Modern offices and workplaces continue to evolve as time passes, thanks to ever-changing trends and schools of thought. Let’s take a look at a few examples:
- Most offices used to have closed cubicles that provided employees with some privacy and quiet. Although these offices still exist, many workplaces have adopted a more open floor plan to encourage interaction.
- Many offices have recently begun adding standing desks, treadmill desks, and bike desks.
- Some workplaces have started adding game rooms and nap rooms.
Of course, all of the changes listed above are often done in the name of increasing employee morale, satisfaction, and ultimately — productivity.
If you’re looking to make adjustments and set your office up better, here are a few things you can do.
Design an Efficient Layout
An efficiently laid out workplace offers several benefits. Providing the most efficient way to get around can reduce time spent navigating and traversing the floor — something that can be much more important for large offices. An office with an efficient layout also helps guests navigate more easily and sets employees up for easier workdays. Read also: Ping Pong Table Reviews
Provide Collaborative Spaces
Most offices will have conference rooms or meeting rooms that allow employees to meet. However, as the world continues to change and adapt to modern existence and remote work, it may be a good idea to provide employees with spaces that are more enticing and conducive to work and collaboration.
It could be a good idea, for example, to provide employees with a room where remote workers may have an easier time calling in and participating in meetings. You may also want to furnish the space somewhat more comfortably while paying attention to the room’s lighting (more on this below).
Light and Sound are Important
When setting up offices, it’s easy to overlook lighting and ambient sounds. However, both play an important role in employees’ moods and productivity.
Imitation daylight or blue-toned lighting can help boost efficiency and productivity, making it a great choice on the work floor or in spaces where productivity is most expected. Warm white light is great for places of collaboration, like meeting and conference rooms. In areas where you want to invoke a warm, welcoming feeling, such as a reception lobby or break room, warm-toned light can work wonders.
Sound also plays a much bigger role than you might think — a noisy environment can prove distracting and problematic for people who struggle to focus. If you haven’t decided on an office space yet, it may be a good idea to avoid areas near the highway or train tracks. If a room echoes, installing sound dampeners and absorbers could be a good idea to reduce ambient noise.
Adding a Game Room
Your instincts might tell you that adding a game room seems counter-intuitive and counterproductive to your goal of increasing office productivity.
However, many companies have recently started adding them as they begin to realize how important breaks are to employee satisfaction. And although a break room can work, a game room adds an extra factor that may boost employee happiness all around.
If you’re still wondering why you should add a game room into the office, here are a few reasons:
- Increases productivity
- Improves employee job satisfaction
- Fosters creativity and innovation
- Allows de-stressing and relaxation, leading to improved morale
- Allows for team-building, improved communication, and enhanced employee relationships
- Increases employee retention
- Reduces healthcare costs
The reduction in healthcare costs is worth mentioning when you first think about it — happy employees dealing with less stress overall may not get sick as often. Additionally, you can furnish the room with ping pong tables, which offer numerous mental, emotional, and physical health benefits.
Is a Ping Pong Table a Good Idea?
When you first think about it, a ping pong table may seem like an odd addition to a workplace. However, table tennis offers plenty of benefits perfect for work environments.
Mental and Emotional Benefits
Ping pong is a fast-paced sport that requires you to make split-second decisions to score against your opponent. It helps employees hone their decision-making skills in moments of high pressure. Some other benefits include:
- Improves focus
- Lessens stress and frustration
- Helps with creativity
- Improved hand-eye coordination
- Provides mental stimulation
Physical Benefits
As a physical sport, ping pong provides an avenue for employees to get some exercise. It also helps by breaking up a day spent sitting in front of a computer. Other benefits include:
- Burns calories
- Gentle on joints and perfect for any age
- Hones gross and fine motor skills
- Improves reflexes
Spicing Things Up
Making a few changes around the office can help you keep your employees happier and more productive. Adding a ping pong table and a game room can help boost morale and enjoyment all around, reducing employees’ stress levels. In turn, employees may become more productive overall.
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