The modern world is a ferocious place for business owners. With so much competition and continuously changing technology, maintaining the growth and profitability of an organisation can often feel more challenging than you’d once anticipated.
Dull, outdated office spaces with obsolete technology won’t do you and your employees any favours in terms of productivity and morale. It’s commonly understood that a pleasant, efficient workspace significantly contributes towards a thriving business. If you’re eager to get the new year off to an excellent start, consider this simple guide for modernising your workspace.
Consider Open-Plan
It may be time to break down barriers, both physically and metaphorically. Open-plan workspaces encourage communication and collaboration between employees. While office cubicles may create the illusion of privacy, they have long been considered outdated and a hindrance to productivity and creativity. While redesigning your office space to create an open-plan environment may seem like a complex endeavour, it could have significant positive effects on your business.
Research Colour Theory
Different hues affect human mood and behaviour in unique ways. You may not realise it, but your workspace causes subconscious reactions based on its colour palette. Consequently, it’s easy to see why office environments featuring mismatched lurid hues can cause stress and anxiety among workers. To maintain a calm, productive and modern atmosphere, paint your office off-white with accents of rejuvenating teal or light blue to encourage open communication and clarity of thought.
Get Better Technology
There is nothing more frustrating than grappling with an office computer that was considered obsolete in 1995. While older PCs and laptops may be initially inexpensive, your workforce will be far more productive if they have computers capable of handling daily tasks. At the very least, your employees should be able to answer emails, participate in video conferences and edit graphics-heavy spreadsheets. It may also be worth getting rid of other outmoded devices that are no longer needed - when was the last time you used the fax machine?
Consider Process Automation
To keep up to speed with your competitors, it is vitally important you take steps to optimise your business processes to achieve the very best results. Process automation describes the use of technology and software to automate repetitive, mundane tasks previously handled by staff members. There are multiple benefits of considering automation for your workplace, including increased productivity, high levels of organisation and reduced risk of human error. From setting up automated email campaigns to digitising your employee onboarding process, automation could be the best decision you have ever made regarding your business.
Go Paperless
More and more worldwide companies are striving to be more digital in an effort to ditch paper for good. Paperless offices are highly organised, efficient and productive due to a lack of physical files and paperwork that may become lost, misplaced or damaged. Furthermore, decreased paper consumption helps reduce your company’s carbon footprint. Start going digital by scanning your existing paperwork and using data capture methods henceforth.
Upgrade Your Office Furniture
Old, tired furniture can really bring down the overall mood of an office space. Not only that but damaged, broken office furniture can result in injury. You don’t have to fork out an eye-watering sum for a collection of brand-new office desks and chairs. In fact, you can create a timeless look for your workspace by purchasing secondhand or even vintage furniture, provided it’s in good condition.
Bring In Natural Light
Dark, dingy office spaces are never pleasant environments. If you have access to natural light, make the most of it. Modern offices are typically bright and cheerful with plenty of sunlight exposure. In fact, numerous studies have shown that natural light improves worker satisfaction and productivity, so ditch the harsh, fluorescent overhead lighting, open the blinds and create a more positive, welcoming atmosphere for your workforce.
Reconsider Your Policies
Shockingly, your existing policies may not align with modern societal expectations and values. For example, consider whether or not your company has an updated equality, diversity and inclusion policy to avoid the unjustified discrimination of employees and clients on the grounds of age, gender, disability, ethnicity and more. If possible, you may also wish to reevaluate your work model to include remote working or a hybrid approach.