Are you looking for ways to increase your employee retention and productivity scores? Do you need to find new pathways to teamwork to meet your yearly goals?
The cost of training a new employee can be as much as $9,000 for an hourly employee. Replacing a tech employee can actually run as much as $120,000.
It’s in every small business’s best interest to retain employees for as long as possible. But what can you do if your office morale is low?
If you need to revitalize your office space, this article’s for you. We’ll give you 8 office space design ideas to banish boredom and get everyone back on track.
1. White Boards
The first step toward jump-starting your team is to install whiteboards. There’s something about the creative process that demands a large, erasable space.
You can also use whiteboards to keep track of team progress and sales goals. If you’re going to use whiteboards, make sure to install them where there won’t be too much glare.
Small whiteboards are also great for schedules that frequently get updated and team reminders.
2. Quiet Spaces
Another way to boost employee morale is to develop quiet spaces. Creative and tech employees may need to have alone time in order to do their jobs correctly.
If you have an open office plan, try to establish a library or other quiet space where people can sit to work. Think of a coffeehouse vibe: couches and over-stuffed armchairs.
If you really want to go the distance, take the time to install a cork underlayment beneath your quiet room’s floor. WidgetCo can work with businesses of any size on developing a relaxing, creative space.
3. Natural Light
Studies show that workers with access to natural light sleep better at night – and longer. If your employees seem like they’re always tired, you might want to tear down a few walls.
If you need to have internal walls, consider replacing the existing walls with glass. You can install opaque glass that will preserve your privacy while allowing employees to get some sun.
It’s a big investment, but the cost is low compared to the cost of re-training and re-hiring employees who are burned out by fluorescent lighting.
4. Comfortable Kitchens
Some of the most productive conversations happen outside of work, so why not encourage them? Having a comfy kitchen with free coffee and drinks is a bonus to employees.
Having relaxed employees who feel comfortable at work is a big bonus to the employer. Kitchens should have a homey feel and not feel corporate and impersonal.
Some businesses also have free lunch for their employees one day per week or catered breakfast once in a while.
5. Houseplants
One of the best creative office space ideas is to bring the outdoors into your office. Houseplants thrive in natural light and are a great mood booster.
Houseplants are an inexpensive way to make your office look homier and more accessible. If gardening isn’t your thing, you can have a professional come in once per week to water and trim your plants.
When you’re looking for plants, try to get hardy varieties like pothos that will grow well with minimal care.
6. Local Art
If you’re looking for original office space design ideas, check out some local artists. You’ll be supporting your community and brightening up your office at the same time.
To get in touch with local artists, consider volunteering at an art museum or running a fundraiser for an art program.
Having a “day of service” for your employees is a great idea. It brings everyone together as a team and provides a much-needed service for your community.
If you would like a custom piece of art, you can search our online directory of animators, illustrators, and graphic designers.
7. Movable Desks
One of the coolest office decorating ideas that we’ve come across is the idea of movable desks. You probably have teams that meet on a regular basis, so why not build in a little flexibility?
You don’t have to make every desk movable, but you might want to have some desks that can travel. Check out desks with wheels or ones that easily fold for transport.
You might find that collaboration improves when teams have the freedom to meet wherever they want. Having a little room to experiment is a job perk that will lead to higher employee retention rates.
8. “Maker” Space
Another creative office design idea is to have a dedicated maker space. It can be a place to think, plan, and do small projects.
Talk to your employees about what to put inside your maker space. It could be anything from a 3-D printer to clay to sewing supplies.
Having a maker space at work doesn’t have to be a distraction. It can be a way for your employees to think through problems and get their productivity back on top.
Some of your employees might even prefer to work in the maker space. Couches and tables are always a good idea.
Get Started On a New Office Space Design
No matter what kind of office space design you prefer, there’s one step that you must take before any redesign. You’ve got to involve your employees.
They might be a bit reluctant to share their thoughts at first, so you might want to make the pre-planning an anonymous process.
You can have employees write down their thoughts on paper, or you could make an online form for them to fill out.
Retaining employees may seem like an impossible task, but it boils down to freedom and flexibility. People want to feel relaxed and happy at work, interfacing with their co-workers in a calm environment.
The more that you can do as an employer to make your office feel like home, the better.
Once you have your new office space design all set, update your website and submit it to us online. We like to shine a spotlight on websites that are well-designed, simple, and effective. Looking forward to hearing from you!