The answer to this is YES!! If you are in the process of designing a new office building, or renovation a current one, your first thought may be space efficiency: how may employees can fit into this new space? But workplace productivity is dependent on so much more.
Many studies conclude a strong correlation exists between natural light and employee efficiency. A Psychology Today article from 2013 explains the significant role that daylight plays in regulating our circadian rhythms. It referenced a study that found workers with windows in the workplace slept an average of 46 minutes more per night compared to workers without windows. In an already sleep-deprived culture, imagine the cumulative damage that losing even more sleep could do to workers or students in an under-daylit office or school! In the pictures below you can see how SOA helped Missouri Employers Mutual and Columbia College’s Brouder Science Building incorporate natural lighting into the design of their buildings.
When choosing furniture for employees, one configuration doesn’t fit all workers, and certainly not all of the time. More and more studies show that varying between sitting and standing is crucial. SBFI, an international corporate furniture company, sites a study showing employees who vary between sitting and standing (presumably ‘wasting’ some time in the transition) actually ended up taking 46% fewer breaks with shorter durations throughout the day. Here in our office at SOA, we have a variety of chairs to choose from, adjustable height desks and a few adjustable conference tables. Another productivity benefit of standing desks may be that they lead to shorter meetings. Donald Rumsfeld has reportedly been using a standing desk since 1969. He says it creates an incentive for visitors to “say what they need to say, and not linger.” But, as our next point indicates, you have to leave some room for workers to socialize!
Last but definitely not least is Company Culture. Every office should give thought to the culture it is creating, by design or by default. This article suggests lots of ways to bring a bit of recreation into the workplace. There are lots of simple strategies, like providing snacks or “Happy Hour Fridays” that can contribute to employee satisfaction. SOA enjoys the occasional staff field trip, and our monthly staff meeting potluck lunch is always something to look forward to. If your company strives to have openness about the values and goals of the company it will increase the chance that new hires will fit with the company culture that you have already established. Since we spend the majority of our waking hours at the office, it is important to occasionally let loose and have some fun. Encouraging a ten-minute breather to try a swing at the Cinco de Mayo piƱata or grab a Kona Ice can make a world of difference in keeping employees content, productive, and committed to your organization.