Introduction
The work environment is one of the fundamental criterions for either increasing or decreasing worker productivity. If a business wants to increase its profits it must look into a number of factors to motivate their employees to work harder. Although it is true that pay has a lot to do with motivation but that is not enough to sustain worker productivity. One must also take into consideration the work place which should be conducive to increasing the productivity of workers
The office space should be given utmost importance by managers because it gives the employee a sense of belonging. Research suggests that work place stress can be handled effectively if the working environment is regulated and kept under constant check so as to make sure that it is conducive to worker productivity. The lighting, the furniture, the office space; these are just some of the things that should be up to mark to improve the environment. There can be quite rooms with mellow lighting where employees can take a break and relax whilst listening to soft music. Their can be miniature ponds in a garden that has plants and flower.
This could also have a soothing effect on the employees especially those who are under a lot of stress. However these facilities can only be provided in organizations that can afford them. The point to be noted is that if such facilities can be provided then well and good otherwise at least the minimum requirements of a compatible work environment must be kept in mind. Starting with the most basic such as, hygiene conditions, temperature, air quality, lighting, etc.
Main body
A research done on the productivity of workers and the effect of the indoor environment shows that the productivity decreases as the workspace becomes crowded. In fact the productivity can be increased as much as 10% if the indoor environment is taken into consideration. The analysis showed that the most common complaints the workers had about unsatisfactory work environments had to do with high or low temperature variations , stale and stuffy air ; dry or humid air. The overall assessment showed that the environment of the entire building and different offices within the same building varied and the variation also depicted changes in productivity thus proving the point that the worker is affected by the working conditions and environment. (Croome, 632)
Many methods can be employed to make the workplace a livelier and healthier environment. For instance indoor plants have proven to be effective in clearing the air and giving a homey appearance. Other factors that make a significant difference are the lighting the air circulation and ventilation. There is nothing better than fluorescent lights with individual desk lighting and ample sunlight. Dark dingy rooms that look like dungeons depress the overall working environment and can definitely have a negative impact on workers productivity. Furthermore the décor needs to be up to mark as well. This includes clean carpets, blinds and furniture that is not old or battered.
The reception area should be inviting and the break rooms relaxing. A regularly cleaned and maintained environment is not only good for the people working in it but it also help to build a good image of the office to people who are visiting. It is important to note that employees prefer privacy especially if the work environment is overly open then at least the cubicles should be private. Moreover the office supplies need to be adequate and usable. The machinery and the overall support system of the office that takes care of routine activities have to be fully functional and adequate in supply so as to reduce discontentment at the work place. (Irons, n.p.)
Many companies today fully realize the benefits of a well designed and laid out office with a good environment as well as its connection to productivity. Well laid out offices ensure higher morale and less labor turnover. Having a team of design professionals such as interior designers, architects, furniture dealers and contractors help build the ideal working space. A lot of factors need to be taken into consideration in order to decide on how the workspace should be. (Shuman, n.p.)
First off there must be an understanding of the culture of the organization, its goals and its mission statement. The ambiance and design will support as well as promote the identity of the company and it will further ensure the sustenance of its clientele. Since there is a lot of communication going on in the workplace factors such as reducing barriers to communication need to be considered. One cannot have the likes of clutter disrupting the normal channel of meeting with or communicating with other employees in the same office. Of course provisions must be made within the working environment for keeping technological equipment that cannot be ignored especially since it is the primary means of running a business in the 21st century.
Built in flexibility is a feature that all companies should consider as it prevents making costly changes in the infrastructure. Movable walls and adaptable lighting are just some of the examples that can meet numerous changing needs of the company. An individualized work environment can be established if these factors are given importance. The initial investment eventually pays off as it leads to increased efficiency and worker satisfaction as well as loyalty. (Shuman, n.p.)
Factually behavioral studies have proven that a pleasant workplace reduces turnover and dissatisfaction with the job. There is no need to make commercial kitchens dingy, bland and windowless. Installing make up air around the kitchen helps reduce draft and stagnant air which is often polluted due to the use of toasters and coffee makers. Natural light in the kitchen could also have a strong psychological effect on employees so it is vital that there is either a spatial window or a skylight.
This has the added advantage when it comes to saving on using electric lighting. If we talk about the workplace it essentially covers not just the individual work station but the entire office and the office constitutes a number of areas which should all be treated as one and not neglected when it comes to fixtures, furniture etc. the kitchen is as important as any other place and as such it should have an upgraded look where employees can actually sit and enjoy their lunch time without having to worry about anything else.
Formica table tops with colorful cabinets and utility compartments give a neat, organized and corporate look. The ceiling should be of the optimal height and the ventilator hoods in the appropriate place so as to maintain the look of a standardized office kitchen. There many ways that can be adopted in order to achieve a soft image in a cost effective way. The point is to spend money in a smart way so as to ensure maximum utility at the least price. If the entire office is being remodeled it will cost a lot less if one contractor who is reliable is doing the job. (Frable, n.p.)
Noise is one of the main causes of stress and dissatisfaction at the work place by most employees. One particular study showed that noise cuts the workers productivity by 40% and increases errors by 27%. Many companies have realized the need to make the work environment conducive to productivity and for this purpose they have made use of antiglare computer screens, ergonomic office chairs and using lights other than the fluorescent ones that can damage eyes. However recent surveys have shown that despite the fact that these changes have been made employees still feel that the number one hurdle in the way of their concentration and productivity at work is noise.
Research shows that if the noise levels are controlled concentration is improved by 40% and the employee is less likely to make errors at work thus saving both time and resources. So to contain noise pollution at work sound masking systems have been put to use which greatly reduce the level of noise in an environment and increase the level of accuracy. Conclusively investing in a sound masking system is an effective technique that will increase worker productivity, morale and ultimately lead to the generation of profits. (office sound masking , n.p.)
Some field experiments suggest that placing plants in the work place not only leads to a cleaner and better environment but also has reinforcing capabilities that increases the workers level of productivity. Placing of plant enhances creativity and opens the mind to new ideas. (Klein, 1) An experiment was conducted to see how the presence or non presence of plants increases the workers productivity. The conclusion reached was that the room in which there were plants was the one where the employee felt less exhausted, stressed out and fatigued. Whereas the room where there were no plants was the one which had a negative impact on the employee as far as comprehending creative tasks is concerned. (Klein, 4)
It’s a very outdated concept to assume that the worker considers only the job to be a perk and is least bothered about the work environment. That is a myth that has increasingly been rejected from all quarters of any organization – Its one of the primary factors that decides whether an employee will stay or leave their work. Paying attention to the environment then becomes fundamental to the employer. Obviously if he or she is able to provide good working conditions he or she will benefit from workers that will be loyal to the company and this reduces costs as it reduces turnover as it reduces the costs that would have been incurred if new employees were to be trained.
Many employees perceive their company with respect to the work environment and may leave their current jobs just because another company might have a better office and amenities. Companies like Digitas, Google, and Remedy are a few of them which have taken the office space into serious consideration when designing their work stations. These companies have done precisely what experts would call ‘smart’ they took into consideration their organizations culture and set up their environment according to that. Google the internet search engine that has offices spread throughout the world has adopted the wide open space culture with vibrant decorations that gives a feeling of a college atmosphere.
Both Digitas and Google have access to scooters to commute within the organization. Not only is this convenient but it also shows that these two companies are keeping up with the time and always looking into innovative ways into making their work environment bursting with positive energy. Some organizations such as Remedy let their workers decide whether they want to work in an open space or an enclosed office because they know that employees should be treated in a way that will sustain their work credibility. Such organizations have facilities such as a baby sitting room , a games room , an exercising room etc. the employees can refresh their minds and make full use of these facilities whenever they feel that their work is becoming too tiresome for them. (Blumberg, n.p.)
Over 90% of the cost that is incurred by commercial office buildings is the cost of the employee’s salary. If these employees can be kept satisfied, then the costs can indirectly be decreased in the form of increased productivity and higher profits. Research suggests that the work productivity decreases due to the prevalence of the sick building syndrome (SBS). The right kind of temperature and system of ventilation can have a huge impact on the working environment as proven by many experiments that have been conducted in this regard. Some research suggests that the most comfortable level of temperature has an optimal effect on worker productivity. Performance has been noted to drop if the temperature is too high and if the ventilation system is faulty. (Fisk, 5)
The way a certain building is structured can have both positive and negative effects on performance. Negative effects can be described as those which frequently hinder the workers ability to concentrate (Johnson, 8.123). Such symptoms can be found in closed tiny cubicles which have a bad system of ventilation and are usually windowless. In contrast employees who have their own private work station which is spacious and well ventilated are better able to cope with their job requirements and have a greater degree of satisfaction.
Certain things must be considered if one is to come up with an ideal work environment. Studies show that mental functioning and its stability is helped by environments that promote cognitive tranquility. What is important in this is perceptual distance or a feeling of openness. This could either be real or virtual. (Johnson, 8.127)
Conclusion
Increasingly the office has become more personalized and the employees are like a family unit that long for a home that is compatible and suitable to their needs. If this requirement is not fulfilled then the working environment will hardly suffice the requirements that any employee might be concerned with. Moreover, if a company provides a proper working space as per the international standards or OSHA standards, it would be fruitful for the company as well as more productivity means more revenue.
Works Cited
Blumberg , n.p. Web.
Derek Clements- Croome, 632. Web.
Kori Rodley Irons , n.p. Web.
Donna Shuman , n.p. Web.
Foster Frable, n.p. Web.
Jeffery Johnson , 8.123 , 8.127. Web.
John Klien, 1 ,4. Web.
Office sound masking.com , n.p. Web.
William Fisk , 5. Web.