Nobody likes a drab office. These hacks will help you create a workplace that inspires your employees to do their best.

Grey walls, fluorescent globes, tiny cubicles and windowless offices – if this sounds like your idea of a nightmare, you’re not alone. Today’s employees expect their workspaces to encourage productivity and collaboration and old school offices of the past just don’t cut it. If you want to get the best out of your staff, switching up your office interiors could be an excellent place to start.

Humanise your space to promote productivity and collaboration

Design lies at the heart of productive office space. Get your design right, and your business will benefit. Ditch the clutter, let the light in and ensure your furnishings are ergonomic and practical. Employee productivity will likely kick up a notch.

Since design influences people’s mental and physical health as well as their behaviour, Jim Berndelis from Officeworks says your office fit-out can affect your employees’ physical and mental wellbeing, “People spend a lot of time at work, its important they are not only comfortable, but that they’re in a space that’s inspiring and conducive to their ways of working.”

Come into the light

Nothing boosts mood like natural light. According to Harvard Business Review, four in ten employees feel depressed because of a lack of natural light in their workplace. So, if you have the opportunity to allow more light into your workspace, take it! Of course, natural light can create a few problems for employees working on computer screens, so be sure to angle desks, so screen glare doesn’t become an issue.

Ergonomics matter

Anyone who spends substantial time sitting at a desk knows how vital it is to have your workstation set up correctly. That includes an ergonomic chair wherever possible and a standing /sitting desk if the option is available. If your serious about employee wellness ergonomic equipment is a great place to start.

Make flexibility part of your workplace

The pandemic has changed the way we work. More employees are demanding flexible work options, but not all businesses can provide this facility. If your business can’t offer remote work, then providing a flexible workspace is the next best thing. Don’t just opt for traditional desks and chairs. Ensure spaces allow for people to break away as needed. Great wi-fi is also a must so your people can stay in touch regardless of their location.

Make green a priority

With sustainability becoming a concern for more Australians, businesses that opt for greener cleaner options are scoring a big tick with employees.

“We know through customer feedback and research that businesses want to make more sustainable purchases. But without compromising quality or value, and that we need to make it easy,” says Ryan Swenson from Officeworks.

“Restoring Australia is a great example of this. Simply by purchasing paper products at Officeworks, customers are planting two trees for every one used across Australia. But customers also have options to make greener choices, for example, by purchasing 100% recycled paper.”

Going green isn’t merely about recycled paper or offsetting your carbon footprint. Savvy business owners also fit out their offices with eco-friendly wares.

Tech matters

Many small businesses have already embraced cloud solutions and a digital-first mindset. However, adopting tech powered by the Internet of Things (IoT) has paved the way for intuitively powered workspaces. Controlled by smart devices, IoT solutions can run the gamut from lighting to fridges to air conditioning and more. Just as you can use Alexa or Google Home to control the ambience of your home, a smart office can detect changes in your work environment. IoT can switch off lights, adjust air conditioning and conserve energy, saving you time and money.

Discover ways to transform your workspace with sustainable solutions from Officeworks

This article originally appeared on Small Business First. You can read it here.