5 Ways To Improve Space Management In Business Offices
/Whether you bought it, rented it, or leased it, having a dedicated place to work counts as an investment in the business sector. As a businessman, you sure would like to make maximum profit on your investment, and how can you do that, you ask? By improving the productivity of your employees.
Studies have shown that a chaotic, mismanaged office space induces work-related stress, less productivity, and negative feelings towards the employer and organization. If your office is poorly designed, your employees can also face physical challenges such as eyesight, back and neck ache, anxiety, and depression. These are easily reversible scenarios that can be dealt with through proper planning and office management consultation.
There are several ways to go about space management, all of them having variable outcomes. Before diving head straight into office management, assess what departments need your attention the most.
1. Improve The Environment
The very first step towards space management in an office is to improve the environment of your office. The environment has a direct effect on our moods, performance, productivity, and mental well-being. So, what do experts recommend? Choose colours that are bright and lively. A dark wall gives the impression of confinement - it looks dull, and people can start feeling dull.
Bright, solid colors give an impression of open space and put employees in the right state of mind. Add potted plants in the corners, and hand inspirational quotes or artistic pictures on the wall. Give special consideration to lighting as it heavily contributes to the environment. Also make outlets for natural light, and ensure every corner is well-lit. Steer clear of harsh lighting. If you can afford to get solar panels installed, make it your priority.
2. Have A Dedicated Place For Records & Documents
Gone are the days when file cabinets were deemed enough for storing documents and files. These things can quickly pile up, giving an impression of mismanagement.
Plan and dedicate a sizable room for this purpose, or you can also take up a wall if you are short on space. If you cannot afford to reserve a space for this purpose, you can always look into renting a storage unit. There are hundreds of cheap storage unit companies that offer affordable packages to businesses. All the documents, records, and contracts should have dedicated cabinets and drawers.
3. Design Your Space To Be Open & Collaborative
Having rows of tiny and confined cubicles is just not in trend, nor does it favour productivity. Design your office space to be open-ended. Make open cubicles or shared office desks. Design your office so that your employees can move freely. It will help build positive work relations and promote collaboration among employees.
Office space management is usually done to improve the productivity and overall performance of employees. Experts recommend dedicating a room for leisure activities in your office. You can either have an indoor gym or pool table installed, whatever your employees enjoy.
4. Chuck Out Bulky Furniture
Traditional office furniture is chunky, bulky, and not comfortable at all. Toss out your old office furniture or try storing it, if needed. Explore how to select a storage facility that is cheap and good.
Uncomfortable office furniture can lead to health problems which further leads to frustration and decreased performance.
Invest in furniture that is modern and lightweight. Choose furniture that is built to take up less space. Pay special heed to the comfort factor. Choose an office furniture supplier who can provide ergonomically designed chairs with lumbar support, armrest, and headrest.
5. Plan For The Future
One thing that often gets neglected with space management is future planning. Try to keep some space reserved for growth, and you never know when you will need new employees—plan for leaving room for group meetings and conferences. If you intend to add new employees soon, make changes accordingly.
Equip your workspace with all the technological necessities of an office. Make adjustments so that you can fit the printer, fax machine, computer outlets, and charging ports.