Office Design and Job Satisfaction: How the Physical Workspace Affects the Mental Workspace

Recent research indicates 9 of 10 working Americans feel current workspace conditions highly impact their attitude, productivity, and job satisfaction. The main factors reported include clutter & disorganization, outdated office technology, as well as a lack of ergonomics and privacy.

In this article, Hawden Group USA CEO and certified ergonomics consultant, Marty Kurner, provides her insight into this common workplace issue inside both large corporate offices and small business work environments. Hawden Group USA offers senior management and SMB owners alike with value-driven office furniture solutions to improve employee retention, job performance, and overall company morale.

Cluttered Work Area

62% of survey respondents reported that having a cluttered workstation would make them unhappy on the job. Upon closer examination of the results, it was revealed that a cluttered workspace has an especially negative effect on women, of whom 70% said that having a cluttered work area would make them unproductive. By comparison, 55% of men felt the same way.

Outdated Technology

Having to utilize outdated technology was a close second in terms of workplace unhappiness among study participants. 61% reported that having to work with outdated technology would negatively impact their mental state at work, while one in four said that having multiple computer monitors is critical to workplace happiness.

Uncomfortable Workspace Ergonomics

More than half of survey respondents stated that an uncomfortable workspace would cause unhappiness at work. This includes not only the type of desk or cubicle the individual works at, but the ergonomic features and overall comfort of the office chair as well.

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Lack of Privacy and Workspace Flexibility

43% of employed Americans say that not having a private area to work would negatively affect his or her mental wellness at the office. Additionally, one in four survey respondents find value in flexible work environments so that they may work away from their regular work areas when needed.

What Can Business Managers Do to Keep Employees Happy at Work?

Ergonomics

Provide ergonomic office chairs that can conform to individual users so that every employee can experience comfort at work.

Privacy

Provide privacy options intended for intense mental focus, and switch up your common areas to provide open space for collaboration as well. 

Filing & Storage

Offer employees plenty of storage and filing space at their desks and keep the majority of files digital to decrease the amount of visual clutter that can be built up among the physical workspace.

Up-To-Date Technology

Keep technology as up-to-date as possible and offer employees multiple monitors.

When making office design decisions, take into consideration that women are more likely than men (60% versus 49%) to say that an uncomfortable workspace would cause them to be unhappy.

Additionally, employees in the millennial generation are the most impacted by the physical workspace, indicating that younger workers may benefit the most from certain upgrades in office furniture and design. By making simple updates to the physical look and functionality of your office, you’ll be investing in the future of your business’s workforce.

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Need new office furnishings & installation? Contact an associate to schedule an appointment. WE DELIVER & INSTALL WHAT WE SELL!

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