Why it’s important to change your workspace

Switching up your office layout may seem like a daunting task, but the benefits are well worth it. New office layouts can result in increased productivity, new chances for collaboration and employee interaction, improved morale and better organization. With the right software, adjusting layouts and seating arrangements is actually quite simple. Here are important reasons why you should frequently change your office layout and design and tips on how to do it.

Increased productivity

Work environment directly impacts employee productivity: focus, organization and habits are all impacted by the overall office layout and individual workstations. If you’re seeing a drop in productivity or a clash between your office design and company culture, an office layout upgrade may be necessary. When designing an office layout to improve productivity levels, you should take into account the flow of people, paper and wayfinding principles. Easy navigation of an office for employees, clients and visitors is important for maximizing efficiency.

By visualizing occupancy, you can plan for optimal space utilization that makes logical sense to employees and guests moving through the space.

Another way to change your workspace is to add flexible seating arrangements. Many workers find that flexible arrangements, where workers only come into the office on certain days, can help keep things interesting and fresh. Hot desking, where employees do not have assigned workstations and instead can choose their seat daily, may be a good way to give employees the flexibility to move around more frequently. Finally, moving from a busier, brightly colored workspace to one that is quieter and more private can impact productivity levels depending on the project.

Improved mood

Offices’ design, flow and organization all have an impact on employees’ moods. A drab, static office hurts both morale and productivity. Experimenting with new layouts can help keep employees from getting tired of their surroundings. If possible, try placing desks near windows to allow for maximum natural light. You can also create interactive spaces to allow for collaboration and better communication; try design features like whiteboards or smartboards so that employees can brainstorm and work through problems as they arise. One instant mood-booster? Greenery. Adding plants improves air quality and can actually make your employees more focused and happier.

Forced organization

Another bonus of switching up your workspace is encouraging employees to tidy up and organize their own workstations.

The simple act of having to change seats forces employees to organize their personal items.

There have been several studies performed to test the effects of clutter and disorganization, and the results are unanimous: tidy rooms stimulate creativity and better cognitive willpower. Tweaking surroundings can help your company maintain order at both an individual and team level. Consider adding features that boost organization, like desks with extra storage, filing cabinets or desktop organizers.