Good managers know how important it is to keep people happy, and that starts with providing an attractive workspace. You’ve probably interviewed at places and known right away that you want to work there, just by looking at the office.
But what if your business doesn’t have the perks of a modern office? How can you bring it up to date? Changes big and small to your office’s appearance and amenities can add up quickly to transform what was once a boring, tepid workspace into a modern paragon of productivity. Try these seven ideas to get you started.
- Add Some Greenery
Plants might not seem modern to you, but a little foliage can go a long way toward removing the antiseptic feel many office spaces have. You can get them on a fairly affordable budget, and if you don’t have the funds for a gardener, your facilities person should be able to make a lap of the office a few times a week to keep plants watered and trimmed.
Plants clean the air and give your office space a much more homey feel. Just consider the lighting in the space and be sure you’re not choosing plants that will die and cost you money.
- Allow BYODevices
Modern technology can make working while on-the-go simpler than ever, and offering the option to do business on a personal device might improve productivity and comfort levels at the same time. An employee who’s constantly on-the-go might get more done in less time if they can use their personal cell phone or laptop.
Not only does this make your office modern and pragmatic, but it could save you money in the long run. Think of all those laptops and phones you’re not buying.
- Get the Light Right
People respond to the amount and type of light in their workspace. Natural light is best, but allowing too much natural light can cause your office to become uncomfortably warm.
Consider adding blinds or a light-deflecting canopy system depending on your office’s location and lighting needs. These are two very cost-effective investments that can improve worker and customer happiness if your business operates a storefront, and they will last a long time before needing maintenance or repair.
- Implement an Employee Wellness Program
Insurance costs go down when companies have fewer employees who are likely to need medical care. One of the best forms of preventative care is practicing a healthy lifestyle, and that’s something your office can promote without the need for much structural change.
Consider using some extra space to install a small exercise room or space for stretching. Make healthy snacks available at the office and consider incorporating wellness into your regular company newsletter. You can even hold events like scavenger hunts and a company run/walk club, or bring in educational speakers to teach your team about wellness.
- Upgrade to Ergonomic Furniture
Speaking of keeping employees healthy, offices that expose people to long days behind the desk can improve by implementing ergonomic furniture — for example, office chairs that include lumbar support, standing desks for employees and foot pads to stand on.
Changing to these modern furniture solutions might seem like a high-priced switch to furniture that accomplishes the same thing your old pieces did. However, workers have been shown to be happier and healthier in offices that use standing desks and other ergonomic furniture. Absenteeism is reduced, productivity goes up and workers report feeling better overall in the workplace.
- Switch to Cloud Storage
Many offices still store all of their company data on-premise. This creates a single-point-of-failure, which you probably know is resolved by creating backups. But what if there was a way to eliminate the need for all that extra equipment? Cloud-based storage does that. It also helps you reduce energy costs and be more carbon-neutral in the process.
Instead of relying on equipment on-premise, cloud storage moves your information offsite to a redundant storage array. You will need to boost your internet connection, but with all the money you’ll save on power and hard drive space, you can probably afford it!
- Add Some Color
You’ll be amazed at what a difference it makes when you splash some color on those old beige walls. Choose something fun and aligned with your company’s marketing language. It will make people feel energized and more a part of your brand. Add some decorative stenciling to give your walls a fresh look with low expense.
Are you ready to get started? Remember that you might not be able to do all of these things on day one, but if you make a plan and work toward a more modern office, your employees will know. Start small and celebrate your wins on the way to an office you can be proud of!
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