How to Increase Employee Productivity by Improving Office Layout

With the average office worker in the UK spending around 1,700 hours in front of a computer screen annually, creating a pleasant and comfortable office space is integral not only to increase productivity, but also to protect employee health. According to one recent survey, 37% of participants attributed headaches to excessive screen time.

Poor office design can significantly impact work quality. Workers who spend a lot of time on the telephone can be affected when they are in close proximity to other office staff. In open plan office spaces, low or full-length partitions can be used to reduce background noise levels.

Uncomfortable office furniture with poor ergonomics can create serious health issues for workers, causing tension and pain in their necks, backs, and shoulders. Incorrect placement of computer monitors can trigger neck strain and bad posture. The UK Health and Safety Executive sets standards for working practices involving display equipment. Learn more by viewing the attached PDF.

Providing high quality and comfortable office furniture can significantly increase staff morale. The happier staff are the harder they will work, bringing more benefits to a business. Indeed, according to one study published by the Social Market Foundation, happier employees are around 20% more productive that their less content counterparts.

Investing in comfortable office chairs and desks is not only beneficial in terms of staff retention; it also helps attract top tier candidates. Research suggests that impressions are formed in a matter of seconds: seven, to be precise. Whether it is a high calibre job candidate attending for interview or a new client visiting the office, it is vital to ensure that a company makes the best possible impression. Shabby carpets and scruffy furniture can easily be remedied, unlike a poor first impression.

Furniture At Work’s comprehensive range of office chairs provide colleagues and clients with comfortable and supportive seating, delivering lumbar support to encourage healthy posture and promote optimum sitting positions. Discover more about the importance of providing quality office furniture by viewing the attached infographic.

4 Reasons to Invest in Quality Office Furniture

According to statistics from Business Matters, approximately 50% of UK employees report being unhappy at work. Work environments impact employee morale significantly, with one Ipsos survey revealing that 33% of respondents didn’t like their office environment. 45% reported dissatisfaction with the workplace temperature, while 32% were unhappy with light intensity. Improving working environments is critical to increase staff satisfaction and productivity. Discover more ways to boost employee happiness by watching the attached video.