It is well-known that there is a direct link between the work environment and productivity in the workplace. So, how do we improve the work environment and to what extent does our equipment directly impact it?
The work environment
Let us start by looking at what the working environment entails. It broadly describes the physical and psychological conditions of one's place of work. This includes the relationship with top management, general management, colleagues, the department's physical environment, the individual employee's immediate area, and much more.
See also: Improving health and wellbeing in the workplace
Most companies are aware of the importance of maintaining a good work environment and have put procedures and processes to ensure that shortcomings in the work environment are identified early and acted on. If you choose to deprioritise the work environment, you risk inefficient conduct, poor productivity, and increased sick leave. All of which is a high cost to companies.
See also: Preventing sick leave in your company
The work area
When you assess the work environment, you will inevitably consider the work area. The work area covers the area in which the individual employee works. For a receptionist, this would be the area around the reception desk. A sales assistant would include the desk, the chair, and the area near these items. For the head of the division, it could mean their entire office. You know, if it is an old fashioned company.
Whatever the layout and size of the work area, it is essential for a company to consider how best to maximise the design of a space to ensure the best possible conditions for a sound working environment and increased productivity.
When examining your own or your employees' work area, you should consider employees working remotely. These would include consultants or field workers who may work from different offices – a home office, a customer's office, or somewhere else. It can be challenging to influence such external conditions as a company, but you should consider how this would be possible.
The workstation
The final area you should cover is the workstation. By workstation, we mean the immediate area where the individual employees work. For the office worker, this includes everything you will find on their desk: computer screen, lighting, telephone, and other equipment used to perform daily tasks.
As a company, you have the opportunity to optimise conditions for increased productivity by looking at the design and layout of the workstation. There are now numerous tools you can use to rethink the design and use of the workstation to give employees more energy and thus increase productivity.
See also: Here are five useful tips to help you achieve a healthier and more productive workday.
When it comes to the workstation, a company has a substantial influence – also for remote workers. Wherever your employees are based, you will find reasonable solutions for optimising the workstation. It should be a cornerstone in the company's process to improve the work environment and productivity across the company.
Suppose you are interested in improving your work environment. In that case, particularly if it pertains to the workstation, we recommend that you consult qualified workplace assessment experts, who will make an evaluation and advise you.