How Much Does Design Affect Work Performance

When designing an office space, it's vital to consider how your design will impact the workers' daily productivity. Your choices could make it easier or harder for them to achieve their goals, but there are some relatively easy ways to influence employees' work performance.

Here are four areas of architecture and interior design that can impact the staff in a building.

Lighting 

The lighting you choose can significantly affect workers' mood and productivity levels. 

Natural light has a physical and mental health impact and staying in an office without much of it all day can make them feel anxious, sluggish and unable to focus.

Sunlight is easier on the eyes than artificial bulbs, making looking at different fonts and colors easier. Since the beginning, the sun has influenced human circadian rhythms and manufactured solutions can't replace that. Designing an office building with plenty of windows can reduce melatonin levels during the day and increase them at night, helping employees sleep better.

South-facing windows will bring in the most natural light and north-facing windows will bring in the least. However, having some windows on all sides of the building can help create enough sunlight throughout the rooms, minimizing the need to turn on light fixtures. Windows facing south will also bring in more heat, so multi-paned options or extra cooling measures in those areas can ensure they're comfortable.

There are ways to fill rooms with natural light if the building has dark areas or few windows. Use the following techniques to improve the lives of people inside:

• Use light paint colors: Darker pigments absorb sunlight and lighter ones reflect it. Use this knowledge to your advantage to brighten up offices. It doesn't have to be stark white, but adding more delicate shades of preferred colors can help immensely.
• Add mirrors: Mirrors also reflect plenty of light, making rooms look larger and brighter without artificial lights.
• Create hidden storage: Keeping rooms as clean as possible gives more space for light to travel.
• Select furniture with shiny finishes: Shiny surfaces reflect light, boosting sunlight around the office. 

Bringing sunlight into a space can boost employees' moods, making them feel more energetic when taking on the day.

Ergonomics

The ergonomic design of a workspace can impact employee comfort and health, which allows them to improve their productivity. Workers should have seating options that support their bodies during long hours. They should be able to set their feet flat on the floor or a stool, and sit with their back against the chair.

Lower back support and a headrest can help keep their spine aligned throughout the day. Incorporating some mesh can make the chairs more breathable and a solid but malleable cushion can make it easier to sit comfortably.

Desks and chairs should be adjustable for different heights and body types. Monitors should sit at eye level so workers don't have to hunch over to complete tasks. They should have 16 to 30 inches between the screen and their eyes to reduce the risk of eye strain. A sign or other reminder of the 20-20-20 rule can help them keep their eyes healthy.

The ability to work standing up or using exercise tools can help employees avoid damage from a sedentary lifestyle and help them break up any day's monotony. Staff should have a comfortable break environment to move away from their screens and comfortably walk around.

Nature

Like the effects of sunlight, it's hard to escape the inherent benefits of being around plant life and other natural elements. Making the inside of a space feel more outdoorsy could positively impact employee mental health. Wood and stone furniture pieces can help workers stay relaxed but focused. Use earth-inspired paint colors and artwork, which can boost their moods and create serenity as they tackle their assignments.

Giving team members an outdoor break space provides time to enjoy the environment they're in. A little green space can go a long way. If the office is in an urban area without a yard or patio option, consider adding a balcony or rooftop garden.

Being in the fresh air has several physical and mental health benefits. It can clear a worker's lungs, lower their heart rate, improve digestion, increase energy and boost their happiness. While keeping windows open inside can help, it can aggravate another employee's allergies. Giving the option to go outside during breaks or as a work option can help everyone stay as comfortable as possible.

Live plants can have a calming effect on humans and improve focus, so allowing staff to choose their favorite houseplants can help them stay on task. Adding hooks for hanging plants near each desk or placing plant stands around the office can be a good starting point.

Layout

A common debate amongst business owners, employees, and building designers is whether cubicles or open offices encourage more productivity. Some find an open layout distracting, while others go stir-crazy when they’re unable to see other team members.

One solution is allowing staff to choose their set-ups, but researchers found it’s not optimal for consistent collaboration. Instead, work with the company you serve to create spaces where teams that need to collaborate can interact more and those who don’t need to do so interact less.

If they want an open office, give workers enough room around each desk to breathe. You can choose desks with monitor stands that block out other workstations but have openings to turn and chat quickly with someone else on the team.

In a cubicle-based office, group teams in sections so they can easily hear each other if they raise their voice. Consider placing items like beverage stations, windows or meeting rooms between workers who need to interact with one another so they’re likely to run into each other during the day.

There’s a strong chance the owner or manager will want to change the layout at some point. Choosing portable furniture options can make that transition easy if it needs to happen.

Designing for Optimal Work Performance

The choices you make as an architect and designer can impact the ability of employees to perform their jobs as happily and productively as possible. Creating comfortable set-ups, allowing nature to shine and the proper layout could significantly improve work performance.