As a business owner, you should know that there are various methods via which you can motivate your staff for better productivity; one is creating an agreeable working environment. Changing the look and feel of your office space might just be the catalyst you need to convert your business into a productive hub. Even if you can only play around with a few details, a minor change can have a major effect on the morale of your business.

Here, we look at five tips to get you started.

1. Create more space

Workers are prone to drops in productivity if they begin to feel claustrophobic. Even customers and clients who come into your workplace might not feel inclined to do business with you, because they feel a sense of the walls closing in on them. Admittedly, financial constraints could mean a small space is all that’s available, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it appear bigger.

London based office outfitting experts, TC&D Construction, suggest you can give an illusion of more space by allowing in more light. This is because light provides a feeling of space and openness that can defy the original dimensions of your office. Furthermore, if your office doesn’t have access to a natural source of light, you can always make allowances for extra lighting fixtures.

2. Design matters

Not many employers understand that design plays a huge role in the morale of their workers. Apart from the obvious aesthetic advantages, a well designed workplace exudes an atmosphere that encourages productivity. If you notice that your employees are slacking and can’t seem to identify the source of the problem, you might need to take another look at your office décor. There’s a chance the design has become so old as to appear depressing; alternatively, you could be using the wrong combination of colours which - rather than fire up your workforce - actually discourages them. Whichever is the root cause, it may just be time to talk to experienced commercial/office interior designers for professional advice and/or service. 

3. Create break-out space

Many modern offices comprise spaces filled with computers and other apparatus for work related activities. After a while, this can lead to drudgery. For example, when workers enter this phase, they begin to lose the motivation to work. This is why creating ‘break-out spaces’ is such a good idea. The concept of break-out spaces does not necessarily translate to places where workers can go to chat. Rather, you can actually design them in such a way that they also offer an opportunity to allow staff to work away from their computers for a spell.

The great thing about break-out spaces -- particularly if your commercial/office interior fit out is handled by firm with a good track record -- is that you’re not constrained by the need to follow a particular design template. This is for you and your workers - not the clients - so you’re free to be as creative as you wish. You can also get ideas from your workers.

4. Add productivity elements

You might be surprised to find out the marked effect that elements such as plants and natural features can have on your work environment. In fact, there is evidence to suggest that natural light and plants have various health benefits that can boost creativity and productivity.

Additionally, you can also introduce art and games to your office space. Any commercial/office refurbishment outfit that know its onions will always tell you that if you run an open office, where customers and workers can interact freely, these elements will also have a positive effect on your customers.

5. Little things matter

Sometimes, it’s the little things that end up making the biggest difference. For example, top commercial/office fit out companies in London have learnt to always apply the exquisite finishing touches to office designs as they could be what will bring the whole concept together or throw it off completely. Little things such as a well placed couch in the waiting room (rather than stiff backed chairs) can do a lot to improve the general work environment. Therefore, it’s important that after spending time, money and resources renovating your office, you pay attention to those seemingly small matters, as ultimately, they can help bring everything together at the end.

Whether you’re about to undergo a complete office renovation or just want to make some minor improvements, it’s always a good idea to hire a professional. Remember that your office is a direct reflection of your company’s image and can have a big influence on your employees and customers; so, be creative, but get it right.