Amid recent financial reports that more businesses report low productivity than has been seen in three decades, workspace analysts have recently shared how the physical work environment may be a significant factor in reduced productivity levels.
This includes the workspace provider BizSpace who have explained to Digital Journal how design elements relating to a workplace or home-office dan help productivity to surge or to plummet.
Aman Parmar, Head of Marketing at BizSpace, explains: “The environment we work in can significantly impact productivity as well as job satisfaction among employees, and even customer engagement.”
“However, having a well-thought-out workspace can be key in working at your best, or supporting employees to reach their potential. Elements such as ensuring plenty of natural light, ample storage to help keep spaces clutter-free, and flexible set-ups can help make huge steps towards a more productive, positive work environment.”
“Changes can be implemented gradually, and only a few small, basic steps can make a big difference. Moving your desk where it is in relation to windows, adding plants, and opting for an ergonomic chair are great foundational steps to curating a productive place to work.”
Parmar has provided the following five areas for consideration.
Colours of walls, floorings, and furnishings
The colour of office spaces can impact worker performance, influencing mood, energy levels, and even cognitive abilities. The psychology behind colours suggests that cool shades such as blue and green help to promote a calmer environment, while warm hues like yellow and orange can help spark creativity and energy, but could prove distracting in some cases.
Creating a balance is key, but embracing vibrancy is a great way to promote a more energetic environment, moving away from sterile, white walls and décor.
When looking to elevate a workspace, colours can be easily introduced through a change in soft furnishings or flooring. Helping to make a workspace feel more comfortable and welcoming can help to increase a sense of belonging in employees, increasing satisfaction levels and productivity.
Plants and natural elements
Biophilic design has become increasingly popular in workspaces, which entails incorporating natural elements into the office environment. This could be through the addition of desk and floor plants, but also the use of natural woods and other elements to make a space feel more earthy and calm.
Plants don’t just make offices look attractive, but they can also enhance the employee experience through improved air quality and the potential to boost creativity.
Sufficient storage solutions
Cluttered desks and insufficient storage create both physical and mental barriers to productivity. When employees spend time searching for materials or feel hemmed in by disorganised spaces, it can introduce unnecessary stress and inefficiency to their workflow.
When designing a workspace, ensure there are sufficient personal storage options that keep essential items accessible while maintaining clear work surfaces. Storage solutions can vary by role, and finding what works best for you to maintain a tidy space is key.
Ergonomics and physical comfort
Another essential factor in helping promote workplace productivity is ensuring furniture is comfortable and functional, as poor ergonomics can otherwise be linked to discomfort, pain, and reduced output.
Ergonomics boosts productivity by optimizing workspaces to reduce physical strain, discomfort, and fatigue, allowing for better focus and fewer errors.
One way to implement this is to incorporate adjustable desks and chairs that allow people to work comfortably for longer periods and reduce physical strain. Interestingly, online searches for “standing desk” have skyrocketed 251% in 2026 compared to average global search volumes over the last five years, according to Google Trends.
Office layout and flexibility
There is a growing demand for flexible office layouts, which, in an office environment, can reflect having furniture or areas that allow employees to move between collaborative and quiet zones. Flexible spaces such as this help to give employees the option to work in environments that suit their working styles the best, enhancing productivity.
While for home offices, this could include working between a desk and moving to another area of the home, but having this flexibility can help reengage your brain, and being comfortable can minimise distractions from work and help you to work at your best.
