office interior design
12
Sep

How interior design of an office can affect the productivity of the employees?

The workplace is where people collaborate, solve problems, and thrive. While many factors go into these actions of productivity of the employees of a workspace , office interior design which is the art and science of understanding people’s behavior to create functional spaces within a building through creative and technical solutions (NCIDQ) is one of the major factors of an office that can significantly impact the productivity and performance of the employees.

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According to (Becker, 1981). Office Interior design is a key factor in job satisfaction. It affects the way in which employee’s work. office interior design may enhance organizational success by creating a workplace that supports work quality, quantity and style, while improving turnover and absentee rates.

There are several aspects of the interior design that can affect your productivity which are-

1) Effect of physical workplace design:-

A fundamental aspect of the workplace environment that contributes to employee behavior is the layout of office space. Conventional workplaces have private offices whereas contemporary open-plan design is characterized by an absence of floor to ceiling walls and internal boundaries, as illustrated by cubicles or partitioned workspaces which facilitates communication and increases interaction between employees, and as a result improves employees‘ satisfaction, morale and productivity.

Indeed, some evidence exists to support these positive effects. Open-plan offices have led to increased communication among co-workers, higher aesthetic judgments, and have given more opportunities to socialize Several studies have found evidence that open-plan offices are related to decreased job satisfaction, reduced motivation, and lower perceived privacy but this will also depend upon the work done by employees and the workplace environment.

2) Effect of light- Studies

Effect of light- Studies have shown that altering the (lit) atmosphere of a space can change social behavior in both positive and negative ways as-

Thus proper lighting is essential for the comfort and productivity of employees. Natural light is known to increase productivity, creativity, and job satisfaction. Studies have shown that employees who work in a well-lit environment are more alert, focused, and productive. Additionally, adjustable lighting that can be adjusted to suit individual preferences and tasks is ideal.

3) Effect of indoor temperatures on performance

various studies have shown that indoor temperatures can have an impact on both health and performance of an individual in a workplace thus decreasing productivity. Discomfort factors can decrease employees‘ focus on their work. From the literature review by researchers indicate that productivity decreases by 2% per each degree over 25o C and presented the link between a decrement in productivity and high indoor temperature

4) Influence of color in office environment

The use colours in an office can also affect the productivity as-

  • Garris and Monroe (2005) state that colour influences not only mood but also wellness and productivity
  • As mentioned by Syahrul Nizam & Emma Marinie (2010), colours also affect psychological aspects of the building‘s occupants. Some colours provide calmness, some provide comfort, some are stimulating and many others have an impact in different ways. This means that color will affect the mood of the occupant of the space. So, appropriate color should be chosen to ensure the mood of the employees is good in order to encourage productivity.
  • O‘Brien (2007), suggests that a blue office is ideal for someone who must focus and concentrate on numbers, green is a great choice for a management office as it has a balancing effect, and yellow is suitable for sales offices. Therefore, the color scheme chosen for a workplace or an office must be made with proper consideration to produce better quality of work. If unsuitable colors were chosen, employees might be subject to negative psychological impacts such as stress, depression, dullness or boredom.

A blue office can help to focus and concentrate

5) Noise as a psychosocial stress

Studies have shown that when sound is turned off, errors in work are reduced and productivity increases. A way to reduce noise is use of Acoustic Panels: Excessive noise can be a major distraction and reduce productivity. Acoustic panels are sound-absorbing materials that can be installed on walls, ceilings, and floors to reduce noise levels. These panels can help to create a quieter and more productive workspace.

6) Influence of interior plants on employees

Relf. D. (1990) reports that interaction with plants, both passive and active, can change human attitudes, behaviors, and physiological responses . The stress-reducing benefits of passively viewing plants in natural settings are well documented thus can help to reduce stress in a workplace and can improve productivity of the employees.

A few studies done by researchers indicate that office workers are reported to be less tired when they have access to plants or window views, and prefer work environments with living plants and window views

7) Ergonomic furniture

Comfortable and ergonomic furniture can improve the overall well-being of employees. A well-designed chair, desk, or table can reduce the risk of physical injury and strain, which can, in turn, increase productivity. Additionally, movable and adjustable furniture that can be customized to suit individual needs and tasks can make the workspace more adaptable and flexible.

A study showed that ‘furniture’ is the most contributing factor which affects the performance of employees. This means that Ergonomics of office furniture has great importance because an employee’s work will always be associated with furniture and if they are neither comfortable nor user friendly, employees working style and efficiency will get hamper considerably.

Incorporation of natural materials

The use of natural materials like wood, stone, and biophilic design elements can create a more aesthetically pleasing and calming environment, which can help promote a sense of comfort and relaxation in employees. This, in turn, can lead to higher job satisfaction, which has been shown to be associated with higher levels of productivity.

In conclusion, the office interior design can significantly affect the productivity of employees. A well-designed workspace that takes into consideration the design plan, lighting, temperature, color, furniture, noise levels, and natural elements which can increase job satisfaction, creativity, and overall well-being. Employers who invest in creating a more conducive work environment can benefit from higher levels of productivity, greater employee satisfaction, and improved performance.