Designing a Workspace to Boost Employment motivation
As the business world continues to reel from 2021’s “Great Resignation,” many employers are doing what they can to improve employee satisfaction at work. Whether it’s by offering food perks, implementing an office redesign or adopting collaborative workspaces, there are several ways to boost employee motivation in the workplace. Below are a few examples of how businesses can create a more inspiring workspace that could encourage employee happiness and, consequently, increase productivity.
One up-and-coming method to foster employee happiness is to develop a multifaceted foundation that can cater to a multigenerational workforce. Workers of various generations often perform differently than one another in a professional environment. For instance, Baby Boomers are often better adapted to a classroom setup with separated workspaces, while the emerging workers from Gen Z may prefer a more creative and interactive arrangement. By utilizing a purposefully innovative space, effective learning is promoted and certain employees may feel better engaged.
Achieving this means the space must be designed around the people working. A good place to start is with workstations. Sitting for long periods of time causes a myriad of ill effects. From poor blood circulation and medical conditions to boredom and disengagement, these potential impacts are detrimental to employee health and performance. To combat them, workers should be encouraged to take time to stretch, go on recommended breaks and spend time on their feet with standing desks. In fact, providing custom-made or ergonomically designed workstations has been shown to go a long way in minimizing future sick days and ensuring employees feel productive throughout the day.
Another part of creating a welcoming atmosphere is comfortable seating and healthy snacks or meal options. Employers might consider taking advantage of engagement programs featuring custom in-office meal solutions to help build a more positive company culture and make lunchtime a supportive experience. Doing so not only helps with motivation, but also encourages healthy immune systems and, potentially, fewer sick days.
For further pointers on redesigning the workplace, please see the accompanying resource.
Infographic provided by Food For Thought