How Your Work Environment Can Affect Your Workflow

Maximize your productivity with the right work environment. Discover how office design, comfort, and ambiance influence job performance and satisfaction.

What does your workflow say about your work environment? The dreary setting of a cold grey cubicle isn’t anyone’s idea of the perfect workplace. It’s depressing, it’s noisy, it’s sterile, and it’s uncomfortable, and definitely not the ideal situation for productivity. It’s a place that makes you want to call in to work sick. There’s no comfy furniture, no socializing, just you, a phone, a computer, and a desk. The employees’ lounge and workrooms are just as drab.

Day after day, you resent the fact that you ever started working in such a lifeless office, and there’s a reason why: Our environment affects our mood, therefore, affecting how we work.

Your Work Environment

Office furniture, noise levels, distractions, lighting, air quality, and temperature are among the top factors influencing employee productivity. And studies show a parallel between office design and employee efficiency. In fact, a study by the American Society of Interior Designers states that office design is one of the top three factors that influence job performance and satisfaction. Research by the National Institute of Health has found that the colors that surround us have a profound effect on how well we are able to complete tasks – they can be mood enhancers or downers.

Did you know that having a comfortable ergonomic chair helps workers stay focused on tasks instead of getting distracted by the feeling of discomfort? Studies have found that employees’ productivity can be increased by 17.5 percent when a worker is comfortable. Other studies show that well-ventilated workplaces increase productivity by 61 percent, and natural light boosts concentration skills by 15 percent. 

Work Somewhere Inspiring

Now imagine going to work in an office with a cheerful color scheme, cushy chairs, and windows galore. The clean lines and sleek spaces are inviting. People are socializing in the lounge, the noise level is minimal, and the natural light coming from the windows just oozes a sunny disposition of creativity and success. All of these things change your mindset quite a bit, doesn’t it? This is the place you’ve always wanted to work in. 

Customizing Your Coworking Space for Enhanced Productivity

In a coworking setting like NuvoDesk, personalizing your workspace is key to enhancing both comfort and productivity. Start by choosing a spot that suits your work style, be it a quiet corner for deep focus or a lively area for dynamic energy. Add personal touches to your desk, such as a small plant or photos, to create a more inviting and familiar environment.

Use ergonomic accessories like a comfortable chair cushion or a stand for your laptop to improve posture and comfort. Headphones can also be a great tool for creating a personal audio environment that helps you concentrate.

Remember, the beauty of coworking spaces lies in their flexibility. Experiment with different areas and setups until you find the perfect balance that caters to your productivity needs.

The Benefits of Biophilic Design in Workspaces

Biophilic design, which integrates natural elements into the workplace, is gaining recognition for its positive impact on well-being and productivity. This approach centers around creating a more organic and comforting environment. At NuvoDesk, we embrace this concept wholeheartedly. Therefore, our spaces are adorned with live plants, bringing a touch of nature indoors, which is known to reduce stress and enhance creativity.

Large windows flood our coworking areas with natural light, uplifting mood and energy levels. For practicality, we’ve installed automatic shades to prevent glare, ensuring that the sunlight enhances rather than disrupts your work. This blend of nature and design at NuvoDesk not only creates an aesthetically pleasing environment but also supports mental health and boosts efficiency.

It’s amazing how the right design affects how you work.

Six Ways NuvoDesk Coworking Can Enhance Your Working Week

By Leslie Radford

**Updated February 2024

Leslie Radford

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