Our personal workspace is decreasing in size. New data reveals that the average square footage per individual in the workplace decreased from 225 in 2010 to 176 in 2012. Globally, more than half of companies anticipate that each worker will have less than 100 square feet by 2027; North American employees were forecasted to average 151 square feet by then. This underscores the significance of how we utilize that space.
A study conducted by the American Society of Interior Designers discovered that employees who are content with their physical work environments are 31 percent more likely to be content with their jobs. Content employees tend to be more efficient. Here are six ways to optimize your office space:
Maintain a “messy wall.” Yes, embrace messiness! While a tidy desk is admirable and something to aspire to—studies indicate that individuals with organized work spaces are more inclined to make healthier lifestyle choices overall—a bit of disorder can nurture creativity.
In a study, a cohort of college students was randomly divided, assigned to two different office settings, and tasked with specific assignments. Subsequently, they were given a choice between an apple and a chocolate bar as a snack. Those who worked in the minimalist, orderly offices were more likely to opt for the fruit than their counterparts who worked in cluttered offices. Additionally, individuals in messy workspaces excelled in creative tasks and generated significantly more ideas.
Strike a balance by dedicating wall space—perhaps with a sizable whiteboard or corkboard—where you can pin up inspirational photos, jot down ideas, and display random memos.
Get a plant. It’s not just general clutter that can foster creativity. Several studies, including one conducted at Texas A&M University in 2003, indicate notable boosts in mental productivity in employees surrounded by foliage.
While any plant or flower can suffice, John Brubaker, a performance consultant who aids companies in maximizing their office space, favors bamboo. He considers it one of the best air-purifying plants, as it helps filter out formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, benzene, and more from your stale office setting. (Plus, it’s quite resilient!)
Light it right. Natural sunlight is inherently invigorating, but not everyone has access to a window office. So, what lighting is ideal for your office? The flickering fluorescent lights of the past can trigger headaches and irritability, conditions that hinder productivity. Desk lamps or task lights provide uneven lighting and are more likely to create screen glare, causing eye strain.
Opt instead for overhead lighting with compact fluorescent bulbs labeled as “daylight balanced” or with a color temperature of at least 5,000K. These lights closely resemble the sun’s rays. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to step outside and bask in actual sunlight every few hours for peak productivity.
Create your own privacy. Nowadays, most offices adopt an open-plan layout, which is cost-effective and fosters employee communication. However, it can be challenging to concentrate on your tasks when you’re constantly exposed to your colleagues’ activities. Invest in a white-noise machine or noise-canceling headphones for those times when you need to focus.
Organize your desk. “Keep only essential items within your immediate desk area,” advises Kristin MacRae, owner of Organizing in RI, a consulting enterprise in Coventry, R.I. She advises against using horizontal file sorters, labeling them as “clutter drop-spots” where important papers get buried. Her favored desktop accessory? The AdjustaView Desktop Reference Organizer, available at UltOffice.com, which facilitates easy access to crucial documents without causing a paper avalanche.
Sit pretty. According to Brubaker, “Most employees’ top complaint about their office space is an uncomfortable chair.” He suggests that everyone be fitted for the appropriate chair as one would for a custom suit. Purchase fully adjustable office chairs and enlist a physical therapist to ensure that each employee’s seat height, armrest height, lumbar support, and back angle are optimized. When seated in front of the computer, your feet should rest flat on the floor, the top of your screen should align with or be slightly below eye level, and your elbows should be close to your sides.
A well-fitted chair reduces neck and eye strain, back discomfort, and carpal tunnel syndrome, while also enhancing your overall comfort as you enter your office and sit down each morning,” Brubaker affirms.
Stand sometimes, too. Recent studies have demonstrated a link between prolonged sitting at work and diminished mental well-being. Individuals who spend more time seated at work are prone to a higher BMI and exhibit a tendency to sit even while not at work. On an average workday, individuals spend about five hours and 41 minutes seated at their desks.
Reduce your daily “sit time” by standing during conference calls and walking to your colleague’s office for discussions instead of resorting to emails or calls. If possible, incorporate counter-height work stations in your office where you or your employees can work standing up. Alternatively, try using a balance ball chair with a base for a portion of the workday. These chairs engage your core muscles and alleviate spinal compression.
Tailor your workspace to accommodate your body—adhere to our recommendations to marry ergonomically sound design with regular breaks.
