8 Ways to Maximise Small Business Productivity
Office spaces come in different shapes and sizes, but one challenge common to all enterprises is the issue of creating a work area that promotes productivity.
This is especially so for small-to-medium business owners who must be able to make the most of their limited budget for rent and utilities while maximising company revenue.
The most important things to consider with regards to increasing productivity are overall employee comfort and the efficient use of technology. These two factors go hand-in-hand in ensuring you make the most of the resources at your disposal.
With that in mind, we show you 8 things you can do to improve your business productivity and still keep your workers happy.
1. Go ergonomic
While ergonomic equipment might cost more than their conventional counterparts, they’ll go far in keeping your employees happy and in good shape. Ergonomic keyboards, adjustable desks and chairs are some of the things you can consider purchasing. These help to reduce worker fatigue so your employees can go about handling their daily tasks easier.
2. Optimise your office design
Storage spaces should be within a comfortable height, especially for commonly accessed materials. Shared equipment such as printers and photocopiers should be located at high traffic areas for better accessibility. To maximise efficiency, the help of a good IT specialist should be considered during the planning of the office layout.
3. Invest in multi-function devices
Consider investing in multi-purpose office equipment. The most common machines that can multi-task are fax machines that scan and photocopy, and photocopiers that can automatically collate copies. This can help to eliminate time-consuming clerical work.
4. Ensure proper lighting
Not only does good lighting give the illusion of space, it also adds a pleasant ambience to a small office. The view from a window can be shared by placing low and unobstructive dividers between cubicles. Also ensure that your office lighting does not cause glare on computer monitors, which can be a hindrance to your employees.
5. Minimise noise
Office spaces are usually carpeted to absorb unnecessary noise. Dividers and walls can also be padded or made of cork boards to reduce echoes.
6. Maintain a cool temperature
An energy-efficient air conditioner set at the right temperature (24 to 25°C) will help to maintain a productive work environment, especially during the hotter months.
7. Encourage telecommuting
Allow employees to work from home a few days a year. Not only does this help to save resources, it can also free up space in the office. To ensure productivity, output should be monitored periodically and employees should be easily contactable through mobile devices or the Internet. Small businesses can also consider shift-based schedules, depending on the type of work done.
8. Maximise office space
Companies like Cisco Systems, Inc. practise “hot-desking” to maximise their office space. This means that workers do not have their own desks, but are allocated work space according to their needs. This type of arrangement enables employers with workers who do not have overlapping shifts or staff who are frequently out of the office to make better use of the available resources.
With the combination of ergonomic equipment, a conducive working environment, and smart employee practices, small businesses can easily maximize space and boost employee productivity, even on a limited budget.