In recent years, businesses across the world have been looking for ways to improve the overall productivity of their team, and this has led to an increased focus on workspace design. Numerous studies have found that employee happiness and motivation can have a severe impact on their productivity, and as a result, many companies have looked at ways to change things up in the office. There has been a move away from the fixed, rigid designs of the past toward more open-plan and adaptable workspaces.

Unfortunately, completely redesigning an office can be a costly venture, which means companies either cut corners with the redesign costs or put off the plans indefinitely. However, this doesn’t have to be the case, and with some small modifications or some out-of-the-box thinking, significant results can be achieved at a fraction of the cost. So, here are some tips on how to create a productive workspace on a limited budget.

Be Natural

There is nothing more damaging to an employee’s well-being and motivation than a drab office with lots of artificial light. The solution for this is to create an open-plan office with glass partitions, which are not going to be an option on a budget.

However, it is possible to make the office a much nicer place by introducing plants, mirrors, and vibrant pictures, as well as making subtle changes to the lighting fixtures and fittings.

Alternatively, look at the existing layout and see if you could play around with what you have. Make use of the current windows, and make sure that they are located near areas where you require staff to be at their most creative and productive.

Eliminate the Clutter

Nobody likes feeling as if the world is closing in on them, but that is the way many office designs make their employees feel. And this leads to employees feeling stressed and demotivated, two principal reasons for a reduced level of productivity.

Therefore, take the time to analyze the existing layout of your office and identify the furniture that is not needed. Filing cabinets and boxy partitions can eat up space and can be easily removed to create a feeling of space throughout the office.

Make Use of What You Have

While you are analyzing the existing furniture and workspace, identify the furniture which could be reused or renovated.

Reupholstering chairs and refinishing desks can get many extra years of service out of these items. It is even possible to make use of old furniture and fixtures by finding new applications for them. For example, you could use partition walls as noticeboards, old doors could be turned into desks, and filing cabinets could be used to house plants.

Think About Movement

Employees spend a lot of time sitting down at their desks, and this lack of mobility is a productivity killer. Any workspace redesign should look for ways to provide a method for employees to move more freely around the office.

Adding collaborative workstations and a place to go and grab a coffee are all good starting points. Getting the employees moving around helps to reduce tension and increase the blood flow, which can minimize their levels of stress.

Happy Employees = Increased Productivity

All of these approaches can help to remove clutter and add a playful touch to the office, which will help your employees feel more comfortable.