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The key to a successful business? Hardworking staff. If you design a workspace that keeps your team motivated, your business will benefit. Creating a work environment that encourages collaboration and creativity can increase staff morale and productivity. Small start-ups and established businesses alike are ditching closed-off offices for more open workspaces that encourage communication and collaboration between staff across all areas to maximise efficiency and enhance their company culture.
So, how can you create a collaborative workspace? Check out these 3 tips to transform your office from a typical nine-to-five into a space that inspires.
Create an open space
Being isolated in an office cubicle is hardly inspiring. Open-plan offices encourage team interaction and collaboration, allowing ideas to flow more freely. Staff members can also gain insight from colleagues across different departments. Linda from Human Resources can converse with Bob from Marketing, and together they can find solutions that they may never have considered by themselves.
Not sure how to break down the barriers of your office layout? Professionals like Total Fitouts can create the perfect open layout for your space.
As for the big bosses out there – open floorplans ensure you don’t shut yourself off from your staff, making you a part of the team and giving you the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the behind-the-scenes dealings of your business. If you must have your own separate space, consider using glass walls so you can still see and be seen by your team. Your staff will appreciate your involvement – a friendly wave or thumbs up doesn’t go astray!
Increase your common areas
If the only spaces provided for your staff to cross paths with one another are in a cosy communal kitchen or a poky shared bathroom, it’s time to up the common areas in your office. Consider providing employees with more cafeterias to share breaks in and get to know each other, or a casual reading and brainstorming area where they can leave their desks, stretch their legs and experience a change of scenery.
This will help employees maintain their focus, offering them different environments to move around as their tasks require, accommodating their comfort. It will also encourage friendly interactions and team building.
Stay connected with technology
Never underestimate the power of a humorous cat meme on a Monday morning. Keep your team connected with company-wide email updates. Encourage staff to share their wins with the rest of the office, and if someone has had an outstanding week, give them a public virtual high-five with an email recognising and thanking them for their efforts.
Don’t forget the weekly TGIF email, complete with celebratory GIFs!
Inspiring your team and creating a strong office culture through a shared, collaborative workspace can increase productivity and help your business grow. Follow these 3 handy tips to create a collaborative office environment to promote hard work and happiness in your staff.