According to studies, productivity results in happiness due to certain biological responses in our brains. When we complete a task and cross it off our to-do list, our brain releases a small amount of dopamine — making us feel happy about our accomplishment, no matter how small.
But of course, it’s also worth noting that practical benefits — such as an attractive salary and a positive work environment — are also significant factors that contribute to employee productivity and satisfaction. If you’re managing a company and looking for ways to boost employee happiness, you’ve come to the right place.
In this post, reputable office space provider Connecticut Business Centers shares tips on designing your office space around employee happiness. We also look into the different signs that you have successfully created a positive work environment.
Office Design Tips to Boost Employee Happiness
- Do not skimp on lighting. Illumination not only improves a person’s focus, but it also enhances the ambiance of the office. According to experts, employees that work in a space with natural lighting experience less eyestrain, headaches, impaired vision and general eye discomfort — all of which can make it challenging to work productively.
- Place plants everywhere. When in doubt about how to design your office space, you can opt to add plants in various spaces to brighten up the atmosphere. The greenery may help reduce stress, minimize sickness and absenteeism among employees, as well as boost concentration and increase productivity.
- Put the water-cooler culture to good use. Whether you utilize old-fashioned water coolers or fancy sparkling water machines to keep your employees hydrated, ensure that the water coolers are strategically placed throughout your office and encourage workers to utilize them. Invite staff to take water breaks by providing reusable water bottles and offering reminders where appropriate.
- Choose vibrant colors. Color has significant impact on our perception of our surroundings. That said, carefully consider the color scheme you will use for your office as it can affect the experience, focus, stress levels and mood of the employees who are working on-site.
- Utilize an open layout. According to studies, employees thrive in open-plan workplace environments as this type of office layout allows them to interact freely and openly with their co-workers. However, some people may find it difficult to concentrate on their work when they don’t have privacy.
At Connecticut Business Centers, our co-working space encourages productivity and fosters collaboration between co-workers. The open environment can bring out your best work, while private rooms are available for meetings and group activities. - Customizing workspaces. You’ll notice that the teams in your company have different work styles, so it’s important to tailor their office space to the types of work they do, their routines, etc. For example, some teams are naturally more conversational than others, and members of other departments tend to work more independently and quietly. Some employees arrive early and leave the workplace late, while others have a lighter workload that overtime work isn’t often necessary. Trying to get each team to agree on a single work style is unrealistic and can lead to conflict.
You can create or designate specific areas of the workplace as “silent” or “collaborative” zones and place them outside of everyone’s personal space. People who require privacy to do their work can utilize the “silent” zones without feeling obligated to chat with colleagues near them. Breaking up the workplace with pleasant social areas or “collaborative” zones can be done with the use of couches or long tables. These options allow employees to work in various settings without having to leave the office. - Ensure your office is “legible.” This means that employees should be able to locate each other easily and that social places are isolated from workspaces. Furthermore, each room must be utilized as intended — meaning, the sofas in the quiet area should not be used as social zones. If the purpose of each space is clear to the employees, this can increase the employees’ focus and reduce conflicts.
Of course, there are also other features you can add to your office space, but they can be costly — for example, sleep rooms and spa centers. These spaces are great for pampering employees and offering them respite amid a busy day, but you might want to start with the simpler suggestions or minor adjustments first.
Signs You Have a Positive Work Environment
A healthy and happy workplace should possess characteristics that promote excellence, productivity and camaraderie. Here are some qualities that will tell you there is a positive work environment:
- Flexibility. Change is constant in any organization or industry, so your workplace should be adaptable as well.
- Relaxed atmosphere. People love coming to work because they are valued, recognized and rewarded. There should be no signs of fear, dominance, bullying, sexual harassment or intimidation. Creativity, productivity and innovative thinking flourish because they are encouraged.
- Open and honest communication. This is crucial to finding solutions to problems. A critique should be viewed as a chance to improve.
- Compassion and respect. When workers have to endure hardships like accidents, illness, personal tragedies and natural calamities, kindness and understanding should prevail. When people are treated properly — with empathy, compassion and respect — they are more likely to go the extra mile for their colleagues.
- Support. A good work atmosphere is marked by a can-do, go-the-extra-mile or win-win attitude. Employees feel a sense of belonging, teamwork and power. Healthy competition flourishes.
- Health and families are prioritized. The organization provides comprehensive health insurance and programs for weight reduction, smoking cessation and substance addiction. The office cafeteria serves nutritious food, and the company gym is well-equipped for exercising. The employer provides childcare reimbursement and/or on-site daycare.
- Positive values. A positive mission statement should encapsulate all the values that the company wants its employees and managers to uphold. The company strives to fulfill its goals ethically and honestly, with a higher sense of purpose to better the planet and humanity.
If you’re looking for a premier office space that will meet your requirements, look no further than Connecticut Business Centers. We are an experienced and trusted provider of all-inclusive executive office space for corporate professionals in Stamford, CT.
Whether you need a full-time office suite or a professional conferencing facility for occasional client meetings, we can offer tailor-made office space solutions. Complete our online form or contact us at (203) 359-5600 to request a consultation.