In the modern business world, working smart as opposed to hard is the name of the game. While this maxim is true regardless of the type of industry, many business professionals still aren’t sure how to arrange their traditional offices or coworking spaces to maximise the space available whilst also keeping employees happy.
What are some of the best ways to make the most out of these areas and perhaps more importantly, what results can you expect after implementing these changes? Let’s examine both of these questions in a bit more detail.
The Allure of the Cloud
We often hear of the benefits associated with cloud computing from a security point of view. Although there’s no doubt that digital storage solutions will help to protect valuable information, let’s not fail to mention that a transition into the virtual world will help to reduce physical clutter around the office. Not only will you free up much-needed floor space, you’ll also make the data much easier to find. Increased organisation directly equates to increased efficiency.
Rising Above the Rest
The advent of mass-produced steel skyscrapers, rising hundreds of feet into the air, allows for more people to live within confined metropolitan areas. This very same concept is just as true in your personal workspace. Try to find storage solutions that are taller than they are wide. Vertical filing cabinets are a perfect example. Employees will still be able to access vital information and you’ll immediately notice that there’s much less clutter. Many coworking workspaces now feature locker systems designed to maximise space and provide secure storage that can be shared between multiple employees.
Let There Be (Natural) Light
One of the drawbacks of the modern office is that it’s often sealed away from the outside environment. An office in the interior of a large building, despite being a cost-effective option, can actually be detrimental to your health. The use of harsh fluorescent lighting can cause eye strain and some believe that such fixtures may contribute to migraines. This is one of the reasons why many offices are now opting to increase the amount of natural light available through the implementation of translucent windows, shades and well-placed skylights.
If that isn’t an option, LED neon lighting is recommended. It provides a crisp source of illumination and costs much less money when compared to traditional fluorescent bulbs. You could also look at potentially installing personalised neon signs to enhance your office décor and give the space some much needed personality!
Do Away With Desk Clutter
It’s a good idea to take a quick walk around the office once a week. Pay particular attention to the items on desks. The chances are high that there will be some things that are not necessarily vital to the day-to-day operations of the office. Examples include empty coffee cups, dirty dishes, outdated files and similar items. These issues can be particularly present in a coworking environment shared by multiple individuals from different companies.
In the same respect, try to hang up objects such as awards, pictures and diplomas to free up space and showcase employee accomplishments. You could also switch out standard office items, such as desk lamps, with alternatives that can be clipped to a monitor or the side of a cubicle in order to maximise space. A little bit of neatness can go a long way.
The All-in-One Edge
In this day and age, there is simply no reason that an office should have a separate copier, printer and fax machine. Having these individual accessories will only serve to take up an unnecessary amount of space and lead to tasks taking much longer to complete. Choose an all-in-one unit. These are highly efficient models and they will tend to save you money from a long-term point of view. It may also be smart to invest in all-in-one desktop units to further reduce desk clutter and provide your employees with a clean and minimalist workspace.
These are all effective ways to better manage your current workspace. Not only can they be quickly implemented, they won’t require a large financial commitment. If your employees remain happy at work, it won’t be long before their state of mind is reflected in future success for the business as a whole.
Photo credits: Coworking London