Is Your Office Productive?

Harvard Business School recently did a study on distractions in the workplace. They found that office decor and the use of colors (along with which ones) cause productivity to calm to a screeching halt. Moving desks away from windows or lobby areas can help increase productivity. Sunny days also makes people slow down when it comes to accomplishing tasks. In addition, a study of office workers at a Florida insurance company, conducted by Cornell's Human Factors and Ergonomics Laboratory, found that as office temperatures increased from 68 degrees to 77 degrees, typing errors decreased 44 percent.

To increase your company's productivity and employee accuracy placement of desks, loud colors and temperature all play a major role. I know several business owners who expand into larger offices because productivity is going well. They get into the new office and productivity plummets. Beautiful offices with lots of windows, a view of a lake or pond, and excessive use of non-beautiful colors can cost higher rents and you may lose work value.

I always tell business owners to look for cheap but workable when investing in office space. Look for an office that doesn't have many windows, uses lots of neutral green colors or employs grey and white decor. Have an open snack area if possible. Many people hide their employee kitchens. This can be a distraction too. Employees can get "lost" in kitchen / snack areas, decreasing productivity. If you keep the snack / kitchen area doorless and near the boss' office, trips become less and less frequent.

You're running a business, not a spa. The goal is to be productive, not comfortable.

Until next time
Twyla