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Natural light is critical in office space planning – especially when the countless studies about the effects of natural light on employee productivity are taken into consideration. In fact:
- Researchers at the Interdepartmental Neuroscience program at Northwestern University in Chicago have reported that the negative impact of working in a windowless environment is a universal phenomenon.
- Another, "Impact of Workplace Daylight Exposure on Sleep, Physical Activity, and Quality of Life," found a strong link between workplace daylight exposure and workers' sleep, activity and overall quality of life.
- Disruption in circadian rhythms, which is directly influenced by light, is directly linked to sleep disorders.
- Meet with the client to discuss its business in detail –including the number of employees to accommodate.
- Take precise office measurements.
- Provide sketches and 3D renderings.
- Develop a functional and comfortable workstation layout, made simpler if the consultant is also a commercial furniture dealer.
Ergonomics and office space planningAlong with the basic need for light, employees also need a comfortable personal workspace. Workers finding themselves adjusting and stretching to stay focused probably are not in sync with their desk and chair. Consider these quick ergonomic checks:
- Eyes should be 24-36 inches from the computer screen. The top of the monitor should be below or at eye-level. Monitor risers can help.
- Feet should be resting on the floor or on a foot rest.
- Chairs should be adjustable, and pillows can be added if necessary. A slightly reclined chair posture reduces pressure on the spine and minimize lower back pain.
- Ergonomically-correct keyboards keep hands and wrists in the ideal position.
Other environmental interferencesOffice-space planning components also include the overall indoor environment, which Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory noted directly affects worker productivity. Temperature, for example, can reduce accuracy and speed with each degree away from the ideal.
- The ideal office temperature has been identified as being between 61.8 and 71.6 degrees F, according to forbes.com
- CareerBuilder found that some 33 percent of employees complained about temperature.
- Pollutants hiding in old carpet, upholstery or HVAC system can also pollute performance.
- Even old CRT computer monitors have been linked to a decrease in typing accuracy.