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Workplace sans Boredom
BY Charan
BY Charan
by Cha
According to a recent study conducted at the University at Buffalo's Research Institute on Addictions (RIA) more than 15 Percent of employees in the U.S. work under the influence of alcohol.
According to statistics, 4.2 million people were injured on the job in the United States in 2005. Workplace violence cause businesses around $35 billion each year, and around 2 million people are victims in the United States alone.
A little over half of people surveyed among millions were satisfied with their jobs.
Depression. Boredom. Carelessness. Violence. Nobody works in a perfect environment. Not even the employees of Dunder Mifflin, the fictional drama-filled paper company on NBCs golden globe winning TV series, The Office.
In most cases, employees are not satisfied with their jobs. It’s always the question of ‘what if’. What if I chose a different career path? What if I worked harder in school? What if I did not dropout and actually worked at a job that I’d be proud to talk about at my high school reunion? It’s either that or going to sleep every night with the feeling of being underpaid and mull over how the monthly cheque is going to help support the family. Eventually, the weak among us end up with anti-depressants, which again affect productivity at work, and in the worst-case scenario, a demotion. It’s a hard life for the middle-class man. Blame the system all you want, but such is life.
So where should Human Resource departments look when they want to fix this, or at least try in doing so? They should seek the help of environment designers. Here, by environment design I don’t just mean the architecture or the interiors, but rather, a workplace environment design that takes into consideration everything from the access to a coffee machine to a relaxation lounge and everything in between that would make coming to work pleasant for employees, if not put a smile on their faces. Now affording something like that will not come cheap to small and medium-sized firms, which barely meets the rent in the central business districts, but in the long run, it might be the most prudent investment they ever made – satisfying their employees without having to down the workload and up the pay cheque.
The Guys at Google
Google has earned respect as the most sought after company for job seekers in Silicon Valley. They receive about 1,500 applications each day. More than half of these potential employees care little about the fact that Google has summed up the Internet into one word. All they can see is that Google’s work culture, has stood as an example to hundreds of corporations worldwide, proving that a little mix of fun and a little recreation at the workplace doesn’t just turn the company into a jolly theme park, but also shows up on their profit scale.
The Googleplex, as it is know to its inhabitants, was designed by L.A.-based design firm Clive Wilkinson Architects with the help of Chicago-based Environments Group. Inside their compound, there are probably more spaces that tend to personal care than cubicles and computers. Organic food, a gym, massage parlors, healthcare and volleyball courts, where the founders are said to be spotted at times, are just a few of the offerings to keep their programmers and management team motivated.
But well, that’s Google. A multi-billion dollar Internet company. Small and medium-sized firms have more things to worry about, than designing the office space. Many of these offices aren’t even designed to start with. Basically, they rent a space, lay out some cubicles to fit their staff, fix up some cheap lighting and furniture, and they’re good to go. And the leftover space, if there’s any, is used as conference rooms and for back office functions. There is nothing that would distinctly differentiate their corporate identity. They’re all the same – plain, boring spaces.
Corporate Identity and Office Structure
To fix this, the first thing to pay attention to, is the visual message that clients and customers come to perceive. One step inside the door, and they should be convinced that they’re putting their money in the right hands. A reception desk equipped with all the information that a potential client in your particular area of business would want, and a smart receptionist is a good idea. Many firms fail to see the importance of a well-designed reception or waiting area. If you were a publication firm, then little clues on the niche market that you’re circulated in, would certainly impress someone looking to buy advertisements. A travel agency could equip the front area with souvenirs from the destinations, rather than big posters stating their latest offers and promotions in large font sizes.
That’s about the least they can do for the clients. Now back to the employees, a good office structure means faster productivity. Small firms may generally have two to three people in each department, and they feel it’s okay to mix and match. A sales rep might be sitting next to guy from accounting just because they have the same taste in music. Sad but true, in the case of many offices we’ve seen. A proper structure would facilitate the easy flow of information, eliminating the need to walk to the other end of the room, or go on the phone to confirm something. Get this right, and mark a score for yourself on the efficiency chart.
Lighting
The study by the Commission for Architecture & the Built Environment and the British Council for Offices has found even simple things such as good lighting and having adequate daylight can reduce absenteeism by 15 per cent and increase productivity by between 2.8 per cent and 20 per cent.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work in the UK, compel employers to carry out risk assessment regarding the safety of employers. And lighting at the work place was of much concern in the regulations, as three out of the six regulations concerned lighting. Many are ignorant to the fact that the regulation requires provision of sufficient natural light. Yes, that’s right. Windows. And glass windows are the way to go, considering most or all offices in most countries have proper heating or cooling systems. Again, Wilkinson’s men did an amazing job at the Googleplex, where the glass walls provide abundant daylight and took the whole concept of lighting a step up by designing special canopies made of certain material that would reflect this light to the entire office.
The regulations also mention the issue of glare. CRT VDTs or Cathode Ray Tube Visual Display Terminals, although used widely, are difficult to look at for long periods of time because of the glare reflected off the screen. Other technologies are slowly replacing the age old CRTs, but even these won't entirely put out the damage that glare can cause. And to most office-based employees, almost everything they work with is on the computer. In the long run, the harm caused to the eye is inevitable. But proper lighting control, with the help of a professional who knows about lighting and building management systems (LMS, BMS) can greatly reduce this harm. It might not sound as an important, but you would be surprised as to what extent bad lighting can debase staff productivity. It is by far, the most overlooked factor when it comes to designing a workplace, or for that matter, any space.
The Working Environment
Sick Building Syndrome. Never heard of it? Well, this is the name researchers gave to describe the symptoms affecting the eye, head, respiratory tract and the skin, which are linked to poor building design.
But many argue that these symptoms are linked to work-related stress, rather than how the office is built. However, they found higher levels of symptoms in buildings with temperatures outside the recommended range, poor humidity, airborne bacteria and dust.
Our advice. How about a little garden? Okay, not a garden, but maybe a little flora that would liven up the workplace. Studies show that a little reach to the natural environment can stimulate creativity and productivity in the workplace.
And secondly, give your office a makeover. Shabby workplaces annoy six out of ten employees. Sort out the work area and do not overcrowd it. Although only some would not prefer the idea of cubicles, saying that it cuts them out from the rest of the office, privacy is a top priority for most 9 to 5ers. You can't please everyone, so do what you think is right. If space allows, then throw in a little lounge-styled area where employees can take a break and a bite, or just a cup of coffee. A jukebox wouldn’t be too bad, but make sure the room is soundproofed.
And finally, pay attention to ergonomics. These guys work everyday to make you profitable. The least you can do is throw in some ergonomically designed chairs and keyboards. And some other measures like power wirings and instruments for teleconferencing, when placed right, can make the day at the office more pleasant. It’s alright if you can’t afford designers. There are plenty of resources available on the Internet that explain the standards and how to set up your office to achieve the maximum and please your employees.
If you’re having trouble finding these resources, Google it.
Cha
Product & Architecture Writer
TAXI Design Network
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Read SIMILAR ARTICLES on THE DRIVER SPEAKS
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© 2003 - 2007 by TAXI Design Network. All rights reserved.
According to a recent study conducted at the University at Buffalo's Research Institute on Addictions (RIA) more than 15 Percent of employees in the U.S. work under the influence of alcohol.
According to statistics, 4.2 million people were injured on the job in the United States in 2005. Workplace violence cause businesses around $35 billion each year, and around 2 million people are victims in the United States alone.
A little over half of people surveyed among millions were satisfied with their jobs.
Depression. Boredom. Carelessness. Violence. Nobody works in a perfect environment. Not even the employees of Dunder Mifflin, the fictional drama-filled paper company on NBCs golden globe winning TV series, The Office.
In most cases, employees are not satisfied with their jobs. It’s always the question of ‘what if’. What if I chose a different career path? What if I worked harder in school? What if I did not dropout and actually worked at a job that I’d be proud to talk about at my high school reunion? It’s either that or going to sleep every night with the feeling of being underpaid and mull over how the monthly cheque is going to help support the family. Eventually, the weak among us end up with anti-depressants, which again affect productivity at work, and in the worst-case scenario, a demotion. It’s a hard life for the middle-class man. Blame the system all you want, but such is life.
So where should Human Resource departments look when they want to fix this, or at least try in doing so? They should seek the help of environment designers. Here, by environment design I don’t just mean the architecture or the interiors, but rather, a workplace environment design that takes into consideration everything from the access to a coffee machine to a relaxation lounge and everything in between that would make coming to work pleasant for employees, if not put a smile on their faces. Now affording something like that will not come cheap to small and medium-sized firms, which barely meets the rent in the central business districts, but in the long run, it might be the most prudent investment they ever made – satisfying their employees without having to down the workload and up the pay cheque.
The Guys at Google
Google has earned respect as the most sought after company for job seekers in Silicon Valley. They receive about 1,500 applications each day. More than half of these potential employees care little about the fact that Google has summed up the Internet into one word. All they can see is that Google’s work culture, has stood as an example to hundreds of corporations worldwide, proving that a little mix of fun and a little recreation at the workplace doesn’t just turn the company into a jolly theme park, but also shows up on their profit scale.
The Googleplex, as it is know to its inhabitants, was designed by L.A.-based design firm Clive Wilkinson Architects with the help of Chicago-based Environments Group. Inside their compound, there are probably more spaces that tend to personal care than cubicles and computers. Organic food, a gym, massage parlors, healthcare and volleyball courts, where the founders are said to be spotted at times, are just a few of the offerings to keep their programmers and management team motivated.
But well, that’s Google. A multi-billion dollar Internet company. Small and medium-sized firms have more things to worry about, than designing the office space. Many of these offices aren’t even designed to start with. Basically, they rent a space, lay out some cubicles to fit their staff, fix up some cheap lighting and furniture, and they’re good to go. And the leftover space, if there’s any, is used as conference rooms and for back office functions. There is nothing that would distinctly differentiate their corporate identity. They’re all the same – plain, boring spaces.
Corporate Identity and Office Structure
To fix this, the first thing to pay attention to, is the visual message that clients and customers come to perceive. One step inside the door, and they should be convinced that they’re putting their money in the right hands. A reception desk equipped with all the information that a potential client in your particular area of business would want, and a smart receptionist is a good idea. Many firms fail to see the importance of a well-designed reception or waiting area. If you were a publication firm, then little clues on the niche market that you’re circulated in, would certainly impress someone looking to buy advertisements. A travel agency could equip the front area with souvenirs from the destinations, rather than big posters stating their latest offers and promotions in large font sizes.
That’s about the least they can do for the clients. Now back to the employees, a good office structure means faster productivity. Small firms may generally have two to three people in each department, and they feel it’s okay to mix and match. A sales rep might be sitting next to guy from accounting just because they have the same taste in music. Sad but true, in the case of many offices we’ve seen. A proper structure would facilitate the easy flow of information, eliminating the need to walk to the other end of the room, or go on the phone to confirm something. Get this right, and mark a score for yourself on the efficiency chart.
Lighting
The study by the Commission for Architecture & the Built Environment and the British Council for Offices has found even simple things such as good lighting and having adequate daylight can reduce absenteeism by 15 per cent and increase productivity by between 2.8 per cent and 20 per cent.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work in the UK, compel employers to carry out risk assessment regarding the safety of employers. And lighting at the work place was of much concern in the regulations, as three out of the six regulations concerned lighting. Many are ignorant to the fact that the regulation requires provision of sufficient natural light. Yes, that’s right. Windows. And glass windows are the way to go, considering most or all offices in most countries have proper heating or cooling systems. Again, Wilkinson’s men did an amazing job at the Googleplex, where the glass walls provide abundant daylight and took the whole concept of lighting a step up by designing special canopies made of certain material that would reflect this light to the entire office.
The regulations also mention the issue of glare. CRT VDTs or Cathode Ray Tube Visual Display Terminals, although used widely, are difficult to look at for long periods of time because of the glare reflected off the screen. Other technologies are slowly replacing the age old CRTs, but even these won't entirely put out the damage that glare can cause. And to most office-based employees, almost everything they work with is on the computer. In the long run, the harm caused to the eye is inevitable. But proper lighting control, with the help of a professional who knows about lighting and building management systems (LMS, BMS) can greatly reduce this harm. It might not sound as an important, but you would be surprised as to what extent bad lighting can debase staff productivity. It is by far, the most overlooked factor when it comes to designing a workplace, or for that matter, any space.
The Working Environment
Sick Building Syndrome. Never heard of it? Well, this is the name researchers gave to describe the symptoms affecting the eye, head, respiratory tract and the skin, which are linked to poor building design.
But many argue that these symptoms are linked to work-related stress, rather than how the office is built. However, they found higher levels of symptoms in buildings with temperatures outside the recommended range, poor humidity, airborne bacteria and dust.
Our advice. How about a little garden? Okay, not a garden, but maybe a little flora that would liven up the workplace. Studies show that a little reach to the natural environment can stimulate creativity and productivity in the workplace.
And secondly, give your office a makeover. Shabby workplaces annoy six out of ten employees. Sort out the work area and do not overcrowd it. Although only some would not prefer the idea of cubicles, saying that it cuts them out from the rest of the office, privacy is a top priority for most 9 to 5ers. You can't please everyone, so do what you think is right. If space allows, then throw in a little lounge-styled area where employees can take a break and a bite, or just a cup of coffee. A jukebox wouldn’t be too bad, but make sure the room is soundproofed.
And finally, pay attention to ergonomics. These guys work everyday to make you profitable. The least you can do is throw in some ergonomically designed chairs and keyboards. And some other measures like power wirings and instruments for teleconferencing, when placed right, can make the day at the office more pleasant. It’s alright if you can’t afford designers. There are plenty of resources available on the Internet that explain the standards and how to set up your office to achieve the maximum and please your employees.
If you’re having trouble finding these resources, Google it.
Cha
Product & Architecture Writer
TAXI Design Network
..........................................................................................................
 | Aaron Jasinski is currently based in Seattle, Washington. Constantly drawing since he was a kid, Aaron draws on his random associations and his wild imagination for inspiration to produce his wacky and surrealistic paintings. The secret to sustaining his passion? Late nights and mountain dew. Oh yes, and this smart guy graduated from Brigham Young University with a BFA in art and design.
Click on picture to read more about Aaron Jasinski | |
| Illustration Seattle Contributor |
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Read SIMILAR ARTICLES on THE DRIVER SPEAKS
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© 2003 - 2007 by TAXI Design Network. All rights reserved.
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