Designed for Business // 6 Ways Our Spaces Help Boost Productivity

Designed for Business // 6 Ways Our Spaces Helps Boost Productivity

Office space design has evolved over time. From the open space plan in the 50s, to cubicles in the 60s and- back to Open Plan office spaces in the 90s, office trends come and go, but one thing that does not change is the impact of the office environment on employees’ performance and productivity. 

Many studies have shown that the secret to getting the work done is through a well-planned workspace – one that makes it easier for employees to accomplish tasks quickly and effectively and motivates them to work more collaboratively and creatively.

Over the years Nairobi Garage has been a leader in creating the state-of-the-art office spaces in Nairobi that help boost productivity for their members.

With five locations in Karen, Kilimani, Spring Valley, Westlands and now Nairobi CBD, all our spaces are designed intentionally with our members in mind allowing them to be more productive and deliver on their core businesses.

From on-site cafes to break-out sitting areas, ergonomic furniture, here are six ways in which the right layout and office space design that we have developed over time can help you and your team become more productivity.

Flexible Layouts

The fixed layouts are rigid and non-flexible in nature which sometimes causes boredom and melancholy. 

The 5 Nairobi Garage Spaces have flexible layouts to help members to combat against that boredom and it also contributes towards reducing the stress during the peak time.

The flexibility of layouts imbibes a sense of freedom among the members which results into happiness.

 We also allow our members to do their own branding especially those taking up the Private Office Spaces, so the Integration of the USP of the business in the layouts makes the workspace more engaging and cool which increases the sense of belongingness among the employees.

A Mix of both Artificial and Natural Light

Study after study has shown that natural light, warm temperatures, and a certain level of ambient noise improve employee engagement. 

Rethinking your office lighting design contributes to a decrease in cases of eyestrain, headaches, and stress which is something that the Nairobi Garage Office spaces across all the locations has adopted.

Our spaces feature wide glass windows that allow natural light into the spaces and adjustable artificial lighting systems.

Through these members benefit from office spaces that maximize natural lighting and introduce adjustable lighting systems.

Light has a great impact on the human mind. Both dim and intense light has a very uninspiring effect on the employee. On the one hand, dim light causes laziness while intense lights result in irritability.

Nairobi Garage offices at Watermark Business Park on Ndege Road in Karen, Nairobi

Choosing light according to the requirement of work is part of workspace designing. Investing in an office space with  suitable lighting has the capacity to lift the mood of the employee and make the workspace ambience cheerful.

The Movement

Across all the five Nairobi Garage office spaces design features that desks are spaced out well allowing the ease of movement.

Working in an overcrowded office is a tiring experience for the employee because it hampers the movement.

Workspaces that are well spaced and less crowded have a positive impact on both creativity and productivity. 

You might ask why movement is important at the workplace. Movement in the office helps the employees to collaborate and have a useful conversation with their colleagues. 

These conversations aid in resolving the several office related issues because the expertise of one employee meets with the expertise of another employee. 

The free movement in the office also facilitates the release of stress draining of melancholic and negative thoughts in the employees. It imbibes “Spirit De Corps” in the employees.

A number of break out spaces

Most coworking spaces have a number of break-out spaces that allow employees to easily connect and work together away from their desks.

The break-out spaces which include spaces like the lounge or lobby areas are ideal for your team. 

These spaces are fitted with different types of seats which may even be sofas or high seats allowing your team to brainstorm in a different set-up from the office set-up that might at times feel a little up-tight.

These days a number of workspaces are adopting this idea where the separate office for the Boss has been replaced and all the employees work from the same hall or lounge.

This innovative idea has contributed towards breaking away the rigid hierarchy pattern which used to cause reluctance, lesser productivity, and delay in the decision making

Health & Wellness

Health is a prerequisite for happiness and productivity and thereby nowadays office design is integrating the idea of wellness for their employees.

Yoga, Walking track are the crucial infrastructural addition to the workspaces considering the health of an employee.

Walk and talk meeting rooms instead of traditional meeting rooms, Sit-Stand Desk, Special Chairs designed for the employees with back or spinal issues, seating arrangement for lactating employees etc have made the modern day workspace more inclusive and health-conscious.

The proactive approach towards health not just only reduces the expenditure on health-issues but also strengthens productivity.

Additionally most workspaces are also coming up with wellness programs for their employees and in the coworking case for their members. For example in Nairobi Garage // Karen, the members recently formed a #BoysClub team where they meet up and check up on each other. 

They also host football matches fortnightly on Wednesdays to ensure they keep fit and stay productive all through. Taking time to unwind after work allows you to stay in check and hence stay more productive.

Biophilic design of the workplace

The Biophilic design causes a positive impact on human senses and it increases productivity by manifolds. 

Letting nature come inside the office space can help in keeping the ambience of the workspace fresh and exuberant.

To boost the biophilic design of your space, you can include a number of indoor plants. If you are seeking some inspiration here is an article we did on some of the plants you can incorporate in your workspace.

There are a number of plants which have a medicinal impact, reduce indoor pollution and increase the oxygen level.

Bonus: Using Smart and Automated Technology Saves Time

Having the right technology incorporated in the structure of workplace systems helps employees perform their functions better. 

All the Nairobi Garage spaces are fitted with tech-enabled space access systems that allow only use of biometrics by members hence no need to worry about the days you have to work through the night or the fact that you forget your access card or key at home. Convenience at its best!

Our spaces also make use of the envoy platform to receive guests as well as the use of Slack channel as a central communication tool to all members allowing you to access all the information you need about the space as opposed to frequently checking the notice board.

Also for the meeting rooms, we have a booking system that allows you to book your meetings at an hourly rate.

Through this, teams save time by not having to worry about their presentation equipment and meeting room software. 

Having office tech that is up-to-date and in good working order will lessen glitches that hamper employee productivity.

In conclusion, being mindful of significant office design improvements that impact teams and employees’ wellbeing can increase efficiency and help you get the most out of your employees.

This includes thinking about what makes them feel more creative, inspired, and engaged at work.

Our space designs enable your teams to be happy and energized and get the job done in a smooth and efficient manner that’s in line with the company’s mission. And that’s good for everyone’s satisfaction.