Time and time again, studies have proven that working environment matters. The right office space has been shown to improve worker productivity and increase employee satisfaction, making companies more successful and greatly reducing turnover.
But just what does the "right" office space look like? Here are some tips for designing the perfect workplace.
1. The Ultimate Location
Location is incredibly important for the perfect workplace. Great workplaces are conveniently located in areas that are readily accessible via public transportation and near free or discounted parking. At the perfect workplace, workers can run errands, attend to appointments and have a delicious meal on their lunch breaks and have access to bars and restaurants once 5 o'clock rolls around.
2. A Perfect Mix of Spaces
Many workplaces today are transitioning to completely open floor plans, but this isn't necessarily striving toward perfection. The truth is that completely open office spaces can be less than ideal just like completely closed ones as they eliminate places for privacy and quiet concentration. A perfect workplace has the right balance of open space, semi-private spaces and private closed space to suit the working styles and needs of their teams.
3. Plugs, Plugs Everywhere!
In the perfect workplace, everyone is able to access an ethernet port and plug in their mobile devices. The design of the office is laid out so that cords and wires are managed and kept out of sight. There is also adequate wireless coverage to ensure a strong signal in all parts of a room. Technology is vital in workplaces today, so ideal offices are optimized for today's technologies.
4. Ample Light
The perfect workplace has plenty of natural light coming in through its windows and pleasing LED light that is similar to natural light everywhere else. Task lights allow workers to illuminate their workstations as needed as well. Light has been shown in studies to be one of the biggest drivers of productivity in the workplace, meaning it's a must-have for an ideal working environment.
5. Green Innovations
In the perfect workplace, LED lighting reduces energy consumption. HVAC units are controlled with smart technology to keep indoor temperatures regulated while reducing waste. The best workplaces have green technologies integrated in to reduce operating costs and further companies' efforts to be environmentally conscious and responsible.
6. The Right Perks
The perfect workplace has special perks that appeal to the employees. Amenities like an onsite cafe, an espresso bar or a fitness center will appeal to some work teams more than others. In the ideal office space, employers have done the research needed to know what their employees value and have added special little somethings to make the working environment more enjoyable and to make employees feel like they are getting something extra from working for the company.
Ultimately, there is no one perfect workplace. By considering the six points above and taking the specific needs of your team of employees into consideration, you can determine what the perfect workplace is for your company's needs.
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