A company’s productivity is highly dependent on its employees’ comfort and safety while working there. As simple as it looks, a comfortable and healthy workplace is what would make employees want to stay there.

The only problem is making it happen, as different factors make a workplace exceptional. For an employer, it is not just about providing good pay or benefits to the employees; they need to ensure that their working environment is safe and healthy. Here are seven things that make up an excellent workspace.

1. An Appropriate Level of Lighting

While offices can be brightly lit, it is vital to maintain the desired lighting level so that employees are not constantly squinting or trying to hide from the harsh light. A good working environment requires both natural and artificial light, with the latter being used at specific times during the day, such as in conference rooms.

This way, everyone can work comfortably without straining their eyes or squinting. It is also essential to pay attention to the background lighting in the office, as this can affect mood and productivity.

2. The Code of Conduct and Work Ethics

This ensures that employees are following the same set of rules. This can help maintain order while ensuring a transparent workplace where everyone feels comfortable working. For example, you might have policies around employee attendance, dress code, internet usage, and other aspects, depending on the nature of your business.

It is also essential to communicate these policies to all employees from day one to know what is expected of them. This can help resolve any confusion or conflict in the future and make for a more productive workplace overall.

As a manager, encourage your staff to take courses on work ethics and code of conduct. It helps them stay on top of new updates and can be in a better position to educate others. When everyone understands the principles of ethical decision making, it becomes less likely for harassment to take place in the future. These days, the best online training programs are available at an affordable price. They’re also flexible, so employees can complete them at their own pace. 

3. Good Ventilation

Air quality is another crucial factor that must be considered when designing an office layout. A sound ventilation system will help remove harmful toxins from the workspace, leaving everyone with a fresh and clean environment.

If there are multiple windows in your office space, you can also consider using plants to help purify the air naturally. Just make sure that any plants you choose to keep indoors also get plenty of sunlight.

4. Well-Resourced Workspaces

Your employees need the equipment and tools necessary to do their jobs, whether a computer or a printer in every office or supplies such as paper, toner, and ink cartridges for the entire workplace. An excellent way to do this is by setting up a centralized supply room or ordering them regularly in bulk.

Having a designated storage area where everything can be organized and easily found when needed is also essential. This helps save time and frustration on everyone’s part, as they don’t have to spend hours searching for the items they need.

5. A Safe and Secure Workplace

No one loves to be in an environment that is unsafe or insecure. Whether it’s due to a lack of security cameras, maintenance issues, or structural problems, if you don’t take care of these issues in your office space, it can be pretty stressful for everyone involved.

Therefore, as a manager, you must be aware of all the risks and hazards in your workplace and address them regularly. This helps ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable while working without worrying about potential accidents or threats.

6. Ergonomic Furniture

This includes chairs, desks, computer monitors, and other equipment that people use daily. Suppose you’re unsure how to set up an ergonomic workspace for your employees. In that case, you can talk to an interior designer or seek advice from a local ergonomics expert.

This will help ensure that everyone has the right equipment for their height and is comfortable while working. These items lower the chances of back pain, wrist and hand strain, or neck strain.

7. A Comfortable Cubicle Setup

Cubicles are essential in most workplaces, but if they aren’t designed properly, they can end up causing more harm than good. This is especially true if the space isn’t wide enough for employees to move around freely or has too many distractions, such as loud noises, unnecessary colors, patterns, or scattered objects.

The best way to do it is to start with a clean slate and use your designated workspace as a blank canvas. Use simple colors, sleek furnishings, and minimal accessories to create an attractive environment that isn’t too busy or distracting for anyone.

These factors help employees feel comfortable in their workplace and increase productivity overall. With the right amount of effort and dedication, you can design an office layout that’s the perfect fit for everyone. Just make sure to keep these tips in mind while designing your workspace or talking with a professional to get started on the right track.