In 2016, inner London office floorspace accounted for nearly one quarter (23.68%) of the total office floorspace in England and Wales. That’s a lot of space. A lot of space to use well, or to use badly.
The Make Happy studio is located in a coworking space in the heart of east London and can comfortably accommodate 8 people while still being a healthy work environment. After working here for a while, I’ve learnt some lessons about what makes this space the efficient work hub it is.
Plants root for you
Many studies support the claim that plants can not only improve air quality but can also have psychological benefits like reducing stress or boosting creativity. A 2014 study found that having indoor office plants boosted productivity by 15%, while also increasing workplace satisfaction and work engagement.
A few low-maintenance succulents might be the key to keeping your workplace productive!
Light up the space
Light isn’t just good for plants. Lighting, preferably natural, has been proven to influence mood, focus, energy and thus affect productivity and workplace satisfaction. Well-lit spaces and large windows can make a small space feel less crowded. So, no need to tear down that load bearing wall just yet, simply playing with lighting schemes and your workplace’s layout can have a significant impact on employee productivity!
Purge … the clutter
Excess clutter is an easy stressor to get rid of in the office. Having a clean setup has been proven to reduce risk of illness and boost happiness and productivity. Taking a moment to reorganize your files and clean out old post-its or stray junk will help you put your work into perspective and focus.
However, a messy workspace can also come with some benefits. Research conducted by the University of Minnesota shows a messy desk can promote creative thinking and stimulate idea creation.
To purge or not to purge, the answer to that question will depend on your needs.
Keep it cool
A study by Waseda University found that people kept in rooms with higher temperatures felt more fatigued and required more physical and mental effort to perform tasks compared to participants kept in cooler rooms. Having a cool workspace and opening up the room are inexpensive steps that will result in better work performance.
Walking your closest fluffy friend (we have Tilly), changing posture during working hours or facing the door with your back to stay in a subtle state of alertness are other tips you might consider applying. These tips can be a great place to start improving your office’s wellbeing and productivity, just in time for the New Year!
Extra sources:
Image: https://www.pexels.com/photo/apple-devices-books-business-coffee-572056/