There are many reasons why we’ve worked from office spaces for generations. While collaborative working and team bonding has a lot to do with the popularity of the traditional office, there’s also heating, optimal lighting and not so much noise we can’t get anything done. If you launched a business during the pandemic, you may be looking to set up your own professional office space to finally bring your team together. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as just signing the lease and inviting your employees to join you in an efficient workplace.
If you want your staff to do great work, you’ve got to provide them with the best tools to do so. From finding the right furniture to selecting the best IT equipment, there are plenty of things to consider before you can open the doors to your team. Here are some of the essential items you’ll need to create an efficient workplace.
Source the right IT equipment in an efficient workplace
Your employees’ work will only be as good as the technology they have to complete it. Make sure any computers or laptops you provide are reliable and in good working order. Any software on them must be up-to-date and compatible with the needs of your business.
Ensure all the business’ technology such as laptops, computers, iPads or mobiles have anti-virus software from a reputable supplier to reduce the risk of a virus and prevent the use of malware which could lead to a data hack or cyber-crime incident.
Choose appropriate desks
It’s important to make sure the desks you choose for your staff are safe and comfortable, as they spend most of their day sitting at them. Investing in ergonomic desks may seem more expensive at first, but they can be a key factor in preventing muscular-skeletal issues.
Ensure the desks are set at an appropriate height to encourage good posture and have plenty of workspace available to allow any papers your staff need to look at to be placed in front of them, rather than somewhere where they’ll have to twist or strain to reach them.
Create areas for storage
Make sure your staff have plenty of storage space to secure important papers and belongings like notepads and stationery. Desks with built-in drawers work well and are space-efficient, or you could provide a storage pedestal which could sit under the desk to save space and keep the desk area tidy.
Whichever option you choose, it will be helpful to fit the drawers with drawer runners such as these ones, to help staff keep their belongings organised and easy to find. These can also be fitted in cupboards, if this is more appropriate for your office space.
Choose the right chairs
Your office chairs must be comfortable and well-padded, to reduce the likelihood of your employees experiencing discomfort or stiffness, either during the workday or in their spare time. Choose an ergonomic design and ensure they can be adjusted to suit the height of your employees. Each staff member should complete a workstation assessment to find the best chair height and setting for their body.
Set up a chill out space
It’s common practice in most modern offices to provide a space for employees to relax and take a break when needed. If you have the space to allow this, it will be extremely beneficial to both your staff and your business. A recent study conducted by the Department of Economics at the University of Warwick revealed happy people perform better. Four different experiments took place, with more than 700 people taking part and the researchers concluded happiness increased productivity by 12%.
If possible, choose a separate room for your chill out space, or an area which is secluded from the hubbub of the office. Set up a couple of sofas and add some soft, comfy cushions. Have a coffee machine, tea, kettle and fridge nearby so no one will have to venture far for a cuppa.
