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We spend a huge chunk of our lives at work, but despite that, many office spaces still feel like they were designed for function, not for people, which isn’t quite right. When you think about it, there’s a lot of harsh lighting, uncomfortable chairs, and a break room nobody actually wants to spend time in, and these things don’t exactly inspire creativity or collaboration. The truth is, the way an office is set up plays a big role in how people feel about their jobs, and when employees feel better, they work better. So how do you create a space people genuinely want to come into every day? Keep reading to find out more.

Photo by Marc Mueller: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-sitting-in-front-of-computer-380769/

Start With Comfort

It sounds simple, but comfort is often overlooked, and investing in ergonomic chairs and adjustable desks is a great thing to do for your employees because it’s going to help to reduce strain and it will keep people healthier in the long run. Plus, add in soft lighting where you can, or let in as much natural light as possible to make it even better because no one does their best work under a row of buzzing fluorescent bulbs.

Give People Choice 

Not everyone works best in the same kind of environment, and some people need quiet and focus, while others do their best thinking when they’re bouncing ideas around. Creating zones in the office helps with this – private nooks for deep work, collaborative spaces for team sessions, and relaxed areas for casual catch-ups, for example, is fantastic and the more choice people have, the more they can find a way to work that suits them.

Don’t Forget The Basics 

Sometimes it’s the simple things that turn a good office into a great one, and a clean kitchen, reliable wifi, plenty of charging points, and so on, aren’t luxuries, they’re actually essentials. And then there’s hydration. Something as straightforward as adding an office water dispenser can completely change the feel of the workspace, especially as it encourages breaks, brings people together for quick chats, and shows that employee wellbeing actually matters. Having cold, clean water on tap is such a small upgrade, but it’s one people appreciate every single day.

Bring In Some Personality 

An office doesn’t need to look like a showroom, and the truth is that a bit of personality makes it feel like somewhere worth being, and that could mean plants, artwork, a splash of colour on the walls… even if budgets are tight, these details create an atmosphere that’s warmer and more human. In the end, people should feel like they’re part of something alive, not just clocking in and out of a sterile space.

Keep Listening 

The best offices aren’t designed once and then left alone, they evolve with the people in them. That’s why it makes sense to check in with employees about what works and what doesn’t, and it helps keep the environment in tune with their needs. Maybe the quiet zone isn’t really quiet enough, or the break area could do with a rethink, but whatever it is, listening to feedback and making small adjustments shows that leadership cares about creating a space that actually supports its people.