Blog Post

Ways Your Office Affects Productivity

Jamie Florio • Feb 08, 2022

There are many ways your office affects productivity, which is why you should focus on making it an inviting place for them. Keep reading to learn how!

Several employees working in a cozy, spacious, productivity-inducing office

Interior design has brought many innovations into the world of office space throughout the years. Let's take cubicles, for example. Highly popular in the last century, these days, they are considered a thing of the past. Something that reputable companies are trying to leave behind and switch with a more comfortable work environment, one that sparks creativity and motivates employees to perform their best work. Now, the ways your office affects productivity truly are substantial. That begs the question: Is there anything around it that you should focus on improving?

Ways Your Office Affects Productivity Among Employees: What to Do to Ensure the Motivation Runs High?

While we prepare to return to normalcy, or at least, a version of it that includes going back to the office, it might pay to focus on sprucing up the office interior. Certain changes are sure to boost employee morale and, thus, positively influence your business, as well. However, before we discuss what you could improve, let's talk about the factors that majorly influence productivity - both positively and negatively.

The Lighting

You know how when we dim the lights, we start feeling a bit drowsy? Well, that's because our minds are wired in such a way that they associate the lack of light with the night and sleep. Proper lighting is essential for an office, unless you want your employees falling asleep in the middle of their work assignments. Not to mention that their eyesight could take a turn for the worse as a result of the improper illumination. With that said, the brighter the workplace, the better.

Artificial lighting surely does the job. However, the importance of natural light shouldn't be neglected, either. In fact, ideally, your office should have plenty of windows that invite the light in. In the absence of it, blue-tinted artificial lighting should be your go-to choice.

Ambient Noise

Total silence is never good, but neither is a workplace so noisy that proper work cannot possibly be done. If you've got two offices, you can always merge them into one. However, the question is, how can you effectively combat the background noise so that it doesn't end up affecting your team's productivity? Well, for once, you could introduce the ambient noise into the space. It should provide a distraction from the nearby conversations, on top of eliminating the feeling of that uncomfortable silence all of us dread.

Music

Whether or not music helps people perform better at work has been a topic of many debates over the years. Some say it does, while others claim it's nothing but a distraction. However, there is evidence that supports the argument that low-level music helps individuals retain focus during working hours, as long as it is the music they like. In general, songs without too many lyrics have also been shown to have a better influence on concentration.

The Quality of Air

The overall office cleanliness matters, especially in the midst of the pandemic. However, among the ways your office affects the productivity of your employees is also the quality of air. The increased levels of carbon dioxide induce the feeling of exhaustion. And let's be honest, how can you expect anyone to give their best when they're tired? Furthermore, it isn't only the lack of oxygen that could impact the capability of a team. It's all the same with the dirty air coming from both outside and inside, which could actually prove hazardous to the health of everyone in the office.

While there's only so much to do about the quality of air coming from the outside, improving that on the inside is something you can work on. You might want to start with the introduction of air purifiers. Have the air filters regularly cleaned and replaced, if need be. Ventilate the area every so often, as well, as that is what will replenish the existing oxygen supply. Plants might also be a great addition to the office. Besides improving air quality, they'll surely add a bit of life and a pop of color into it, too.

The Temperature

Scientists have long been researching the topic of the ideal temperature in a work setting. They have managed to come to a conclusion that 71 degrees Fahrenheit keeps the employees focused for the longest. However, this is subject to interpretation and personal preference. What one might consider warm, others could easily think of as cold. The only way to determine what temperature works the best for your team is to experiment. Just remember, there will always be someone who finds a certain setting uncomfortable. You can't please every one of your employees, so instead, focus on the majority.

The Color

The way color influences human thoughts and behavior is something that not even psychologists can fully grasp. Despite the connection not being completely understood, a certain link between colors and employee morale has been noticed. A few colors, more than the rest, happen to impact workplace productivity. Blue, for instance, has been shown to induce a calming feeling among workers. On the other hand, green helps minimize eye fatigue and allows people to stay sharp for longer. As far as red is concerned, well, due to it being the color of passion, it's only natural that it would increase the feeling of competitiveness and thus, yield exceptional outcomes in teams that are all about results.

Much like with the temperature, you'll have to experiment until you see what color sparks the interest and improves the work ethic within your office. As suggested by the moving team at allseasonmovers.com, before you've changed the company colors, however, have the work equipment transferred somewhere else for the time being. Somewhere safe, like a guarded and surveilled storage facility.

Things to Remember

It might not seem that way, but the negative ways your office affects productivity are a huge problem for the company that could have disastrous effects in the long run. They could ruin the reputation of your business, even cause the company to stop running. Instead of plotting your own demise without even realizing it, work on turning the place into a safe haven for employees. Happy employees equal a successful company. Or at least, that's the way it should be.

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Portable Office Essentials for Working on the Go

By Jamie Florio • 02 May, 2024

Portable Office Essentials for Working on the Go If you want to maintain your work efficiency anywhere, portable office essentials for working on the go are required! These compact yet powerful tools are designed to keep you efficient and organized, whether traveling for business or working remotely from a coffee shop. From lightweight laptops to noise-canceling headphones, there are plenty of things to pick up! Choosing the right bag Bags are one of the most important portable office essentials for working on the go. They are the cornerstone of your mobile workspace, accommodating all your essential tools and gear while offering convenience and comfort. Here’s what to look for: Versatility stands out as a primary consideration, so look for a bag that seamlessly transitions between various environments and occasions, be it a bustling airport terminal or a crowded coffee shop. Ample storage space and organizational features are non-negotiables since they ensure your laptop, tablet, documents, and peripherals can be neatly stowed away and easily accessed when needed. Durability is another critical factor, as your bag must withstand the wear and tear of daily commutes and frequent travel. Robust materials, reinforced stitching, and quality construction contribute to a bag's longevity and reliability. Comfort plays a role, too, particularly if you anticipate long hours of wear. Lightweight laptop or tablet Opting for a lightweight laptop or tablet is great for maximizing productivity on the go, allowing you to take full advantage of virtual offices . These portable devices offer flexibility and convenience, enabling seamless transitions between different work environments. Whether catching up on emails during your commute or participating in virtual meetings from a coffee shop, a lightweight laptop or tablet provides the versatility to stay connected and productive. With long battery life and powerful processing capabilities, these devices empower you to tackle tasks efficiently and effectively, no matter where you are. Besides, their compact size makes them easy to carry around, enhancing your mobility and flexibility. Portable chargers and power banks Portable chargers and power banks are indispensable accessories for modern professionals on the move, providing uninterrupted productivity wherever you go. These compact devices provide a reliable power source for your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. With them, you never have to worry about running out of battery during crucial moments! With fast-charging capabilities and high-capacity batteries, portable chargers and power banks offer quick and efficient charging solutions. Finally, their lightweight and portable design makes them easy to carry in your bag or pocket, making them ideal companions for travel, outdoor adventures, or simply navigating a busy day. Wireless mouse and keyboard Wireless mouse and keyboard setups offer convenience and flexibility for remote workers and digital nomads alike. With no cables to tether you to your device, you can enjoy freedom of movement and decluttered workspaces. These ergonomic peripherals also provide a comfortable typing and navigation experience, reducing strain on your wrists and fingers. Besides being compatible with various devices and easily connected via Bluetooth or USB receivers, wireless mice and keyboards seamlessly integrate into workflow, allowing seamless transitions between tasks! Noise-canceling headphones With advanced technology that actively reduces ambient noise, noise-canceling headphones create a serene and immersive listening experience, allowing you to concentrate on your tasks without interruption. Whether working in a bustling office, noisy cafe, or on a crowded plane, noise-canceling headphones provide a sanctuary of tranquility, enabling you to escape into your work with clarity and precision. Likewise, many models offer superior sound quality, delivering crisp audio and deep bass for an enjoyable listening experience. Of course, comfort is also key, with soft padding and adjustable headbands guaranteeing long-term wearability without discomfort. Portable Wi-Fi hotspot With a portable hotspot, you can avoid the stress of hunting down a solid internet connection! This way, you can maintain seamless productivity no matter your location. These compact devices also create a secure Wi-Fi network you can connect to with your laptop, tablet, or smartphone. That can be particularly valuable if you’re handling important documents and don’t want to take risks! Multiport USB hub A multiport USB hub is a must-have accessory for expanding your device connectivity options and simplifying your portable office setup. You can connect devices like external hard drives, flash drives, and peripherals like mice and keyboards with USB ports. This versatile hub eliminates the need for constantly swapping cables and allows you to keep all your devices connected simultaneously! Naturally, this will eliminate hassle and boost your productivity and efficiency. Travel-friendly desk accessories Travel-friendly desk accessories are great for enhancing your portable office setup and improving your workspace efficiency. These compact and versatile accessories include cable organizers, laptop stands, and portable desk lamps. Obviously, they’re all designed to optimize your workspace for productivity on the go! Cable organizers keep your cables neatly organized and tangle-free, preventing clutter and confusion. A portable laptop stand provides ergonomic support, reducing strain on your neck and shoulders during long work sessions. Meanwhile, a portable desk lamp offers adjustable lighting options, providing optimal visibility and reducing eye strain in any environment. So, equip yourself with these essential accessories and take your portable office setup to the next level! Cloud storage solutions With cloud storage, you can easily access your files from any device with an internet connection! These platforms also offer robust security features to protect your data from unauthorized access, including encryption and multi-factor authentication. Similarly, cloud storage solutions provide seamless collaboration capabilities, allowing multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously. They even track changes in real time! Lastly, with scalable storage options and flexible pricing plans, you can customize your cloud storage solution to meet your budget. Portable scanner or scanner app A portable scanner or scanner app is incredibly useful for digitizing documents and streamlining your workflow on the go. These handy tools allow you to quickly and easily scan documents, receipts, and business cards. With a scanner app, you can transform your phone into a powerful scanning tool, eliminating the need for bulky equipment. Of course, specialized scanners offer additional features such as automatic document feeding and high-resolution scanning capabilities, improving scan quality and accuracy. Still, whether you're digitizing important paperwork while traveling or capturing meeting notes on the fly, a portable scanner or scanner app provides the flexibility and convenience you need to stay organized and productive! Flexible storage solutions If you’re constantly on the move and change locations every few months, you need flexible storage solutions. After all, you can’t carry too much with you by plane or train. In this case, working with PortaBox Storage Seattle is a great idea. This moving and storage company can deliver a portable storage unit at your current location and then hold on to it for you until you reach your destination. Finally, they ship the unit to your new location. How convenient is that? Taking advantage of portable office essentials for working on the go With our list of portable office essentials for working on the go, you can improve your daily life. By equipping yourself with tools like compact laptops, noise-canceling headphones, and portable chargers, you'll be well-prepared to tackle tasks from anywhere! Whether you're a digital nomad or a remote worker, these essentials ensure will help you stay productive and efficient no matter where your adventures take you!