How to Design Your Office for Success

July 3, 2014 by Thomas von Ahn

Sometimes how productive you are individually and as a company is affected by more than just the people you have working there, or the kinds of motivation you use as a leader to spur on your team. You might be surprised at just how much of an effect the physical workplace itself can have on the quality of work that you do. There are ways that you can redesign or reorganize your workplace to better set yourself up for success.

Here are a few tips:

• Clean up the mess. Some entrepreneur's are working out of their homes, in a spare bedroom or basement. But just as the old adage that one dresses for success, so goes their work environment. This first tip is a bit of a no-brainier, but you'd be surprised at how many people work in filthy, disorganized settings. Get rid of all of the clutter on your desk and throughout the office. Not only will this help you to be better organized and get more work done, but it will also be much less of a distraction as you work. Your surroundings should emulate your vision.

• Get more comfortable furniture. Desk chairs and other furniture in the office shouldn't cause people back pain, and if they do, then they need to be adjusted – or replaced. How many hours do you set at your desk? Great posture is a product of quality furniture set for ergonomic comfort. Uncomfortable furniture will quickly distract employees from work. Your desk, your chair, your keyboard, your monitors and your computers should all be set up in a way where people don't have to be hunched over to get work done.

• Use color and motivational fixtures. There have been many studies done that indicate people are more likely to get work done in colorful settings than washed out white offices. While color preferences may vary from person to person, it's clear that some color is a great way to inspire productivity and creativity. Let your team members have some say in the colors that you use throughout your office. Then back that color with what is important to your life. Family photos to goals and aspirations should adorn your walls.

• Bring in plants. Putting potted plants in offices, cubicles and on desks is a great way to increase productivity. It adds live to the room, helps to filter the air and may even produce some pleasant smells, depending on the type of plant you bring in. Nobody likes working in a sterile, lifeless work environment.

• Let in more natural light. Keep window blinds and shutters open ad let in natural light. People are much more likely to tune out in spaces that are only lit with light bulbs. While you might not be able to knock out wall space to add in more windows or skylights, you can definitely try and make sure that people's desks are placed in the path of natural light. Then also consider your use of Skype or video – lighting is not only a key to your work environment for you but also for those who see you.

Does the design of your work space get in the way of productivity? If so, consider these tips! They aren't very expensive. It does not take much of an investment in you to make you feel like you are on top of the world you are about to conquer.

Watch out elephants! This slayer of business challenges comes with 30 years of record breaking sales, marketing, operations, training and leadership experience . He has worked face-to-face with 100’s of small business owners as well as large firms. His love of creating, communicating, developing and executing results for clients shines with each project, publication and training event. His entrepreneurial spirit, passion, industry experience, education, problem-solving prowess, charismatic personality and been-there-done that attitude leads his client focused approach.

Filed Under: Analytics Tagged With: entrepreneur, motivation, small business, success

About Thomas von Ahn

With more than 30 years of experience in B2B sales across various industries, Thomas has unique insight into both the offline and online sales sphere. It was during his time in the trenches that Thomas noticed a recurring theme: Though business owners are knowledgeable about their craft or trade, they often struggle to market and sell to their prospects. This realization is what prompted Thomas and his now business partner, Christine, to bring Viral Solutions to life. Since starting the company, Thomas has been able to assist countless business owners in developing a solid marketing plan based upon sound marketing strategy, then assigning the marketing tactics to a team of talented employees, and, finally, watching those actions unfold—his true passion.

Though Viral Solutions is on Thomas’ mind 24/7, he does occasionally take a break to cheer on the Green Bay Packers and enjoy his adopted home of Wisconsin. Much of his family also works at Viral Solutions, and this closeness with family and employees is the cornerstone of the Viral Solutions culture.