7 Ways to Update Your Office

Your surroundings have an impact on how you feel, and having a good workspace is important for comfort and to encourage productivity. Working in an office that’s dull, dreary, and that feels oppressive isn’t good your staff or for business. In recent years, office design has developed towards creating a more vibrant and creative space for people to work in, as well as trying to make their surroundings have a more calming influence. If your office looks like it could do with a refurb, here are seven ways you can update it to create a happier, healthier working environment.

1. IT Solutions

Every business relies on computer software nowadays, and your business networks must function properly at all times to avoid delays and disruption. It’s not just about your IT network, though, you also need to consider the other electrical devices in your office, including CCTV and telephone lines. Consider looking into structured data cabling to enhance your office's IT networks and other connections for a more efficient workspace.

2. Let in Natural Light

Some offices might not have many windows, especially if you’re situated in an old building or small warehouse space. However, if you can allow more natural light into your office space, it’s recommended that you do. Harsh fluorescent lighting might help you see things better, but they don’t have the same positive effect on people that natural light does. To boost morale in the workplace, and make your employees more comfortable, consider finding ways to allow more natural light into the office.

3. Less Open-plan Spaces

Open-plan workspaces were all the rage, and many offices still have this design in place. While it can make your office look bigger, and was meant to encourage more collaboration and communication between employees, now it’s thought to do more harm to productivity than good. Some people find working in open-plan offices to be distracting, or the feeling of being watched all the time was off-putting and made people feel under pressure. Adding some more private, quiet areas for people to work could be an ideal update.

4. Add More Nature

Sometimes work can be stressful for everyone, and being around nature tends to have a more calming effect on people. This is why, like having more natural light, introducing some plant life in the office could help increase happiness and productivity. In addition to this, studies have suggested that having more plant life in an office has reduced the rate of sicknesses and absences. While plant life is at work is great for the health and well-being of staff, adding some greenery and even some colourful floral plants can help to make the office appear more attractive. Just remember to water them!

5. Upgrade the Break Room

Making sure employees are comfortable is important, which is why you should make sure the break room is in good condition. It’s depressing to sit in a room on cheap, plastic furniture with a dodgy microwave and battered kettle, both of which are sat upon a worn-out kitchen unit. They work hard, and where they take their breaks should be comforting and help them to revive themselves, not make them feel worse. You don’t have to spend a fortune, but make sure there are cosy sofas and chairs to sit on, a decent fridge that can hold everyone’s lunches and treats, and good appliances. Perhaps even stock up on some magazines or books for them to flick through while they enjoy their lunch? Whatever you decide to do, make the break room comfortable.

6. Fresh Paint

For an easier way to spruce up the office, a fresh coat of paint could do the trick. It’s always a good idea to refresh the walls once every few years anyway, but if you do want to make a bit more of a difference next time, consider choosing a new colour scheme. If you think your office currently appears to be a bit boring, think about exploring more vibrant colours that brighten up the room. Alternatively, you could choose calmer, subtler tones if you’re not feeling that adventurous.

7. Invest in Good Tech

Finally, investing in the latest tech could be another fantastic update for your office. With businesses relying on this so much to function in the modern age, keeping up with the best workspace tech is a must. From AI to augmented reality, think about how these new tech developments can help increase your office's productivity and make daily tasks easier to manage.

So, if you’re looking to breathe new life into your office, think about the points above and how they can transform it into a better workspace.