Since the digital age reached maturity, being able to work from home has been the goal of many office workers. Although a percentage of businesses have embraced this new working practise, others remain sceptical of the perceived benefits regarding increased productivity. For other companies, allowing staff to work from home just isn’t an option. 
 
A recent survey of employees and managers carried out by YouGov, seems to show opinions are pretty much split down the middle as to the benefits or otherwise, of using homebased workers. However, in an attempt to balance the two, more companies than ever are combining the good points of both office based and home based working, by turning the office environment into more of a home from home. 

A lighter brighter office

If you’ve noticed productivity slipping for no apparent reason, staff turnover increasing, and a general feeling of gloom and despondency permeating the workplace, maybe it’s time for an office make over. 
 
Research has shown that natural light benefits everybody, and natural light in the office plays a large part in boosting output and reducing absenteeism. Unfortunately, many older buildings don’t have the benefit of natural light, but redecorating the office with brighter pastel colours, and using good quality artificial lighting with a spectrum as close to natural light as possible, will help improve the general wellbeing of employees.

One size doesn’t fit all

We are all different heights, widths, and weights, and workplace seating should reflect that. Discuss the options with your staff. After all, they are the people who will spend hours sitting on them. Nobody believes you want to lug everybody’s favourite armchair into the office, but choose comfortable, and fully adjustable seating, which can be raised or lowered, and where the seat’s angle and back rest can be adjusted. The additional cost will soon be recouped in increased efficiency.

Allow a bit of home in the workplace

Allowing staff to personalise their workstations is becoming increasingly popular with employers. That may include photographs of loved ones, a favourite potted plant, stickers, or mementos of their favourite sports team. This homely attitude can be extended to the office itself. 
 
Of course, what can be done will depend on the size of the company.  Plus the available budget. A large business may well have a separate staff canteen. Get away from the staff canteen and turn it more into a home style kitchen-diner with comfortable, casual seating. 
 
In a small office, the little touches can make a difference. Find a spare corner, and add a small fridge, kettle, and microwave for staff use. Fit a hat and coat wall rack and hang a few pictures. Add an umbrella stand, or a self-standing coat stand.

If space allows, add a few house plants. Not only will they make the office a more attractive place, they help reduce stress levels and absence rates, clean the air, and improve staff wellbeing and productivity.