Photo by Luca Bravo on Unsplash
Work can’t always be fun and it won’t always be easy, but we should do what we can to streamline the workplace so employees can keep work day stress to a minimum. A workplace with subpar interior design makes the workday stressful for employees and can lower productivity and job satisfaction in workers.
Designing an ergonomic workspace will not only increase worker productivity but also ensure safe and happy workers. Here are a few simple things to consider when planning out your business’ interior design which can help to keep your workers content and productive.
Furniture
Your furniture scheme should be complementary and give a uniformity to employee workspace, without being drab or unappealing. It must also be as functional for your employees as it is for your customers. Before getting hooked on the style of your furnishings consider if they work best for your business.
Consider the amount of foot traffic you expect your business to see and plan your interior layout accordingly. Avoid bulky furniture in places that see a lot of movement. This will make it easier for staff to get to their customers, pass each other while handling food or drinks, or guide customers to their seats.
Make sure counter and bar space is at optimal height for use. Keep in mind: bar height and counter height differ by several inches. Standard bar height is between 40” to 43” while counter height usually ranges between 35” to 39”.
Lighting and Windows
Natural lighting has a surprisingly large effect on the feel of an interior space, that both customers and employees will notice. The natural lighting provided by windows or skylights gives your space a more open and airy feel, reducing the sense of confinement, even in smaller locations.
Not only does natural lighting save you a bit on electricity costs but it’s also proven to be beneficial to the health of workers. A lack of natural lighting can have a negative impact on the mood and sleep cycles of employees, while in contrast, the constant drone and unnatural intensity of fluorescent lights can be distracting and even headache inducing.
During the evenings artificial light from the outside should be reduced whenever possible. You may want to consider using light and noise reducing materials such as those in blackout curtains to maintain the interior ambiance of your business environment.
Flooring
Any business that handles food and drinks should take the time to consider what flooring will be functionally best for their employees and their customers. We still see plenty of restaurants with low-cost laminate floors, always one liquid spill away from a nasty slip. While such materials are cheaper and easier to come by, they do little to improve the safety or style of the work environment.
Your flooring should be slip resistant to avoid the risk of injury to your staff and your customers. This is especially true for service industries such as restaurants and bars where you’ll have people coming and going frequently.
Carpets are a popular choice of flooring, providing the traction needed for commercial flooring. If you desire a carpeted floor in your business, consider low height or micro-weave carpeting, complimented by tables and chairs which are easy to move without snagging on the carpet material.
With a bit of planning and consideration the workplace can feel less like a dungeon and more like an enjoyable place to work. Small steps are more appreciated than one might think. Just shaving a few seconds of fuss off of a busy day can have a large impact on employee performance, keeping stress down to a minimum. These small considerations can go a long way in making sure your employees have a productive and pleasant working environment.
