Control over workplace decor may improve employee performance

Wednesday, 20 April 2011 16:00

News - Employee Performance

User Rating: / 0
PoorBest 

Researchers at the University of Exeter in the UK have conducted a series of surveys and experiments to determine how control over workplace design affects employee satisfaction and performance.

They found that workers who were able to decorate their own office space were 32 percent more productive than those working in a space that was not decorated at all. Moreover, the increased quantity of completed work was not associated with a decrease in quality.

"Not only does office design determine whether people's backs ache, it has the potential to affect how much they accomplish, how much initiative they take, and their overall professional satisfaction," said co-author Alex Haslam.

Staff members who were given the opportunity to design their own workspace also reported being happier and more motivated at work. Additionally, the employees said they were more comfortable and therefore had more positive feelings regarding their organization.

These findings suggest that simple perks like allowing workers to hang their favorite photos or add a plant or rug may significantly boost employee performance, and in turn have the potential to relieve workplace stress.