What does your work space look like? Is it governed by the latest trends or by practical considerations? Have you ever conducted a physical space audit to determine if it’s providing the most benefits for your staff and business?

Whether you realise it or not, work surroundings make an enormous difference to productivity and creativity. There are obvious physical things that should be in place, such as air flow, adequate desk space, appropriate heating/cooling, equipment in good working order and so on. But if your idea of a well functioning workplace is limited to those aspects, then you have some more work to do!

One of the latest trends in office based companies is for low (or no) walls and clustered cubicles which encourages collaboration and fosters creativity. Combined with ‘refuges’ in the form of smaller conference rooms, workplaces such as this provides flexibility to cater for various work and learning styles. Other health-related considerations, such as ergonomic chairs and spaces for employees to work while standing, bolster overall well being which in turn boosts productivity.

Companies who provide opportunities for more staff interaction generally find that more impromptu meetings and brainstorming occurs. Staff camaraderie is improved and a sense of community is created.

You don’t have to offer the extravagant flexible workplaces that some larger companies do in order to foster positive work environments (such as gyms, games rooms and more). Simple initiatives such as a great coffee machine or flexibility to personalise work spaces, may be all it takes to boost staff morale and productivity.

Michelle Grice writes a weekly column for business women in The Western Weekender