You can have the best intentions in the world, but you won’t get very far if your environment is working against those intentions. Productivity requires an environment that allows people to get things done. Making a few small modifications to your work environment can keep everyone moving forward with the maximum amount of momentum.
1. Use Color Psychology
Shades of white, gray, and light beige aren’t very inspiring. They remind people of hospital waiting rooms and other sterile environments that don’t invite much creativity. A coat of paint can make your office feel a little warmer and brighter. Many companies use the color blue to promote productivity, while others swear by the vibrant energy ushered in by hues of yellow or green.
2. Make Things Free and Open
No man is an island. Everyone requires communication and easy access to team members to successfully create a project. If everyone is isolated and blocked in, the flow of conversation becomes a lot more difficult. Set up some spacious coworking areas for people to brainstorm and get things done together. Teamwork makes the dream work. Make sure people also have some quitespace where they can focus and switch to the deep work mode.
3. Get Rid of Clutter
When there’s a bunch of unnecessary stuff everywhere, cleaning takes a lot of time. Workspaces feel smaller, and it’s harder to get things done. Throw away or donate things you aren’t using. Locate a storage unit for papers and equipment you’ll need to save, but don’t necessarily need to keep at the office.
4. Encourage People to Take Their Phones Out
Everyone needs to be on the same page in the workplace. Productivity comes from unity and optimization. Everyone knows what everyone else is doing, and it’s clear what phase of a project you’ve entered. That’s where productivity apps like Nozbe come into play. If everyone is connected in an organized manner, nothing is impossible.
5. No More Junk Food
Getting rid of junk food will make everyone more productive. Sugary sodas and empty, salty carbs in between meals will bring everyone’s energy levels down. They may taste good, but they don’t provide any real energy that people in the workplace can use. Swap junk food for better snacks. Replace the soda with sparking water. Get rid of the chips in favor of fresh fruit, nuts, and even cheese. Healthy food is healthy fuel, and that’s exactly what everyone needs to power through the day.
6. More Time to Move
Sitting still and staring at a screen all day can crush productivity. People need to walk away from what they’re doing, get their blood flowing, and come back with fresh eyes and an elevated move. Take some time out of the day to get up and walk around. Instead of going to the breakroom for a cup of coffee, walk to the local coffee shop. Some fresh air and a brief change of scenery makes it easier to return with improved focus, not to mention the little endorphin boost from the physical activity.
7. Prioritizing Health and Wellness
Illness is the biggest productivity killer. Overworked people who don’t get much exercise and are stuck in a room together all day are likely to spread germs. This is exactly why wellness programs are so important – they encourage employees to keep themselves in great health. Get some air purifiers for the office, and make sure the surfaces are sanitized every day. If you want to go the extra mile, keep a big bowl of citrus fruits, because their high vitamin C content helps to boost the immune system.
Everyone prefers to work differently. Ask people around the office what changes can be made that would help them be their most productive. You might be surprised what some people suggest.
