10 Ways to Create a More Productive Work Environment

Give your team the tools and the environment they need to achieve.

There are a variety of factors that can influence your productivity. But, nothing is more impactful than your actual work environment. After all, it can affect your decision making, mood, and even your physical health.

The work environment that you have created for yourself or the work environment that you reside in day-to-day is critically important. In business, we optimize everything -- think mobile optimization. Consider it essential to make sure that your work environment and conditions are optimized to boost your productivity. This preparation doesn't have to be an overwhelming chore, but it will take some action as you embrace the following ten suggestions.

Related: The 5 Most Successful Work Environments (and the 5 Worst)

Your work environment doesn’t just include a physical location and conditions. It also contains processes and procedures. The culture of your business should also be included here. What does it "feel" like to be you in your office?

With that in mind, the first place to start is creating a culture that embraces productivity. Here are some suggestions from  DeskTime that can you begin to implement:

Calendar management may not be on the top of your to-do-list. But, it’s the only way to keep you and your team at peak productivity. Time and schedule management also prevents anyone within your organization from wasting precious time.

Thankfully, creating and managing a team calendar isn’t a stressful endeavor if you follow these steps:

The physical environment and conditions of your workplace play a role in your productivity. It may be time to give your office a much-needed overhaul, or even a facelift. Here are some of the best areas on which to focus:

I’d also add that you have a variety of workplaces for various tasks. For example, casual areas are perfect for socializing and reading, while cubicles provide privacy when you need to focus.

Depending on the study that you come across, you may read that background noise improves productivity. Other research may say otherwise -- and states that "silence is preferred when working." The boss needs to set the tone for this decision and not be vague about the instructions. Having a separate conference for louder meetings is recommended.

Here’s the thing -- everyone is different. I know plenty of people who work best when there’s background noise like music or people talking. Others, however, want it completely silent. Take the time to determine which type of environment is best for you and for your employees. I worked in one office where music was cranked up about five or six p.m. each even, having us all leave on a "high note," so to speak.

Related: These 6 Types of Music Are Known to Dramatically Improve Productivity

There’s nothing wrong with a little clutter. It may even get those creative juices flowing. However, that doesn’t mean you should work in a pigpen. Keep your workspace clean and organized. Not only will this save you time since you aren’t searching for misplaced items, but it will also prevent your mind from zoning in on that mess. An orderly office is probably better for your health too.

Every office is packed with distractions ranging from smartphone notifications to chatty co-workers to meetings. Take the time to find out what’s distracting you and your team the most. When you spotlight problem areas, you can look for the solutions and the best ways to stop these distractions in their tracks.

I get that this is your startup. Yes, you are the boss; you are the founder. However, obsessing over every little detail and regularly breathing down your team’s necks is counterproductive. Let up on the reins a bit and let your team work how and when they like -- within reason, of course. Assign the work and expect it to be accomplished. The "how" is less critical.

Related: How to Stop Micromanaging Your Team

It’s almost impossible to get things done when you’re not armed with the right tools, equipment, and resources. Both you and your employees should have everything needed to perform their duties. What’s more, your team should be able to quickly address any questions or concerns without going through any hoops. For example, there should be cloud-based documents that answer troubleshooting issues.

When you take care of yourself by exercising, eating healthy and getting enough sleep, you’ll have the energy and alertness to get through the day. You can assist your team by launching an employee wellness program, filling the office with healthy snacks, and not emailing them 24/7.

Provide exercise equipment in the break rooms -- and maybe a scale. Let your team see you pumping a little weight, or riding on the stationary bike during your breaks. Make sure that you, as the boss, take a break and a lunch so that your team feels free to do the same.

Related: Why Your Health Is the Key to Your Success in Business

A happy and positive work environment equals a more productive one. Like most of the other items on this list, it’s easy to achieve contented, happy employees by:

Source: Entrepreneur.com

Powered by NewsAPI.org

Keywords:

Productivity • Workplace • Tool • Productivity • Workplace • Decision-making • Mood (psychology) • Business • Mathematical optimization • Productivity • Culture • What Does It Feel Like? • Productivity • DeskTime • Calendar • Time management • Productivity • Organization • Stress (biology) • Employment • Productivity • Workplace • Contingent work • Privacy • Productivity • Six P.M. • Ron "Pigpen" McKernan • Smartphone • Critical thinking • Micromanagement • Object (philosophy) • Religious education • Rights • Tool • Military technology • Employment • Duty • Employment • Exercise equipment • Break (work) • Stationary bicycle • Health • Goal • Happiness • Positive psychology • Workplace • Productivity • Happiness • Employment •