Having an area for collaboration in an office is important because it encourages teamwork and helps foster innovation. It provides a space for employees to brainstorm, share ideas, and collaborate on projects. This can lead to more effective problem-solving and better communication between team members. They also provide an informal setting where employees can interact socially and build relationships that can lead to better working relationships in the long run.

These spaces should be comfortable and inviting with plenty of seating as well as a variety of office tables, chairs, and sofas to accommodate different team sizes.  The spaces should have plenty of natural light and a whiteboard or other writable surfaces. The area will be the perfect spot for teams to come together and work on projects, develop new ideas, and discuss strategies.

According to studies by ‘Zippia’, people who work in collaborative settings in the workplace are over 50% more effective at completing tasks than those who work independently. By having dedicated collaboration areas, employees can be more productive and creative in a comfortable and inspiring environment.

According to studies carried out by ‘Apollo Technical’, 86% of employees prefer to work independently as it helps them to be free from distractions and are more likely to be able to focus on their work.

Therefore, having separate workspaces for independent work, as well as collaboration, gives employees the flexibility to choose the best working environment depending on their needs at any given moment. By providing spaces for both individual focus and collaborative efforts, employers can create a dynamic workplace that encourages productivity, whilst keeping individual needs satisfied.

The areas for independent working should be designed to reduce distractions and provide a comfortable work environment. Cubicles are a great way to separate employees from one another, allowing them to focus on their individual tasks without interruption. Noise-reducing office screens can also be used to ensure employees have the quiet they need to concentrate on their work. Height adjustable desks and chairs are also essential for these spaces, as they allow employees to achieve ergonomic comfort, which is conducive to concentration.

Research conducted by Lund University in Sweden found that colour has a strong influence over our brain which directly affects our behaviours and moods, meaning the right colour scheme will lead to a more efficient work environment.

A colour scheme should be designed with both aesthetics and productivity in mind. For tasks that require analytical thinking and concentration, neutral shades such as whites, soft greens, and greys can be used. For collaborative tasks or areas meant for brainstorming, bright colours such as yellows, oranges, and reds can help to inspire creativity. To create a sense of warmth in an office space, earth tones such as browns, tans, and beiges are great choices.

Additionally, the colour scheme should be designed to accommodate the existing office furniture, flooring, and artwork.

Having plants in the office environment can have a positive effect on productivity. They add life and beauty to an otherwise sterile workplace and help to create a more calming and enjoyable atmosphere.

According to a study stated by The Washington Post, participants noticed significantly less symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to those who participated without indoor plants.

Introducing plants into the office can reduce stress and help people to focus and concentrate on their tasks, leading to improved efficiency. The presence of plants can also help to improve air quality, by filtering out harmful toxins and providing oxygen. They can even help towards reduced noise levels, with plants absorbing sound waves and helping to create a more peaceful environment.

Studies have also shown that plants can increase creativity. According to a study carried out by Texas A&M University, it has been proven that plants can boost creativity by 15% in the workplace.

A survey carried out by ‘Brother’ concluded that 41% of participants believe that an organised workspace is the key to enhancing productivity in the office, as well as results showing that office workers with organised desks are 52% more productive.

Utilising the walls for storage and organisation can be an effective way to maximise the productivity of an office. The walls are often the most underused resources in an office, but it can be a great way to put all the necessary tools, supplies, and documents in one place, and make everything easy to find and accessible.

Filing cabinets provide a great way to organise paperwork and can be used to store important documents or personal items. Office cupboards are also useful for storing items that may need to be accessed quickly, such as stationery or office supplies. They also make it easier to move around an office and work efficiently. They’re often available in various sizes, so you can easily find one that fits your particular needs. Additionally, filing cabinets come in different styles, such as metal and wooden, so you can choose one that best suits the decor in your office.

Encouraging natural light in the workplace is highly beneficial for both employers and employees Installing windows or skylights is an excellent way to bring natural light into the office. Not only does natural light create a more pleasant and visually appealing work environment, but it also has a direct impact on employee productivity. Studies have shown that exposure to natural light can improve focus, reduce fatigue, and enhance overall mood. Since natural light is a source of Vitamin D, it can also boost energy levels and help to improve concentration.

The presence of natural light can also help create a pleasant environment in the office space. With natural light streaming in through the windows, people are more likely to feel energised, motivated and less stressed due to its calming effect on the environment.

A study by the University of Illinois also concluded that participants with more exposure to natural light gained 37 minutes more sleep than those using regular blinds, which leads to improved focus due to better sleep quality. With this, comes an increase in productivity, creativity, and collaboration among employees.

Personalising your individual workspace is an excellent way to enhance your productivity.

When you create a space that reflects your unique personality, it can bring about a feeling of comfort. Feeling at ease and confident in an environment encourages focus and dedication to the task at hand. A personalised workspace also generates a sense of ownership that can reduce distractions and encourage employees to take responsibility for their actions, leading to increased productivity.

A study conducted by the University of Exeter states that employees that have control over the personalisation/ design and layout of their workspace are happier and healthier as well as 32% more productive.

Taking time to choose colours, decorations and even furniture, can make employees feel more valued, which encourages them to work together more effectively as a team. This type of creative atmosphere also serves as an incentive for employees to be more engaged with their work, which leads to improved productivity.

Artwork and decoration can bring a sense of creativity, vibrancy and life to a workplace.

According to ‘SmartArt’, workers whose offices were decorated with art were 17% more productive than those who worked in a more plain workspace.

Research has also shown that having artwork on the walls of an office can promote creativity, collaboration, and can even reduce stress.

When it comes to deciding what type of artwork to hang in your office space, it’s said that artwork that is bright, cheerful, and uplifting can be a great way to encourage positive energy in the workplace. Such pieces can help to create a relaxed atmosphere which can boost morale, reduce stress levels and inspire creativity. On the other hand, artwork that is dark or sad in nature can bring down the atmosphere of the office and make employees feel uncomfortable or uninspired.

It is also important to consider how much artwork should be hung in an office space. Too much artwork can feel overwhelming and distracting, while too little artwork can leave employees feeling uninspired. Finding a balance between these two extremes is key to creating a productive and enjoyable workspace.

Decorations can also help to liven up the workplace and make it more inviting. Decorating the walls with photos of company events or company milestones can help to create a sense of pride and create a more positive work environment.