Designing to increase productivity

An agile working environment

The precise definition of an agile working environment is a matter for debate. Generally associated with flexible working, remote working and home working arrangements, agile working is, in fact, a broad term, which encompasses all manner of factors relating to working practices. It can be construed as a mix of the encompassing of modern technological devices, the principles of flexible and smart working and the individual working preferences of employees.

By utilising modern technology, and making the most of remote mobile devices, workers can choose how and where they work; this makes them smart workers who instinctively know how best to be productive.

Office managers report greater productivity, improved morale and a heightened sense of purpose amongst employees who are able to choose their own working schedules. Allowing a worker the freedom to be agile makes an employee more motivated and involved in their work.

To fully facilitate agile working, employers must offer their employees a wide range of options in terms of workspaces, flexible break out areas, seating arrangements and the ability to use portable devices both inside and outside the office.

Hitting the right temperature

How hot or cold an office is, is also known to make a difference to work outcomes. Different studies have concluded varying optimal temperatures for workers, ranging from 21-25.

The temperature of an office will depend on a variety of factors from the time of year and the type of air conditioning installed to the layout and the ergonomics of the workspace. It's worth measuring and evaluating how the workspace operates in terms of air flow and how conducive it is to maintaining an optimal temperature as most people can't stand being either too hot or too cold and productivity has been proven to drop when the temperature significantly increases or decreases.

The benefits of natural lighting

Whilst overhead office lighting can cause fatigue, eye strain and headaches, there is a high correlation between the amount of natural light in an office and the efficiency of employees.

The recommended ratio of artificial light to natural light in an office is 1:5, as stated in European legislation; daylight is good for the vision and encourages a healthy immune system.

Studies indicate that higher productivity is the result of an increased amount of natural light. People in offices exposed to a greater amount of natural light were shown to feel a higher level of satisfaction in their workplace, thanks to the variety and stimulation afforded by a view out of a window.

Other design aspects

Choosing comfy, practical chairs and desk arrangements allows workers to sit comfortably and to work at their optimum level of performance. Low-level furniture is preferred in many modern offices, as it encourages a free flow of ideas and removes traces of the old hierarchy, where the boss is separate to the rest of the workforce.

Supporting furniture, including bookcases, cabinets and lockers, should take into account how the office will look to both employees and customers. At the same time, thought must be given to the design of client facing areas. Note, creating a positive, uplifting client environment may well enable staff to interact with clients in a more productive way.