Three Ways Office Panel Extenders Can Improve Creativity
The benefits of improving employee creativity often speak for themselves. However, you are constantly on the look out to see what else can be done to keep the momentum going. One way is by purchasing office panel extenders to fit on top of your existing cubicles, so distractions can be better controlled when employees really need to focus. Although they are still sharing the same office, when each worker feels as if they have their own personal space, this can provide a sense of motivation and keep them doing their best work. Let’s see the ways these extenders can give them that added creative spark. Studies show:
- First: that perceived control can moderate stress reactions (Glass & Singer, 1972). This means that even if every employee in that office space is under pressure and inundated with work, these panel extenders give them control over their own cubicle, that one space they feel is their personal zone. This provides more focus on what they need to do in order to get the work done. Sure, they may look across and see how their co-workers are faring and can communicate when needed but, researchers find that the ability to control one’s own environment has a significant impact on personal satisfaction. And, a more satisfied employee can block out the stresses of others and focus on their own creativity.
- Second: these panels can even help during cold and flu season! As most employers know, this is the time of year when offices are half empty or full of people who are ill. 1-in-4 U.S. employees go to work sick and with this open-work space, colds can get passed around quickly. How can someone possibly be at their creative best when they feel bad or are so sick they have to miss several days of work? Cubicles do provide some protection because employees can isolate themselves better but, these panel extenders offer an added barrier that helps to safeguard them and keep the germs out.
- Third: creativity can be blocked because of one simple thing: noise. The psychologist Nick Perham, published a study on Applied Cognitive Psychology, and found that office noise and confusion impairs workers’ ability to recall information and, can even have an effect on doing basic math. This is why libraries are so quiet; so people can think. In cubicles there is a measure of privacy but, continuous ringing of phones, loud conversations and other distractions can actually undermine employee motivation. It all comes back to control. Part of the reason office noise reduces motivation is because workers know the noise is going to be there but, feel as if there is just nothing they can do about it. This can be frustrating and unproductive if that’s all they’re really focused on. By providing office panel extenders for their cubicles, this gives them back part of that control because some of those distracting nois es will be muted.
A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology says that office distractions will make employees stressed and feel as if they are not working at their best. Add to this, a feeling of powerlessness in not having any personal space and, the fear of catching a cold or getting the flu; this can prevent them from being creative and is not a good way in bringing out their best. Providing your workers with office panel extenders for their cubicles is the best solution in giving them a sense of privacy and, help them stay productive and imaginative. To talk about this, please contact us today for more information.