One of the challenges of designing workspaces is designing a space that helps to boost the productivity of the business housed within. There will always be trends in workplace design, but productivity is always “in”. Here are the top 4 ways to design a space to boost productivity.

1. Understanding the Business’s Needs

The first step in designing a productive workspace is to understand the client’s business and their specific needs. Each business type has its unique requirements. For example, a technology firm may need collaborative spaces and private areas for focused work, while a creative agency might prioritize open, flexible spaces for brainstorming. 

Engaging with the client to understand their workflow, company culture, and employee needs is crucial.

2. Get the Layout Right

A recent study investigated the impact of workplace layout, particularly in open-plan offices, on employee perceptions of teamwork, focused work, and productivity. 

Although many studies have explored office satisfaction and the influence of physical comfort or office layout on interaction and collaboration, there’s limited understanding of how specific layout aspects, like openness, affect staff perceptions in these areas. This study wanted to address this gap by focusing on the nuanced variations within open-plan office spaces.

The study, conducted at the UK headquarters of a global technology company, combined results from a staff survey with a detailed spatial analysis of desks. 

Key findings indicate that employees are less likely to view their workplace environment positively if they have a high number of desks in their field of vision or if they are seated facing away from the room with a larger area behind them compared to their surrounding area.

Significantly, the research reveals that these spatial factors adversely affect teamwork aspects, such as information sharing, team identity, and cohesion. The impact on the ability to concentrate and work productively is even more pronounced, showing the largest effect sizes.

These findings underscore the importance of considering the detailed spatial qualities of specific locations within workplace layouts. The results also pose critical questions about the prevalent trend of designing large open-plan offices for technology companies, suggesting that such designs might not be optimal for promoting teamwork and productivity.

3. Ergonomics and Comfort

Ergonomics plays a significant role in productivity. 

A workspace that is ergonomically designed reduces physical strain and increases comfort, which in turn enhances efficiency. Incorporating adjustable furniture, appropriate lighting, and ensuring that workstations are designed to reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries are key considerations.

Incorporating ergonomics in the workplace is not only about enhancing comfort and productivity for the average worker; it’s also about ensuring accessibility and functionality for workers with disabilities. This inclusive approach is essential in creating a workspace that accommodates diverse needs, increasing the productivity of all employees. 

4. Consider Active Design

Active design is an approach to the planning and design of buildings and public spaces that aims to encourage physical activity and promote health among the occupants and users of these spaces. 

Active design in the workplace can significantly enhance productivity by addressing several key factors that impact employee performance and well-being. The core idea is to create a physical environment that encourages movement, supports health, and fosters a sense of well-being, all of which contributes to increased productivity.

This concept has gained significant attention as a response to the increasing awareness of the health impacts of modern sedentary lifestyles and the rise in related health issues such as obesity and heart disease. 

Active design strategies are particularly relevant in urban environments, where the built environment plays a crucial role in shaping daily behaviors.