Are you thinking of optimizing your workplace to increase productivity and efficiency? If so, there are several adjustments and improvements you can make without stretching your budget. Moreover, now that employees are working from home due to the shelter-in-place orders, it’s the right time to make these changes as your workplace is empty.
The last thing you want is trying to optimize your space when your employees are present as it creates distractions for them, affecting their productivity. Here are five ways you can optimize your small business workplace.
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Providing staff with healthy breakfast options
Although breakfast is the most important meal of the day, most employees forgo it to rush to work. Luckily, you can show your employees appreciation by providing them with healthy breakfast options at the office.
For instance, you can have an assortment of nutrition bars and fresh fruit ready in the morning. Providing your employees with breakfast not only allows them to socialize and relax with coworkers before beginning their day but also improves their morale. Additionally, a healthy breakfast can improve your staff’s concentration, improving work productivity.
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Replacing outdated tech and equipment
Using outdated tech or equipment costs your small business hours of productivity because of slow computers, damaged machines, or systems that keep shutting down. Moreover, most employees find outdated tech challenging to work with since they don’t get things done efficiently, decreasing their overall motivation.
Unfortunately, any time your staff sits around waiting for a technician to fix their heavy machinery or computer, you lose money. Therefore, it’s time to upgrade your tech and equipment to minimize errors, increase security, and enhance work processes.
However, while getting new equipment may be expensive, you can use this time to save up. This way, when your employees get back to work, you have all the equipment you need.
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Adjusting your office décor
Even the smallest features, such as your office color, layout, furniture choice, and lighting, can significantly affect the productivity of your workforce. A good working environment should cheer up your staff instead of wearing them down, considering they sit there for six to eight hours a day.
One way to create a motivating and inviting environment is to add plants to your office. Plants are known to aid concentration and boost staff wellbeing by up to 47%. Alternatively, you can add a lounge area where employees can relax and interact with one another during breaks or after a long workday.
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Improve workplace conditions
Your office environment affects your employees’ mood, which in turn impacts their productivity. For instance, an environment that is too hot distracts from concentration as staff will spend more time trying to cool down instead of working. Ensure your air conditioning systems are functional, and they’re set to the right temperature.
In contrast, your workplace may be in a noisy place, such as a highway, creating an uncomfortable working environment. If moving your small business isn’t an option, try soundproofing your workplace, e.g., by installing soundproof windows, to minimize the noise.
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Improve natural lighting
Natural lighting significantly increases creativity, energy levels, and productivity. It also elevates employees’ moods encouraging them to stay on any task longer. Hence, you should ensure your office has exposure to as much natural light as possible. You can either install large windows or draw blinds for light to penetrate.
Creating a comfortable working environment for your employees improves productivity and efficiency.