Five Simple Ways to Transform Your Office from Blah to Brilliant

Being at the Office vs Being Present at the Office

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends 8.8 hours a day working, yet studies show most office workers are productive just under 3 of those hours. Having a pleasant work environment can help employees enjoy work and be more productive. Here are some simple ways to brighten up the office:

Bring in Nature

Nature makes a profound effect on mental health. Because most people spend most of their waking hours indoors at work, it can be hard to find time to get out into a park or hiking trail. A study in the Journal of Positive Psychology showed simply being able to engage with nature makes an impact on our days. Bring in a dose of the outdoors to your office with some plants. Hearty cacti and succulents don’t need much care to stay alive.

Stock the Office Pantry with Healthy Snacks

Sweets like donuts and candy are often tempting to grab during a mid-afternoon slump. Foods high in sugar can give us a rush of energy but it is often soon followed by a crash. Salty, fatty snacks like chips dehydrate our bodies, which make us feel groggier too. Making healthy snacks like fruits and nuts available can help employees stay more productive throughout the workday.  

Dress Up Boring Walls

All-white walls can look clinical and glum. Break up the monotony of plain walls and cubicle dividers with a pop of color. Consider repaint with a brightly colored accent wall for your next interior update or decorate with cheerful artwork.

You might also follow the example of one company, Homepolish, that decided to decorate some blank wall space with a bulletin board to be filled by employees with motivational quotes and workplace accomplishments.

Add More Lighting

Natural light is more limited in the winter time and the lack of sun can affect employees, especially those who deal with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Switch from commercial fluorescent lighting to warmer residential light bulbs that are less straining on the eyes and create a more inviting feel to your office. You can also use mirrors, which reflect light and also create the illusion of having a brighter, bigger workspace

Have A Wellness Event

There’s nothing like a few minutes of downtime with chair massage at the office to help employees feel rejuvenated. Consider hosting a wellness event to show employees you appreciate their hard work and care about their health. A corporate yoga class can also bring the team together for a healthy bonding event.

Just like we decorate our homes to feel cozy and inviting, care should be taken to create an inviting and productive workspace. Taking some small steps to create a better environment for employees can go a long way.