40 hours a week = 2,080 hours per year
2,080 hours = 3 months
Working full time for one year equates to spending an equivalent of three months – without any breaks – in the same office, at the same desk, surrounded by the same people. That’s a lot of time to be sitting in one place, and what if it’s miserable and puts you in a bad mood? That’s three months of being perpetually grumpy.
Rather than suffering in an unworkable environment, consider the possibility of revamping your office into something unbelievable. Employees expect – and need – a workplace environment that fosters creativity, productivity and efficiency. In order to get the most out of your employees, it’s important to take into account all aspects of your company’s culture, not just snacks in the kitchen or a ping pong table in the break room. Knowing what your employees need to thrive is key to creating a successful work experience and an engaged team.
How can you update your workplace without blowing through the quarterly budget?
Option 1: Change the lighting
In a recent Forbes article, 80% of office workers said that having good lighting while they work is important to their mental wellbeing. 40% of this same population deals with uncomfortable lighting, while 32% claim that better lighting would improve their overall mood. Studies show that anywhere between 13 and 15 minutes of natural light a day can trigger the release of endorphins, which impact our sleep, activity and quality of life. If you want to increase the mood and energy levels in your office, consider swapping those fluorescent bulbs for natural lighting. If breaking down walls and installing new windows is out of the question, be sure that your office furniture is positioned in a way that does not block windows and that blinds and curtains are properly filtering the rays, getting the most out of any available source of natural light.
Option 2: Add some plants
Did you know that adding a few plants to the office could increase the engagement of workers? Studies have shown that employees working in offices featuring elements of nature are noted to be 15% more productive than their peers working in more industrialized spaces. Plants in the workspace provide a boost in employee engagement, concentration levels and the perceived air quality of the room. Add some potted plants at the entrance or some fresh cut floral arrangements at employees’ desks for a quick pick-me-up.
Option 3: Invest in modern furniture
There is no doubt that getting new office furniture has a lasting impression on the productivity of your workers and the perspective of visitors. When hosting client meetings, interviewing candidates, or even fostering personal employee connections, the furniture in your office will speak to who you are as a company. If you take a potential customer to your business and sit them down at a cracked-leather chair facing a chipped, wooden desk, the environment will leave an impression…and maybe not one you would like. Bringing in modern furniture tells not only your customers, but also your employees, that you care about their comfort and wellbeing.
Are you ready to take your workspace to the next level? Visit our Indianapolis showroom! From office furniture to workspace design and layout, we are ready to help you change the way you do business. Contact us today to transform your space from unworkable to unbelievable.