The kind of environment you provide to your employees can have a positive or negative impact on their productivity. They don't just need a chair that reduces discomfort and pain in the back, shoulder and neck. In addition to a desk or cubicle for their devices, lunch box and other belongings, they need adequate storage solutions, accessible outlets to charge their devices and especially, more comfortable space, which is a little difficult to achieve.
Small businesses have a capped budget and they have to pay rent, invest in quality chairs, desk storage, storage solutions and other pieces of furniture, business stationery and so on. However, creating an ideal office is difficult but not impossible. You can achieve an optimized work environment with some simple office hacks.
So, if you want a little more room in your office, here are ten tips for you.
1. Keep it Organized
The role of furniture and office layout is crucial in keeping an office organized. When it comes to furniture, office storage in Australia is often ignored. A cluttered desk can cause stress. Files scattered in front of the employee tell that there is a lot of work to do. So, ensure adequate storage in your office. You can keep less frequently used items in the storage. Keeping your office organized makes it look more spacious.
2. Use the Right Furniture
You don't need a huge leather sofa in the reception area. A slim profile sofa or loveseat does not occupy too much room. Keep an eye on utility and comfort when you are choosing chairs, desks, cubicles, storage solutions or other pieces of furniture. Don't ignore the total space your office furniture will take up. Multi-use furniture does not occupy much space.
3. Choose Strategic Lighting
Your lighting choices can also make your office look smaller or spacious. Dim light makes it look less spacious. Mounting blinds or drapes far enough can make windows appear larger. Try to get maximum light in the office. In case you don't have windows or windows are too small, use track lighting that can be easily adjusted according to your needs.
4. Choose the Right Layout
Following are the most common types of office layout:
- Cellular Office Layout
- Open Office Layout
- Co-working Office Layout
- Combination Office Plan
Keeping office size, your budget, industry and other aspects in mind, learn about the advantages and disadvantages of these office layouts.
Placing furniture on the edges of the walls allows you to make the best use of your space. If the open space is in one separate area, you can place an area rug there. Make smart furniture choices such as corner desks.
5. Be Savvy with Colour
Choose wall colour wisely as it can make a big difference. For one wall, choose colour coordinating with your office furniture. Leave the other walls off-white. This gives a spacious feeling to your office. As long as you are not going overboard, bold colours are perfect for your small office. Painting one or two walls darker adds an illusion of depth in a smaller space.
6. Don't Ignore Design Appeal
The office design has to be cohesive. The furnishing must coordinate with each other. You don't need tons of furniture and fixtures. Go for the best you can afford. You can buy second-hand furniture in the best shape. Pick pieces that make your small office look elegant. Office decoration can be your next inexpensive DIY project.
7. Store Smartly
From cables and electrical cords to office supplies and personal belongings of employees, you need to store a lot of things and you have limited space. This is where you have to make smart choices. You can use hideaway storage, shelves, cabinets, desks with storage, and other storage solutions in Australia.
8. Pay Attention to Ergonomics
Your employees cannot put in their best with an aching back, eye strain, and stiff neck. Most offices have started using adjustable chairs. However, height adjustable desks are not as popular as adjustable chairs. Using relaxing chairs from ErgoTune is also a great idea for your business chairs. Most businesses are still using traditional cubicles or desks. If they accommodate your employee’s needs, use adjustable height standing desks. While the chair must support your body. Make sure that the keyboard and screen are also at the right height.
9. If Possible, Consider Shared Workplace
You can also opt for the shared spaces workstyle. You can rent an affordable office with shared conference, break and printing areas. There is a great demand for such affordable offices. However, if your budget allows then you should rent your own office and customize it according to your needs. Lack of customization, distraction, proximity to competitors and there are several other disadvantages of opting to use shared office spaces.
10. Make an Impression
A clean and neat area always looks more spacious. It also creates an important first impression. Make sure that you have an unintimidating and comfortable seating area for your clients.
You don't have to invest too much money and time to make your office look more spacious and fabulous. Just make the right choices.
