Who sits where in the workplace? Does this influence the employees’ performance?
There are a number of studies that show how the design of an office influences the workers’ productivity and now, new studies claim that office managers could help improve their employees’ performance by implementing an optimised seating plan and using comfortable chairs. How does this work?
Furniture Fit for Work
Comfortable seats and versatile office furniture improve to the mood and productivity of employees. In addition to serving as important facilities in the office, they enhance the aesthetic appeal of the space and allow for flexible working dynamics.
Many offices show a preference for mobile furniture, which can easily be rearranged to accommodate the employees’ and managers’ different needs, e.g., for greater space or closer proximity. Group meetings can also be facilitated more quickly. Moreover, reorganising the space can help organisations promote regular physical activity in the workplace, giving employees a break from hours of sitting.
An Optimised Seating Plan
Good seats designed for back support and mobility, combined with versatile furniture, are great tools for an optimised office space and seating plan. Optimising seating plans is not a new discovery. The Guardian reported on the subject more than a decade ago and stressed that the performance of employees is influenced by the person who sits next to them.
Seating them according to relevant departments, skill sets and their need for mentoring and supervision is an effective way to encourage employees to perform well. This puts the people who can help them improve within their reach, so they can easily work together.
If optimised, the seats and the seating plan can be rearranged at any time, which allows operations and workflow to proceed smoothly. This makes it an important factor in workplace productivity.
