Working from home has become the norm for so many people this year as a result of COVID-19, and in doing so, the pitfalls of the typical corporate office have been laid bare for all to see.
It’s been well known for quite some time that sterile offices devoid of any character and warmth are not the most productive environments, but despite this, it’s the format most offices follow – until now.
Lots of employers have realised that harsh offices aren’t the only way to work, so many of them are looking for ways to bring in homely touches whilst maintaining a productive area that brings out the best of their staff. If you’re one of these employers, here are three ways you can incorporate a few home comforts to make your office more welcoming for your staff.
The truth is, it doesn’t take much to make an office feel better. Start with the basics: provide ergonomic chairs and sturdy desks that support comfort and posture throughout the day. Small upgrades can make a big difference too — something as simple as a fresh coat of paint can instantly brighten up the space and boost morale.
Even the building’s exterior matters. Repairing or replacing an old, leaky roof can transform the overall look and safety of the workplace. Partnering with Tampa’s leading experts in commercial roofing, or elsewhere, can ensure your office remains secure, well-maintained, and inviting for both employees and visitors.
If you’re one of these employers, here are three ways you
can incorporate a few home comforts to make your office more welcoming
for your staff.
Update the Walls
The main reason offices can feel cold and intense is because they have plain white walls. Not only is this extremely clinical and uninspiring, it highlights dirt. In a time when cleanliness and sanitation is right at the forefront of everyone’s minds, the last thing anyone wants to see is a dirty white wall.
That being said, white tends to make a room feel bigger which is why so many offices use it. You can still achieve the enlarged room aesthetic, but you can make it warmer and less prone to marks by using an off white shade. This gives you the best of both worlds.
Colour has a huge impact on mood, so if your office is a hub of activity and a high-stress area, a hint of pale blue could help relax your team. If you want to inspire creativity, purple could work.
Offset the harshness of bright pops of colour with off-white walls to create a warm and inviting place for your staff to work, but that is equally as stimulating and productive.
Add Plants
Bringing the outside inside can have many benefits far beyond the nice aesthetic. First and foremost, plants clean the air. This is beneficial because bad air quality directly affects physical and mental health, and these inevitably affect productivity.
For most people, being out in nature invokes a sense of serenity and calm that other objects just can’t replicate. If people feel relaxed, they’re generally in a good mood. If you’re in a good mood, you’re more likely to be productive.
The physical layout of common areas is just as important as the workspace itself. Staff members need a dedicated space where they can step away from their screens and relax. The right office breakroom furniture helps create a functional spot for breaks and lunch. These pieces should be tough enough to handle daily use by many people. A comfortable lounge area encourages social interaction and gives everyone a chance to recharge. This simple change makes the office feel more like a community.
Consider Flooring Options
Noise bounces off of hard surfaces, so if your office has a laminate or vinyl floor, it might be time to replace it. Carpet tiles from companies like Selby Contract Flooring are a cost-effective way to revamp the flooring in your office. They will absorb more sound than hard flooring, but they also retain heat better. A warm environment goes a long way to making your staff feel comfortable, and given they spend eight hours plus in the office, comfort is key.
For these heavy-use zones, installing durable metal treadplates can protect the subfloor from heavy foot traffic and equipment. Using Chequer Plate Direct custom cut plates allows you to get the exact dimensions you need for a quick installation. This practical addition keeps busy utility areas safe and easy to clean without requiring a full floor renovation.
You can get lots of contemporary patterns and colours which will help you to breathe some personality into your office.
From a practical point of view, individual carpet tiles can be replaced if they get damaged which is essential in a high traffic area like an office.
These three simple steps not only will make the transition between working from home back to the office easier and smoother, but it will also boost the productivity of your staff and bring out the best in them.
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