Saturday, January 3, 2009

Understanding the Relationship Between Office Design and Profits

By Ed Edwards

Keeping one's eye on office design and building maintenance are important parts to going about doing business that many business owners neglect. The design of office interiors can have an intense effect on the disposition and productivity of staff members and upper management. Supplying a well-maintained workplace is crucial in reference to health and safety concerns. Through the use of proper design and upkeep, offices are able to benefit from some sort of control over the happiness, welfare, and effectiveness of not only their staff members, but themselves also.

It would seem to be obvious that the better off and healthier a person is, the more productive that someone will be. Even though company owners might appreciate this idea, they quite often disregard the results that office design can have on their staff members. Often, building maintenance is overlooked, resulting in awful air quality or dangerous areas inside the workplace. Furthermore, the incorrect colors, furniture setup, or noise level can negatively effect the disposition and fortitude of those working within such conditions.

One fantastic way to begin improving office design is to consider the amount of disorder that is at present in the place of work. Office interiors that allow little room for people to move can bring about thoughts of being "closed in" or claustrophobia. Many home offices end up arranged in this style, with too much office equipment or furniture taking up most of the available space. By opening everything up and creating space, many individuals will get a sense of freedom. What must be realized is that these sensations can turn into a more optimistic mood, more communication with others, and more collaboration.

Planting plants and flowers can have a fantastic effect on the workers working in an office environment. Office interiors filled with nature can have a soothing effect. When an office is experienced as too sterile, workers can again feel closed in, which might result in a more antagonistic environment. Try utilizing windows that expose fresh lawns or garden areas. One more useful manner to perk up office design is to pay attention to the noise level. If workplace equipment or nearby traffic are too deafening, the noise can have a depressing impact on the people working. Try adding extra carpet, blinds, or office partitions to aid with any excess noise.

An office design modification could be needed when the office interiors are comprised of design ideas and furniture from two to three decades ago. Numerous older office places are made gloomy with shadowy colored furniture, rugs and drapes. By shaking up the office with lighter colors and additional open spaces, the work atmosphere can be changed from a routine experience to one that helps bring a happy and calm feeling to everyone who enters the updated space.

Building maintenance should be looked at when creating any office design modifications. Maintenance is needed to keep all aspects of the place of business in excellent working condition. Normal office cleanings keep the workspace free from grime and dirt. Things such as the roof must be maintained in order to stop water leaks, which will just bring about additional costs to the owner when the inside of the place of business suffers from water damage.

One aspect to building maintenance that is usually ignored is the air quality. Any office design plan needs to include the proper total of waste cans to collect waste properly. Refrigerators must be in any kitchen spot to keep food from going bad. All waste needs to be disposed of in a prompt manner. Plants and flowers should be kept watered and cared for. Keep furniture away from any vents and be sure to maintain all heating and air conditioning systems.

Although all workplaces have detailed actions that should be acted on during the course of each work day in order to be prolific, never underestimate the influence that the right office design and building maintenance can have on the individuals in charge of finishing each duty. Whether operating in a home office or a large corporate building, office interiors are a key facet to creating the environment that best assists to bring in the revenue everyone is concerned about . - 15246

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