When there are more people out of work, there are more people looking for jobs and more people hanging on to the jobs they have. It doesn’t matter if a person is happy or satisfied at their job; they are doing what they have to so they can keep their jobs, because of high unemployment. This affects employers in two ways:
- There are more employees to choose, so it is easier to find good candidates for a job opening.
- Staff that is dissatisfied has lower job performance and poor attitudes.
It is costly and time consuming to hire and train new staff. Employers are realizing the importance of a work environment that staff wants to be in. Appealing office design and furniture is just one of the many ways that employers are reducing employee turnover and improving job satisfaction. In addition, companies realize that offices are one of the many branding tools that are available to them.
Few individuals really want to leave the comforts of their home to head into work. Employers realize when an employee likes going to work, that they will be able to increase their employee retention rates. Google has proven this to be true at their headquarters in Mountain View, CA. Not every company can have a gourmet cafeteria or a bike path through their building, but they can have an office where the design of the office and the office furniture contributes to a work environment that promotes the following:
- Efficiency in work
- Productive shifts
- Physical comfort
- Sustainability
- Positive work relationships
Office environments are accomplishing this in the following ways:
REDUCTION OF PRIVATE OFFICES
Instead of several isolated and private offices, cubicles with lower walls are included in the office design. There are a few private offices, but mostly when walking into an office area, there is a feeling of openness. Many businesses are choosing modular office systems that fit the image of the company when designing their office space. These are being used more because they are flexible and provide styled, efficient workstations for employees. When employees are easily accessible to one another, they are more likely to collaborate on tasks. It is easier to create a team environment, also.
CHAIRS THAT ARE ERGONOMICALLY DESIGNED
Cheap chairs are offered everywhere, but you won’t see employees settling into them to focus on a project or time-consuming task. More and more businesses are seeing the return on buying high quality, ergonomically designed office chairs for employees to use while working at their desks. Even if they didn’t read every study that proves employees are more efficient and productive when physically comfortable, a business owner can just think about the last time he or she spent hours at a desk going over a project. It is much easier to stay focused and on task until the job is done when comfortably sitting in a high quality office chair.
ROOM FOR AMMENITIES
Not all work is done at an office desk. When office cubicles are used and more than one employee shares cubicles, it frees up space for other amenities. Instead of meetings happening in private offices that may or may not be comfortable, meeting areas can be created. The meeting rooms can be clean, comfortable places to conduct business. They can be decorated and designed in a way to provide a positive impact on the company’s image. In addition, designated meeting rooms provide a clean space that can be used at any time to view charts or reports.
SUSTAINABILITY
Going green is not just a fad. A business that incorporates various green practices reduces its negative impact on the environment and also often finds itself saving money. Employees can feel good and be proud to work for a company that furnishes its office with earth friendly office furniture and office systems.
Corporate Design Choice has the experience needed to make sure that a business’ office design promotes employee satisfaction and productivity. This is done by choosing the right Herman Miller office system, offering a selection of ergonomically designed office chairs, and providing office furniture installation services.
