Great Ways to Design Your Office

By Barbara Weltman June 1, 2005
Barbara Weltman You probably spend the greatest part of your working hours in your workspace – your office, workshop or store. Why not make your area conducive to productivity? Here are some suggestions to help you think about changes you might like to make. After that, it’s a good idea to work with a designer or use do-it-yourself online tools to bring your space in line with your new vision.

Lighten up
Having the right lighting is essential to a good work environment. Check:

  • Amount of light.Dim work areas can cause headaches. The level of lighting depends in part of the tasks being performed. Obviously detailed work requires brighter lighting than space in which you occasionally read.
  • Type of light. While fluorescent lighting may be the most cost effective, it does not work for everyone or for every task. However, new technology, including sensors, photocells and infrared controls, allow fluorescents to adjust to space and task demands. In some situations, it may be necessary to have supplemental lighting for certain tasks, such as over work benches or on desks.

    Since lighting accounts for 30% of electric energy use in offices, where possible use energy-saving fixtures.

    Quiet down
    Noise can be a distraction as well as a cause of headaches. It can result job errors and increase stress. Where possible, add sound proofing or sound absorption materials to minimize noise. Carpets or rugs and acoustical ceiling tiles are relatively inexpensive ways to cut down on noise. There are also air flow silencers and isolation products to block noises from your workspace.

    Caution: OSHA has noise level limits for safely purposes. Quick check: If noise in your workspace is louder than busy city traffic or people have to raise their voices to speak with someone three feet away, you may have a problem.

    Background music? This may be more a matter of personal taste than an issue of noise control. Certainly, the type of business you run and the floor plan you use dictates whether radio or piped-in music is a good idea. For instance, any additional noise is not advisable for so-called “knowledge workers” (non-factory, -farm or –construction workers many of whom operate in open-floor spaces) who now make up 73% of the nation’s workforce. However, low-level background sound can be helpful to mask voices when conducting confidential interviews.

    Get natural
    If you’re cooped up all day, natural light and greenery are a welcome sight. Too much time in artificial environments may be detrimental to your health. Suggestions: Use plants to not only to add decoration but also to create a natural environment. Use pictures of nature scenes where plants and natural lighting are restricted.

    Where possible, position your desk near a window for optimal natural exposure.

    Regulate the temperature
    With energy costs at record highs, it’s understandable for businesses to cut expenses through thermostat adjustments. The Department of Energy recommends settings of 68° in the winter and 78° in the summer for optimal savings while ensuring some comfort. But your type of business may have other temperature requirements, and meeting them may cost you a little more.

    Where possible, adjust thermostats when work areas are not in use (e.g., at night or over the weekend).

    Copyright © 2005 by BWideas.com, Inc.

    Category: Human Resources, Healthcare, Benefits
    Print page