36 hours per week, 1,730 hours per year. Just in case you are wondering what these figures are, they represent the amount of time an average full-time employee spends in the office. If we are being honest, that's a lot of time spent in a single place over a year.
So, it is quite unsurprising when people let their imaginations riot to create a perfect workspace - an ideal office where they can enjoy a considerable portion of their lives.
Many people will even go so far as to design an office space that will inspire their coworkers to want to replicate their layout, demonstrating how important it is to create a pleasant work environment.
That said, there are basics to consider when you want to invent a suitable office space for yourself. These elements, as little as they may seem, are blocks upon which an excellent work atmosphere is built.
In this article, we have highlighted some of the essential elements to note when creating a perfect work environment, and they include:
1. Space
When it comes to an office layout or appearance, space is at the centre of the discussion. After all, no one wants to work in a limiting environment.
Of course, you barely have any use for an overly large work area, but it would help if you had enough space where you won't feel confined or restricted.
Apart from affording you unrestricted movement, a good amount of space will give you the freedom to arrange your things just as you like.
2. Lighting
Lighting is an essential aspect of every living environment - even for plants. It is critical to get the lighting in your office space just right because it can affect your work productivity and energy levels.
That said, natural lighting is simply the best option for your work environment. However, that is not to say you can't use electrical lighting to brighten up the office now and then - especially on cloudy days.
Install window blinds instead of curtains, so you will be able to control the amount of light that enters your workspace.
You would appreciate this form of lighting even more if you enjoy nurturing plants in your space.
3. Good temperature
Most of your overall weekly hours will be spent in your office, except you are on vacation. So, you must ensure that you have a comfortable atmosphere in your workspace at all times.
An uncomfortable climate or temperature can negatively impact your productivity and workflow. Hence, you don't want your office to be heated or cold.
Ensure that you can control the temperature of the area. If not, you should consider installing space heaters or personal fans to warm and cool your office whenever the need arises.
4. Colour
Just as light affects your productivity and energy levels, colour can impact your mental awareness and emotional state. While it won't hurt to go with a monotonous shade of paint on your wall, it is best to shake things up a little and get creative with the colour scheme of your workspace.
Moreover, your lighting is just as good as the colour of your space. So, it would help if you considered using hues that would brighten up your work environment.
Now, colour scheming doesn't stop at the walls; it also includes the colour of your office furniture, arts, paintings, and other installations.
5. Sound
It is no secret that most work environments thrive on the absence of noise, or at least minimal sonic disturbance. So, you surely want your office to be serene enough to enhance focus and not upset your workflow.
While soundproofing can only do so much in keeping external noise at bay, you will need to note where other disturbing sounds emanate from and how they can be minimized. For instance, you may have to replace your fan with a noiseless one.
6. Decor
Although decorations and putting up ornaments or art pieces might be a little less of a priority, it adds some appeal to your workspace's appearance.
You don't need the 'Mona Lisa' or some priced sculpture to make an artistic impression. A few simple pieces like a potted plant or a framed art print should do the trick.
7. Ergonomic Furniture
A workspace will be far from perfect if it is not safe and healthy for you. Hence, it would be best if you utilized ergonomic furniture like height-adjustable desks, back-support office chairs, etc. This type of furniture is suited to make you feel comfortable while you do your work.
Also, it would help if you used some accessories or office items that offer ergonomic benefits. Examples of these office tools are keyboard trays, monitor mounts, and anti-fatigue mats - to mention a few.
Conclusion
The importance of a suitable working environment can't be overemphasized, as the quality of your work is only as good as the area where the job is being carried out.
While the above list offers a template for creating a perfect workspace, you must also consider your needs and preferences during the process.
