specific business needs. Different teams and departments need varying degrees of privacy and collaboration in thier office layout. Accounting needs privacy, while creative needs shared collaborative spaces. Colors are an inexpensive way to introduce balance and comfort to your office space, soft blue calms and boosts creativity, green improves decision-making, and yellow stimulates calculations. Strategic dividers can reduce noise and improve privacy, aiding productivity. Natural sunlight is precious and needs to be allowed in where possible, as fluorescent lights can grow tiring.

Keep it neat and comfortable

Clutter can be distracting to employees that need focus. Make sure you provide sufficient filing cabinets and office tools that help with organization. Implement furniture or casings that hide clusters of computer wires. Wireless communication between printers, screens, and other devices can help you de-clutter. This is especially useful in a small office layout, where space is limited. Invest time in selecting desks and chairs, their comfort is paramount to your employees’ long-term mood and back health. Potted plants are also proven to reduce stress and give micro-breaks from tedious tasks. Finally, Keeping a regular check of these elements creates a family-like environment and your office becomes inviting, boosting employee commitment.

If you are not certain on what is the best way to maximize your small office space, consider a private office space in a shared office environment.  Here, you will be able to, not only maximize your space, but take advantage of all the community space around you.

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