How Modern Office Design Boosts Productivity

For many businesses, productivity has become a persistent challenge. Despite new technologies and management strategies, finding ways to help people work effectively remains a top concern. The solution might be hiding in plain sight. It’s in the walls, the windows, and the very layout of the space where we work. Don’t underestimate how modern office design affects productivity. Whether you’re working at home or on-site, your environment is a powerful tool for success.

A thoughtfully designed office is not just about creating a visually appealing environment. It’s about creating a space where people can connect, collaborate, and reach their full potential. 

The science behind office design and human behavior shows that our environment plays a huge part in shaping our cognitive function and mood. This is not just about having a nice view. It’s about creating a workspace that supports focus, creativity, and overall job satisfaction.

The Problem with the One Size Fits All Office

For years, the open-plan office was seen as the key to collaboration. The idea was to break down walls to encourage communication. However, research paints a different picture. A 2019 survey found that 37% of people in open-plan offices feel the design actually decreases their productivity. The main reason is often high noise levels, which make it hard to concentrate and can increase stress.

One study found that open offices led to a 70% drop in in-person interactions. People retreated behind screens, leading to a rise in emails and instant messages. Every time you switch from your task to answer a message, it takes time to get back on track. Research shows it can take over 20 minutes to fully refocus after a single digital distraction. A poorly designed office can unintentionally create a cycle of constant interruption.

This is something we understand well at The Sentry. 

We know that a single layout doesn’t work for everyone or every task. Our locations are designed to offer a variety of spaces, from buzzing collaborative zones to private, quiet nooks, allowing you to choose the right setting for your work.

What Makes a Modern Office Design Work

A truly productive modern office understands that people have different needs throughout the day and that one size does not fit all. The design is intentional, focusing on creating an environment that supports work, wellbeing, and connection.

An Environment That Breathes Life into Your Work

An unhealthy office environment will naturally cause productivity problems. This goes beyond just uncomfortable chairs. Poor ventilation can make a space feel stuffy and tiring. Research by the World Green Building Council found that increasing the volume of fresh air in an office resulted in an 11% boost in productivity.

This is where biophilic design, which incorporates nature into the workplace, becomes so valuable. It’s about more than just looking nice. Adding plants can purify the air, reduce stress, and even improve our ability to remember things. One study showed that adding just one plant per square meter could boost memory retention.

Ergonomics for a Healthy and Productive Body

Aches and pains from a poor desk setup are a major drain on energy and focus. Ergonomics is the science of designing a workspace that fits the user, minimizing physical strain and discomfort. A proper setup can prevent injuries and help you stay comfortable and concentrated throughout the day.

This means more than just a decent chair. For desk-based work, you should consider a few things. Use a laptop or screen support so your monitor is at eye level, allowing you to sit comfortably. If your feet don’t rest flat on the floor, a footrest can make a big difference. Wrist rests for your keyboard and mouse can also prevent strain on your hands and forearms.

The Surprising Power of Color

Color is a subtle but powerful tool that can influence mood and productivity. Different colors can evoke different feelings, so a smart office uses color intentionally to create specific atmospheres in different areas.

Here’s a quick guide to how colors can affect us:

• Yellow: Encourages optimism, creativity, and mental clarity.
• Blue: Creates a sense of calmness, tranquility, and focus.
• Green: Promotes renewal, stress reduction, and concentration.
• Lavender: Can improve focus and clarity of thought.
• White: Suggests simplicity, balance, and harmony.
• Red: Is stimulating and can be motivating when used in small amounts.

A Workspace with Purpose and Choice

If you want people to be productive, you have to give them an environment they want to work in. A 2019 study found that nearly three-quarters of office workers would consider leaving their job if their workplace environment didn’t inspire them. Yet, only about a third of employers have ever asked their staff for their opinion on the office design.

Giving people autonomy over where and how they work is a powerful motivator. The modern office shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all container. It should be a dynamic  tool, intentionally designed for specific purposes. With the rise of remote and hybrid work, the office has a new role. Recent reports show that workers feel most productive in the office when doing specific tasks like meeting new people, managing teams, and holding group brainstorming sessions.

The Great Tidy Desk Debate

For many people, a cluttered desk leads to a cluttered mind. An organized space can make it easier to tackle a to-do list. But this isn’t true for everyone. Some research suggests that creative individuals may actually prefer a messier, more stimulating environment. Also, neurodivergent employees, such as those with ADHD, might need to visually process information and find a clean desk policy restrictive. The key is to provide options and trust people to create a setup that works for them.

The Sentry Your Partner in Productivity

At The Sentry, we offer workspaces designed to help everyone succeed, from freelancers to growing companies. Our three unique Ho Chi Minh City locations are built for productivity.

Choose from The Sentry C, our energetic hub in District 1; The Sentry P, a modern, artistic space in Thao Dien; or The Sentry Z, our award-winning, eco-friendly oasis; The Sentry Q, the tech hub that gives your business the boost it needs to succeed.

Your office is a tool for success. 

Talk to us and we’ll help you find the right space for your team to thrive.