Office Decor Ideas For A Practical Workplace (Photo by bantersnaps)
Office decor is not generally a priority that the average office manager thinks about. You paint the walls a neutral color and put in the furnishings you need, and you’re done, right? In fact, the decor you choose can make a big difference to the way your team feels and their ability to be productive. Here’s how to decorate for a practical workplace.Storage
Make sure you offer enough storage space. A lot of office managers think that they want a ‘clear desk’ policy for a paper-free office, but then don’t offer enough storage space for people to actually keep their desk surfaces tidy. As well as communal storage space for things like the stationery cupboard, individual employees need space to put things away too. Add sets of drawers under desks, or trays or boxes to go on desks. Stationery, paperwork, and personal items can be put away, keeping desks clear and free of distraction.
Safety
Remember to consider safety when you’re planning your office. The most common accidents in offices are trips and falls. Your storage will come in handy here, as clutter can be put away. Secure any trailing cables with trunking so people can’t get their feet caught, and consider finishing any stairwells with anti-slip stairs.
Lighting
The office needs to be well lit. Too bright and not bright enough can both cause problems like headaches and eye strain, especially for those looking at backlit computer screens all day. Get in as much natural light as you can, so avoid covering windows or opting for heavy blinds where possible. Overhead lighting shouldn’t be too bright. Instead, add task lighting on desks, so people can light their own workspace to the level they need, without struggling with glaring lights overhead.
Comfort
Comfort should be thought about in two ways. First, make sure that any workspaces have been set up in an ergonomic way. An ergonomic set-up will make a desk more comfortable to sit at for long periods and reduce the risk of back and shoulder pain. Make a workspace ergonomic by adding adjustable chairs, and extra items like footrests, wrist supports and stands for screens.
You should also think about comfort in a less practical way. Is there anywhere for employees to sit other than their desks? Some comfortable places to sit around the office, like sofas or banks of chairs. These spaces can be used on lunch breaks, as break-out spaces for meetings, or just somewhere quiet to sit away from the desk.
Personality
Offices don’t need to be stark. Most offices choose bland colours and don’t think much about adding extra items except maybe their logo on a wall. You can add some personality and make the space more interesting to be in by bringing your brand colours into your decor choices. Avoid boring corporate looking artwork, and instead display your best ad campaigns or other relevant artwork that says something about who your company is. This looks more interesting for employees and visiting clients alike.
