With workers spending the majority of their days at a desk in an office, having a setup that works can provide a more beneficial workspace and add to the employee’s experience at work. Adding ergonomic chairs, improved lighting and more effective organizational systems are just some of the ways that you can impact how you and your team performs and feels at the end of the day.
According to a report by Ergonomics Plus, incorporating ergonomic features into your workspace can provide advantages such as added productivity, better employee engagement and improved work quality. Your company will also benefit from reduced costs and increased revenues from your enhanced workspace, as employees are apt to be more responsive to the changes.
Eleven members of Forbes Finance Council share the one change they made to their physical office setup and how it has positively impacted their team.
1. An Open Concept For Better Communication
We moved to larger office space, which gave all our team members more space and a larger conference room where we could all meet. We have also moved to a more open concept -- fewer doors and more open doorways. This has fostered an increased sense of teamwork between members of our staff. It encourages more conversation and collaboration on problem solving with large projects. - Robin Hall, VARC Solutions
2. Healthy Habits And Reusable Products
We use standing desks to minimize the wear and tear on our bodies from sitting. To create healthy habits, we have filtered water and healthy snacks to keep us from eating and drinking junk. And, we use only recycled or reusable products, as a reminder that everything can come full circle. - Ibrahim AlHusseini, The Husseini Group
3. A More Flexible Space
We moved from a 2,000-square-foot office to a 16-person office in a co-working facility. While we were concerned initially about having enough space, we underestimated the unexpected benefits of the common areas. Having access to a variety of conference rooms/common areas that seat up to 200 is invaluable. Beyond that, we now have better kitchens, casual dining areas, game rooms and a coffee shop. - Matthew May, Acuity
4. Standing Desks For Improved Client Calls
We originally set up the adjustable standing desks to increase circulation and give our team members the ability to stretch their legs and backs. But, later, we discovered that the standing desks also markedly improved their phone calls with clients. Standing projects their voice over the phone and conveys confidence better than a seated position. - Stacy Francis, Francis Financial, Inc.
5. The Dream Wall
We painted one wall in the space with chalkboard paint and gave our team a place to add their dreams. It is right near the entrance so each person can see their dreams daily; that creates a reminder to always be working on their dreams. It has been great for productivity, because so much of what they do daily impacts each person's dreams. - Shane Hurley, RedFynn Technologies
6. Shared Space To Foster Creative Innovation
I've found that the best innovation comes from cross-team collaboration. The best ideas form when teams experience a fresh perspective (like having the marketing team give ideas to operations). To encourage this, I've set up shared work areas where teams have the chance to speak and collaborate beyond the water cooler. - Elle Kaplan, LexION Capital
7. A Clean, Paperless, Cubeless Office
The tendency for staff to run out at five and leave behind the paper trail from the week's work, along with remnants of their lunch, on their desks is all too common. A paperless mandate and a multiple screen environment make the office look modern and clean. Placing logos in common areas and removing the huge cubical workspaces in favor of shared desks build a high-energy environment and positive team spirit. - Perry D'Alessio, D'Alessio Tocci & Pell, LLP
8. Modified Cubicles
Studies show that open-plan offices have a negative effect on productivity. This is the purported benefit of an “open plan,” so perhaps it’s time to reconsider. Despite their bad name, consider a modified version of the cubicle. This gives team members some visual privacy. In addition, a well-appointed reception for clients will positively contribute to the professional environment. - Ismael Wrixen, FE International
9. A Vision Statement In Plain View
I put our vision statement in our hallway. It states in big bold letters, "We see families in our community experiencing hope and living legacies." - Darryl Lyons, PAX Financial Group LLC
10. An Inviting Kitchen Area
In our homes, our friends often congregate in the kitchen. For our team -- and, at times, our friends and long-time clients -- that is true in the office, as well. I know an adviser whose kitchen is the first thing you see when you enter their mid-sized office. Finished like a high-end home, it is inviting and sets their business apart. Just think of the problems that can be solved over a cup of coffee. - Paul Ewing, Prosperity Advisory Group
11. High-Tech Air Purifiers
Our busy season is in the fall, when colds and flu are rampant. We invested in several of the highest qualify Swiss air purifiers we could find and placed them around the office. You would not believe the difference in the clean-smelling air and reduction of germs being spread. As a result, fewer people are out sick. The purifiers have helped with allergies, as well. - Danielle Kunkle, Boomer Benefits