Starting up a business involves a lot of organization in terms of processes, teams, and space. According to studies, employees are more productive when their environment makes them happy and satisfied.

The easiest way to do this is with the office itself. Does it foster productive habits or create discomfort for employees? And since office spaces cost money, it’s best to plan out how it will be used before making the financial commitment. Here are some things to consider for the sake of productivity:

1. Open spaces or closed cubicles

There has been a lot of debate regarding the effectiveness of open workspaces and cubicles. Cubicles came to be in the 1960s to give employees their own space that provides independence. The idea was revolutionary. But over the years, businesses would fit as many people as they could in such a small space, and led to the dissatisfaction of workers.

The cubicle became a symbol of a stifled office full of unhappy employees. And when Silicon Valley startups began using the open office layout, the trend spread, and about 70% of US businesses utilize the open space design.

Then again, this office plan has come under criticism recently, with many people citing distractions and lack of privacy as major disadvantages. Some people prefer to have a closed (or semi-closed) space where they can focus on their tasks without the hustle and bustle of the office around them.

This, however, doesn’t mean that open office floor plans will always reduce productivity. Companies with highly collaborative cultures actually benefit a great deal from this kind of space. Plus, it can be a great help with careful planning. It can actually create productive groups of employees if they have a mix of strengths and product types.

When choosing between open offices and cubicles, it all comes down to careful arrangement to foster a good working environment. Their social and work styles will play a role in how they take to the layout.

2. Add colors

Colour can greatly affect how people feel. Depending on how it’s used, it can be an effective tool to boost productivity in the office. There are several ways to apply color to the workspace, and it would be best to consider what colors would fit the office dynamic.

• Red stimulates appetite, increases heart rate.
• Blue: calming, improves focus.
• Green: reduces eyestrain, gives a sense of harmony.
• Yellow: promotes optimism, fosters creativity

Entrepreneurs looking to add color to their office should be careful, though. Some colors can also be distracting if not used properly. It’s important to consider where they’ll be used and the desired effects.

It’s important to note that the colors used in the office can also reflect the brand itself. For those who aren’t sure what particular color to use, sticking to the brand colors can help employees keep the company values in mind.

3. Let the light shine through

Natural light has shown to promote employee productivity by improving the overall quality of life. Businesses should consider an office space that can accommodate windows and allow sunlight into the area.

But sometimes it’s inevitable for employees to work in areas that don’t receive natural light. In this case, it’s a good idea to invest in light bulbs that mimic natural lighting. This could require a higher budget, but its effect on productivity would be worth it.

4. Get comfortable

One of the simplest, but easily overlooked ways of improving productivity is by making employees happy. These companies have long been role models because of the perks they offer their employees. While these could cost a lot for startups, there are some simple ways to improve morale and happiness at the office.

Google, for example, invests in employees’ happiness by helping them stay healthy at the office. People have access to wholesome snacks and meals and are given the option to work at standing tables instead of sitting down all day.

Healthy employees aren’t just as productive as individuals. As a whole, they can prevent an increase in sick days. Promoting healthy habits can also keep employees from suffering physical ailments like back pain and carpal tunnel.

5. Control stress

Some jobs call for people who work well under pressure, and in a startup environment, this trait could be crucial to success. But, this situation can only be productive to a certain point. Even though stress can push people to focus on work and results, it can also be too much for people to handle. It’s possible to control this by making sure that employees don’t feel aggravated by their environment.

By making the source of stress purely from the task at hand, it gives them the capability to control it instead of gaining unnecessary worry. With all these in mind, cultivating a productive office space can lead to a successful working culture.

Author Bio: Franco is the President and CEO of Foxhole Business Center. He is a father of three and a full-time entrepreneur, he believes that there is always an opportunity to be of service to your fellow businessman.