We are now deep into millennial territory which, as an employer, means you need to understand what they want in a place of work, and one of the most important variables in that sense in your office space itself. The reason we mentioned millennials is that this generation is a lot more conscious of the fact they are going to spend the equivalent of eleven straight years stuck behind a desk. When you know that, you become slightly more aware that you want to work somewhere that interests you.

It isn’t all about them and their fusspot preferences, though. Improving your office space is also good for business because the happier your employees are, the more productive they will be. That’s right. Your dull, boring, dated, unsophisticated, lacklustre and uneventful office is actually hindering your success as a business.

That is why you need to think long and hard about the environment you want to create, as well as the mood and ambience. With that in mind, we have pulled together some top tips, tricks and bits of advice to help you make some small changes that could make a big difference to the productivity of your operation. It is a kaleidoscope of wins.

Let There Be Light

Take a look at the hierarchical system that businesses used to follow and it was only the top executives that would get the privilege of window offices and natural light. Everyone else would have to suffer in crowded cubicles under artificial lighting. If you are still operating within this system then you need to hang your head in shame; not just because your employees will be lacking in Vit D, but because you are responsible for a lack of productivity. To put it bluntly, people who work in offices with lots of natural light stay on task an average of 18% longer. That is why you need to work in an open space add internal windows wherever you can; it will make you a more efficient business.

Warm Colours Should Be Revered

Yes. Something as simple as the colour scheme you decide to run with can have a huge impact on the productivity and morale of your employees. Paint the walls red and you are running the risk of overstimulation, increased levels of anxiety and a workforce that struggles to focus on mental tasks. Leave the walls white and bare and your employees will start to lose the plot a little thanks to the clinical feeling, something that is known to strip away morale like tigers clawing at a carcass. Instead, soft shades are best. Blue is a popular one because it is known to boost productivity while also soothe nerves. All you have to do then is add a bold accent colour and you will have them feeling alert too.

Encourage Them To Stay Focused

Looking out for your employees is a great way to keep them focused on their role and not on external factors that will distract them from their duties. Creating an environment where departments work closely all the time is great, but having a plethora of hazards litter the corridors between your bid team and design department are going to have your employees worrying about hurting themselves, and your business falling prey to slip and fall accident claims. Not turning your heating up in the winter months because you are concerned about the heating bill is going to have your employees concerned about how to keep warm instead of how to get the task in front of them done to the best of their abilities. These may seem like tiny things to you, but these are the tiny things that eat away at a person’s ability to work well. Remember that.

Make Them Feel Comfortable

Comfort should never be overlooked. That is because being comfortable has an incredible amount of influence over a person’s ability to produce good quality work consistently. This should be nothing revolutionary though. After all, nothing is quite as annoying as having to constantly adjust yourself in your chair or get up and stretch in an attempt to keep your lower back pains at bay. It could be that you swap out your old chairs for more adjustable options. It could be you include a few standing desks, as well as a sofa area where employees can go to think, read, converse and strategize. You could throw in a few bean bags and hammocks if you so wish. It could be that you completely overturn your entire office layout to cater to this – want and – need. It won’t just tick the productivity boxes, it will also make your office a more attractive place for top talent to work. Two metaphorical birds with one theoretical stone.