Click here to get this post as a PDF and read it later!
Nobody likes to work in a claustrophobic environment. In fact, sometimes environments like this can be dangerous, so you have to make sure that you optimize your space as much as possible. If you don’t then you may find that you end up losing out on production and this can really cause you problems.
Maximize Storage
Most offices are making the switch to digital files from paper. If you do have a lot of files piling up, then don’t let it affect your space. Instead, create a wall storage unit. When you do, you will soon find that all of your files are organized and that you don’t take up too much floor space too. Filing cabinets can be great, but they are big and bulky.
Walkways
If you want to avoid an employee lawsuit then you need to work hard to make your business premises a safe environment to work. One thing that you can do is provide some storage lockers for your team as this will help them to put their coats and bags away. This will stop any backpacks from being left out and it also makes your workplace much more secure overall. If you have never thought about investing in anything like this before then you’ll be glad to know that there are plenty of professionals out there who can come and design a closet space for you. This is ideal because, in winter, your team will have bigger coats to put away so if you have a designated space for them all, then this will make things easier while also eliminating a lot of hazards in the long-run.
What’s to Hand?
If your team is constantly having to get up for equipment or if they have to stretch across their desks just to use their phone, then you may find that this causes them back problems and that they are also not able to be as comfortable as they’d like. One way for you to get around this would be for you to try and give them everything they need, to hand. Their computer monitor should always be in the middle of the desk and it should also be in the eye line too. The monitor should also be arm’s length away and tilted slightly forward. This will give your team the most comfortable seating position and it will also stop eye strain. Any items that are used on a regular basis should be in an easy to reach distance too. If you are struggling with office space then why not invest in some portable units? Portable buildings are becoming more and more popular and they are a fantastic investment, to say the least.
Whiteboards
Place whiteboards or even noticeboards where you can easily see them. Of course, in an ideal world, you should not have to get out of your seat to read it. If you are having a hard time getting your noticeboard seen by everyone, then it’s a good idea for you to get several so that you can give individual notes to your department. This is very useful, and it will also increase workforce efficiency.
Create a Nice Space
It’s important to know that first impressions really do count. You need to make sure that you never leave your clients hanging by the door and that you instead, provide them with a nice welcoming sign. Comfortable chairs, and even nice reading material will make the wait fly by and it also makes you look more professional too. If you don’t feel as though you have room for a full designated waiting area, then it’s possible for you to improvise by having some bench seats and small tables dotted around.
Freshen things Up
Your office space may have a good layout and it may even be spacious too, but it can easily become stuffy if you have the thermostat turned up too high. One way for you to resolve this situation would be for you to try and open up the window. An air conditioning system can also go a long way, as it will help you to keep your team nice and cool when they are working in hot working conditions.
Give your Team some Space
Not everyone has a great sense of spatial awareness. Each employee really does need to have 150cm of space right behind their desk. If you ensure that they have this, then this will give them so much room to move around and they won’t have to worry about squeezing past other employees either.
Keep your Wires Tidy
Your office is probably full of technology. There’s a high chance that you have printers, computers and other types of tech lying around and you may even find that you have wires that stretch across the room as well. If you want to stop this from becoming a hazard, then you need to keep them as tidy as possible. This could include laying down a rubber mat over the wires that are on the floor or even installing wire tidy casings on the walls. If you have the budget, then it’s always a good idea for you to invest in a wireless option.
Declutter
It’s so important that you declutter your office as much as possible. A major declutter will help you to highlight any items that you are able to throw away and it can also make your team more productive too. It’s not difficult for you to throw bigger or bulkier items away either because there are so many commercial removal companies who can help you out. The best thing about hiring a professional in this instance is that they can help you to eliminate clutter without disrupting your day to day business operation. It may be that you can sell some of your items for a very good price to other companies who are in the same business too.
Of course, improving your office environment doesn’t need to be difficult, and if you follow the above tips you will soon find that you are able to get the best result with minimal disruption.
