Designing an office space goes beyond choosing furniture and layout; it’s about creating an environment that fosters productivity, focus, and a positive mood. With a few thoughtful design elements, you can create a workspace that motivates employees and keeps them energised throughout the day. Here are some key considerations to boost mood and productivity when setting up your office.

1. Prioritise Natural Light

Natural light has been shown to increase mood, reduce eye strain, and improve productivity. When designing your office, maximise the amount of daylight coming in by positioning workstations near windows or using glass partitions to let light flow throughout the space. If your space lacks natural light, opt for light fixtures that mimic daylight and avoid harsh fluorescent lighting, which can cause fatigue and discomfort.

Tip: Incorporate adjustable blinds to reduce glare and allow employees to control the light levels at their desks.

2. Integrate Plants and Greenery

Plants bring life to any office space, improve air quality, and create a calming effect. Studies have found that having plants in the workplace can reduce stress and boost productivity. Consider adding easy-to-maintain plants like snake plants, pothos, or succulents, which require minimal care. You might also add a living wall or group plants in common areas for a refreshing, nature-inspired look.

Tip: Encourage employees to personalise their desks with small plants, which can also foster a sense of ownership over their workspace.

3. Use Colour Psychology

The colours in your workspace influence mood and energy levels. Here’s a quick breakdown of colour psychology in the office:

• Blue: A calming colour that promotes focus and is ideal for high-concentration areas.
• Green: Eases eye strain and is excellent for reducing fatigue, making it suitable for long work sessions.
• Yellow: Bright and cheerful, yellow can inspire creativity and is a great accent color for brainstorming areas.
• Red: Energising and stimulating, red is best used in small doses in collaborative or physical activity zones.

Tip: Use colour strategically by painting walls, adding accent furniture, or even bringing in coloured office supplies that align with the mood you want to create.

4. Create Flexible Spaces

Flexible workspaces allow employees to choose how and where they work, which can improve focus and comfort. Consider integrating a mix of seating arrangements, from standing desks and individual workstations to collaborative tables and lounge areas. This variety enables employees to work in different environments based on their tasks, helping them stay energised and productive throughout the day.

Tip: Include quiet zones or enclosed spaces for employees who need a break from noise and distractions for focused work.

5. Invest in Ergonomic Furniture

Ergonomic furniture is essential for a comfortable workspace that supports physical well-being. Adjustable chairs, sit-stand desks, and monitor stands can all help reduce strain and promote good posture. When employees are physically comfortable, they can focus on their work without being distracted by discomfort, which in turn boosts productivity.

Tip: Provide guidelines on how to adjust ergonomic furniture for proper posture, and consider offering footrests, lumbar supports, and wrist rests for added comfort.

6. Encourage Personalization

Allowing employees to personalise their workspace can improve their sense of belonging and satisfaction. Encourage them to bring in personal items, like photos, artwork, or motivational quotes, which can create a more enjoyable and familiar environment. Personalised workspaces can help reduce stress, increase focus, and ultimately contribute to better performance.

Tip: Provide a few decor options, such as desk organisers, plants, or wall decals, that employees can choose from to make their space feel uniquely theirs.

7. Provide Access to Refreshments

Offering coffee, tea, water, and healthy snacks in a dedicated area encourages regular breaks and helps employees stay hydrated and fueled throughout the day. Taking short breaks to recharge can improve focus and mood, keeping energy levels consistent. Create a welcoming break area where employees can relax, recharge, and socialise, which also promotes team bonding.

Tip: Include a variety of healthy snack options, such as nuts, fruit, and granola bars, for sustained energy without the sugar crash.

8. Consider Acoustics

Noise can be a significant distraction in an open-plan office. To minimise noise levels and promote concentration, add sound-absorbing materials such as carpets, curtains, or acoustic panels. You might also create dedicated quiet zones for focused work and meeting rooms for discussions. This way, employees have options depending on their noise preferences and work needs.

Tip: Place quiet work zones away from high-traffic areas, like entrances or communal areas, to create a calm and productive space.

9. Implement Smart Technology

Investing in smart technology can enhance productivity by creating a smoother work experience. Examples include digital meeting room booking systems, adjustable lighting controlled by apps, and interactive whiteboards for collaborative work. Integrating technology thoughtfully can save time and streamline processes, ultimately boosting efficiency.

Tip: Choose tech that aligns with your team’s needs and make sure it’s user-friendly, reducing the need for extensive training.

10. Maintain Good Air Quality and Temperature

Poor air quality and uncomfortable temperatures can significantly reduce productivity and well-being. Ensure the workspace has proper ventilation, and consider using air purifiers to keep the environment fresh. Additionally, aim to maintain a comfortable temperature that isn’t too hot or too cold, as this can be distracting and reduce focus.

Tip: Keep thermostats adjustable in different zones of the office, allowing employees to control their immediate environment to some extent.

Designing an office with productivity and mood in mind involves more than just layout and decor. By incorporating natural light, plants, ergonomic furniture, and flexible spaces, along with thoughtful touches like personalised workstations and healthy refreshments, you can create a work environment that promotes focus, comfort, and motivation. The result is a space that supports employees’ well-being, ultimately boosting productivity and satisfaction.

For assistance on any office redesign and fitout requirements, please feel free to reach out to our team via phone call or our support line, support@officemonster.co.uk