Good workspace design improves productivity

Increased efficiencies are on the minds of most businesses these days. The capitalist arena is tougher than ever and if there was ever a time to think about streamlining your operation, it is now.

If you’re looking to increase levels of productivity in the work place, a good place to start is at the very heart of the business – the office. It might seem like an unlikely suspect but perhaps your office interior isn’t quite pulling its weight.

With so many factors influencing job performance, the relationship between workspace design and productivity has always been very difficult to quantify. However a study by The British Council for Offices (BCO) and the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) has identified a strong link between good work place design and higher levels of productivity. The report, found that that a well-designed work environment could increase productivity levels by up to 11%.

In addition to this, Professor Andrew Hargadon has documented his theory of Collaborative Creativity, which states that the great breakthroughs in business and science happen through collaboration. With this in mind, it would certainly be wise to consider a workspace design that encourages employee interaction.

We only need to look at Google, who have already whole-heartedly adopted these points (with a dose of eccentricity, of course); roof top gardens, games halls, ski telecabine “meeting rooms”, helter skelters, chill out areas and exercise zones  to name but a few.

So, take the time to ask yourself if your workspace is really performing? Does it represent your brands personality? Is it conducive to the sharing of ideas? Do your staff look forward to coming to work?

Not quite ready to invest financially but would like to make your workspace more efficient? Then take a look at Harvard Business Review’s 6 top tips for workspace organisation.