Positive psychology in your office design
Boost productivity with an office fit-out that maximises the benefits of thoughtful design
Any office manager will want their employees to feel comfortable in their work space and a well-designed office can promote feelings of contentment and productivity. When you are planning your new office fit out, it is worth considering incorporating certain aspects of design psychology as certain colours and layouts are more conducive to creating a happier office space.
It might sound like a load of nonsense, but there is some truth in the psychology of colours and the impact that certain environments have on the subconscious. One way of imagining this is to picture your office as a black-walled room with covered windows – it’s not difficult to understand why employees in a depressing environment would feel trapped and uncomfortable.
So how can you boost your office with clever design? Firstly, make sure your lighting is right. Your first impulse might be to install powerful lights to mimic sunshine, but having lights that are too bright can actually have a detrimental effect. Desk lamps are excellent as it allows individual employees to control their own lighting levels. Colour is the next key factor, with silver blues and warm greys being popular as calming shades. Pale pink boosts creativity and pale yellow enhances concentration. Muted greens are supposedly helpful in promoting efficiency. Decoration and details, provided they are not too distracting, can add interest and can break up dull expanses.
Finally, consider your clients and dress the reception and meeting areas in a way that will communicate your brand. Allowing staff to personalise desks can reinforce a homely, caring company image, while clutter free desks and modern storage can strengthen a united professional image.
