Office Space That Brings Out The Best

It’s a popular conversation we have with other professionals: what does the perfect office space offer?

We know companies like Google and Facebook have a reputation for their benefits: free lunch, colourful bicycles, gym/netflix memberships, etc.

But crazy perks aside, workplace design is a simple factor that also boosts morale and helps people thrive. It really is the little things in life that matter.

So here are some great features that help optimise offices:

ThinkPods

We’ve all been in that place. Deadlines creep up on us and we daydream about our own private cocoon, to get those creative juices flowing. ThinkPods are great because they enable that.

They are the perfect escape from busy open-plan environments, ideal to conduct a conference, make phone calls or simply get some thinking done.

Art

Some offices go for the traditional look with paintings on their walls, whereas others like to be more adventurous, splashing their floors and walls with bright, unconventional colours.

Art is a joy to the eye and makes for a lively, inspiring environment. Its benefits are tangible too: In this study, employees performed administrative tasks for an hour in an office lacking visual stimulation, and another hour in an office space filled with art and plants. The results?

“In the office with art, employees worked approximately 15% faster than those in the austere office”

Green it up!

Research shows that contact with nature improves attention, reduces stress, and increases longevity. These benefits emerge from true wilderness, parks, gardens, etc.

Companies like Samsung, Facebook and Google are great examples, as they are incorporating nature in their offices through open glass ceilings, rooftop parks and indoor plant life.

In other words, we’re all wired to love nature. Yes, even you big city people!

Views

Workplaces with a view get extra points, we all know that.

It goes without saying that the view doesn’t have to be of white sands and turquoise waters: the simple sense of openness does wonders in leaving people at ease and boosting their focus. One study shows that workers with views spent 15% more time focused on the task at hand, while the others without views spent 15% more time distracted, talking on the phone or socialising.

Talking about natural light & views reminds me of another workplace perk…

…Rooftops

I said it before and I’ll say it again: Roof tops are brilliant.

The setting is perfect for so many activities: from tea breaks to team meetings. It’s a nice breather, a great change of scenery from being in an office from 9-5.

Now it’s your turn: what do you like the most about your workplace? Let us know!