4 Overlooked Workspace Factors That Impact Productivity

Businesses have gotten pretty good at enhancing their productivity. After all, there have been many lessons learned over the years. Research suggests that work optimization was on the minds of businesses before 1776, when Adam Smith talked about it in The Wealth of Nations. 

So yes, virtually all businesses know the fast-track routes to more productivity, which include work standardization, software tools, and improving communication and collaboration between teams. 

But there are also many other workspace factors that can enhance or diminish worker productivity, many of which are commonly overlooked. We’ll run through four of them below. Make sure all of these have been taken care of, and you’ll be gently guiding productivity in the right direction.

The Temperature 

Comfort plays a big role in productivity, and there’s nothing that’ll more readily impact a team member’s comfort levels than a temperature that is too high or too low. Research suggests that spaces that are too cold or too warm make it difficult to focus. Throw in the fact that uncomfortable temperatures can contribute to irritability, and you have a recipe that’s perfect for reducing productivity. 

There’s no absolute “right temperature” that’ll boost productivity, though it’s widely accepted that between 70-73°F is about right. When in doubt, ask your employees. They’ll know what works best for them. 

The Cleanliness 

Humans expect clean surroundings, and when those standards aren’t met, it can have an impact, especially in the workplace. Dirty, cluttered, or low-quality environments can reduce focus and cause stress levels to rise, both of which can contribute to reduced output.  

Happily, this is usually one of the easier battles to win. Investing in janitorial services can help you to maintain a clean, hygienic workspace, while proactively managing clutter can create a distraction-free environment. If you struggle with clutter, then renting a commercial storage unit can be an effective way to create a minimalist workspace without having to throw items away.  

The Noise 

Quiet environments are vital for focus on productivity, yet oddly, they remain overlooked. One study found that the average noise level in an office lay close to 65 dB. The optimal noise level, for concentration purposes at least, is between 40 and 55 dB. If your workspace is too noisy, then look at taking action. There are plenty of ways to create a more peaceful environment without specifically asking your employees to be quiet (though that might also help), including using noise-absorbing materials when possible and creating partitions between desks.  

The Light 

Looking for an effective way to attract quality employees, boost the atmosphere at work, and push productivity in the right direction? Then consider increasing the amount of natural light in your office. Natural light has been cited as the number one office perk employees look for, and it can also have a direct impact on productivity. Humans are hardwired to feel more alert and energetic in natural light, and more tired and fatigued in dark environments. Upgrade your windows to let more sunshine in, and energy levels should rise.

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