In Steven Bartlett's book, “The Diary of a CEO” he references the work of Teresa Amabile in the Harvard Business Review, whose research proves:

“making progress in one's work - even incremental progress – is more frequently associated with positive emotions and high motivations than any other workday event."

The office environment is one of the most significant tools in your employees' toolbox. By harnessing the power of the office space to aid the progress of and achieve minor gains for your employees, you will create a more motivated and progressive workforce. How can this be done? Well in Bartlett’s terms, you need to “remove the friction.”

This could include:

- Carefully considered flexible meeting spaces that can be reconfigured to suit different employees' needs.

- Sound-proof “heads-down” booths where employees can complete their task without being disturbed.

- Ample collaboration and meeting spaces where the IT and AV facilities work seamlessly and are available to all.

- Desk and Meeting room booking systems.

- Mitigating the impact of noise in the open plan office by incorporating acoustic treatments on the walls and ceilings.

- Providing “Wellness Rooms” where employees can go for headspace between demanding tasks.

- Ensuring your staff understand the impact of their work through info-graphics, internal communications and wall displays.

- A great coffee machine - or go one better and have an in-house barista! ☕

I find the pyschology behind why we do what we do and what motivates us to get there fascinating!