There are a number of ways to help increase worker productivity but one way does not often come to mind when considering this. The type, style and utility of office furniture can have a significant impact on productivity. Think about having to sit all day in front a computer and you will soon realize worker comfort is important. The chairs used for employees who have positions where sitting most of their day is required should be considered when thinking about worker productivity. Your employees should be comfortable and not stressing over pains in their back from their seat. A chair that provides comfort and good back support is a must.
Another type of furniture that can lead to increased productivity is lighting. Good lighting is important for many reasons. Employees who strain their eyes trying to read in low light may find themselves more tired during parts of the day. A tired and sleepy employee is not nearly as productive as a well-rested and bushy tailed employee. Low lighting within the workplace can also lead to errors in construction, following written instructions and most seriously to workplace accidents. If manufacturing is what a company does then manufacturing and construction mistakes due to low lighting only decreases production. If low lighting yields writing or following written instructions or documents with a higher rates of errors this too obviously also decreases production. Workplace accidents due to low lighting decrease production because of time a worker may not be available due to an injury which also likely means increased and unwanted costs.
A simple yet possibly beneficial item of furniture that may increase production is decoration. The type and style pictures on the walls can have an effect on the mindset of employees. If the walls are barren and plain this can lead people to feel glum and a little depressed. A bright and energetic color on the walls along with inspiring pictures and/or art can cheer up and invigorate many employees. You wish to have pictures that inspire dedication, respect with a good moral and ethical value. When an employee may be feeling a little down and hence their productivity decreases perhaps seeing an inspirational piece of office furniture that really only a good picture can deliver may pick up their spirits and increase their production.
Other pieces of office furniture that can increase productivity are those that have utilitarian value. A good set of bookshelves beats the clutter that will occur if there is no place to put an employee’s reading material. A file cabinet serves the same useful purpose without which paper clutter will occur. The clutter from papers and texts on an employee’s desk slows the employee as they fish through mounds of reading material looking for that one single paper. The need for a tidy workplace is real and has an impact on productivity.
