How to create a pleasant work environment

For a company to be successful, it is important to create an environment that is nice to work in and makes employees want to come back day after day.

Employees will work better, feel more contented and be less likely to look for employment elsewhere, if they believe they are in a pleasant work environment. And, while there is a growing trend for people to work away from the office, it is still absolutely essential to ensure that while they are in the workplace, they are able to be as productive and happy as possible.

So, with that in mind, we have compiled a list of 5 office fixes that will create a business environment people will enjoy working in.
 
1. Windows

The whole point of windows – especially large windows – is that they ensure employees don’t feel trapped. By allowing masses of sunlight to come into the office, and by making the whole place seem more open, employees will feel more connected to the world outside. Plus, it’s a well-known fact that sunlight can improve mood, which in turn can affect performance at work. We have written an article on how natural light is a key element of office design, if you would like ideas on how to maximise space and furniture to achieve this.
 
2. Flexible furniture

The whole point of furniture within the office is to ensure that employees are comfortable whether they are at the computer, in meeting rooms, or sitting in communal areas. The furniture that is used throughout the office, be it the levels of comfort, the colours or the design, can really impact on the look and feel of a workplace.
 
3. Creating space for collaboration and meeting

For all businesses, but especially startups, it is important to realise that decisions are made by people across departments, and innovative ideas can be prompted by anyone. By creating an environment where everyone feels they have the ability to book meetings and discuss concepts or issues, the workplace will feel like a much more collaborative place. In fact collaboration is at the forefront of modern office design. People who use co-working spaces see their work as meaningful and feel they have greater control of their job. We discuss this in detail in our article on the subject.
 
4. The ability to integrate technology

When it comes to creating a modern work environment, integrating technology is absolutely key. By allowing employees to easily connect to the cloud, and by enabling all laptops and tablets to link up with smartboards and projectors, you will ensure meetings go smoothly and everyone can operate efficiently. It’s likely that additional worker focus will be provided by way of anti-distraction technologies and enhanced workplace design layouts. Designs need to also consider space for casual worker encounters, hot desking and the ability to easily move fixtures and desks, in addition to their full connectivity.
 
5. Quiet zones for solo work

Sometimes it will be essential for employees to work on their own, whether it be to flesh out an idea or simply to get a project completed to deadline. These areas need not always be large, but they should be places where employees feel relaxed, comfortable, and are in the best possible location to complete the work that has been assigned to them. It is hardly surprising we are seeing more and more interior design plans incorporating quiet relaxed, residential style quiet zones and pods.