You probably already know that as a business owner, there are a million and one things you need to think about. And, when you’ve now, perhaps after months of focusing on the ‘work from home’ concept, got a business premise to think about, that’s another thing added to your list. So, let’s take a look at the 5 key qualities you need to ensure when setting up a new workspace for your business, and thus expect to increase the level of comfort and productivity of your employees.
By Team Savant
Image: Hammer Group
Lighting
First things first, you need to think about how you’re going to light the space you’re going to be working in. If it’s too bright, people are going to end up with headaches or migraines. Similarly, if it’s too low, people are going to struggle to see what they’re doing, which can cause eye strain, further headaches, and a loss of quality in work.
You’ll need to think about each section of your workplace. There may be areas where the light needs to be brighter, for example where someone is using a sewing machine, so you could consider LED spotlights to help light it up. You could also consider personal desk lamps too for intricate work that won’t bother the people working nearby.
In other areas of your workspace, you might consider warmer lighting for your team so that the light isn’t so harsh and doesn’t reflect, causing a glare into people’s eyes. Here’s a great guide on lighting in the workplace if you’re not sure where to start.
Heating
The next thing you need to think about is temperature control in your workplace. Does your workspace have windows to let in fresh cool air when it’s warmer? If not, you might need to think about installing an AC unit so that you can keep cool during the summer months.
On the other hand, have you considered how you’re going to heat your space when things cool down? Central heating is always a good place to start, but if you have a larger working space, it might not heat the whole space effectively. If you do have a large room that you need to heat, you should think about calling a company that provides church heating. Think about it — how is a large space like that heated?
It’s worth finding out because if people are too hot or too cold while they’re working, they simply aren’t going to produce their best work!
Decor
Next up is the decor. This might be a bit of a grey area if you’re renting your space and changing the decor isn’t allowed, but it’s definitely something worth considering.
If you are able to make changes to your work space, remember to keep the colours light and neutral to avoid any distractions to your team. This is especially important if your office is small — the last thing you need is block colours on your walls that make the space feel smaller.
If you’re unable to change the decor, there are still things you can do to make it a nicer environment to work in. You could add potted and hanging plants around your workspace and use nail-free art hanging tools so that you can make it a much nicer place to work.
Equipment
Another thing you need to consider is the equipment you’ll need for your workspace. While staying within a budget is an important factor, sometimes it’s better to invest now rather than have to replace it sooner. Things like computers, copy machines, industrial machines and technology are worth putting the investment in so that not only do you not have to replace them in the near future, but your team can work effectively and productively. After all, we’ve all seen what a slow computer can do to even the most patient of people!
Amenities
Finally, as an employer, no matter where you work, you need to make sure everyone’s basic needs are catered to. This will mean making sure there’s a station for refreshments like tea and coffee, and a fridge for people to put their lunches in. And of course, you’ll need to make sure there are bathroom facilities no matter how long or short people’s shifts are.