This is NOT how you want desks to look in your small office. Requiring a clean desk at the end of the day will go a long way to solving this issue.

By Hannah Whittenly

Working in a cramped space isn’t fun for anyone. Fortunately, there are ways to make the confined quarters of your small business more comfortable for you and your staff. Here are some of the best ideas for making a small office space more bearable.

Include the best office furniture

Office furniture that’s both comfortable and practical for your staff can make working in a tight space more enjoyable. Chairs, desks and computer stations should be adjusted to the right settings and easily accessible.

One of the best ways to ensure comfort for your employees is to purchase ergonomic furniture. Office chairs and keyboard trays have been designed specifically to promote good posture. Ergonomic back cushions and footrests can also make working in a small space less strenuous.

You also can enhance your small office by adding more light. Poor lighting will make your workplace look more confined and drearier. A dark and cramped space may also inhibit the alertness and productivity of your employees. Adding more light fixtures can brighten up your office. Desk and floor lamps can improve your lighting and help you employees stay more alert. Extension cords by Americord or another manufacturer may be needed to plug in all these fixtures. Uncovering your windows can also make your office look bigger and more inviting.

The way your office smells can give the impression of having a bigger space. Bad smells and stuffiness in the air that come with having a small office can be eliminated with the right aromatherapy products such as essential oils or terpenes. These products have aromas, flavors, and effects that can help uplift moods and create a positive working environment when diffused in the air. Remember, though, that it’s important that any scents that you use aren’t too overpowering for your employees.

Tidy up regularly

Cleaning and removing clutter from your office regularly can help you use your space more efficiently. Entrepreneur.com suggests having your employees tidy up their work areas at the end of each day to promote a more open office setting.

Simply having your desks and tabletops cleaned can enhance visibility and open up your office. You shouldn’t let storage boxes and other miscellaneous items sit in walkways for long periods. Trashcans and recycle bins should also be emptied frequently to reduce clutter.

You could even look at getting a professional cleaning company to come in once in a while to give the space a deeper clean. To help save money, choose a fully managed service such as Ideal Cleaning who all the necessary materials to complete the clean so that you don’t have to.

The way your office smells can give the impression of having a bigger space. Bad smells and stuffiness in the air that come with having a small office can be eliminated with the right aromatherapy products. It’s important that any scents that you use aren’t too overpowering for your employees.

Scent diffusers can emit the smells of peppermint, rosemary and other pleasing aromas to promote a better work environment. You can also try using scented candles or air fresheners to eliminate stuffiness in your office.

You and your employees don’t have to suffer while working in a small office. There are many creative ways to make your space seem bigger and more open for everyone.

_________

Hannah Whittenly is a freelance writer and mother of two from Sacramento, CA. She enjoys kayaking and reading books by the lake.