How to Increase Moral by Brightening Up Your Office for the New Year

The January blues are inescapable as we return to work after the festive period, but as a business owner, what can you do to help bring some energy into your team and get the New Year off to a good start?

It all starts with morale, and whilst this is something that tends to be deeply linked to the overall culture of your company, there are small things you can do to boost your employees’ spirits as they return to work after the holidays. A good place to start is the environment you’re all working in, and making a few small changes to your office space can make a huge difference. Here are some quick, cost-effective ideas.

Bring the Outdoors In

By ‘outdoors’, we definitely don’t mean the dreary weather. Injecting a bit of greenery into your workspace has been proven to increase productivity, with employees working in offices filled with plants reporting higher levels of concentration and better air quality. Plus, it’s always nice to brighten up a working space with a bit of colour, and it costs next to nothing.

Create a Lighter Space

Whilst we have a limited number of daylight hours in the dreary winter months, your work space doesn’t have to reflect that. Brighten up your whole office space by switching your regular light bulbs for some that shine a little brighter. LEDs will also reduce your energy bills, so not only will your employees feel more upbeat about working in a lighter, brighter space, but you’re doing your bit for the environment too.

Update the Décor

Whilst it might take a little more effort, updating your office with a fresh paint job is a cheap way to brighten it up. Rather than boring old magnolia, consider introducing a feature wall painted in your brand’s colour(s), or even a chalkboard wall for brainstorming ideas. Take a look at this article for some inspiration on how you might be able to introduce small elements of some of the world’s best office spaces to increase employee morale.

Lift the Clear Desk Policy

If your office has a clear desk policy that means your employees can’t personalise their workspace, why not consider changing the rules a little? As long as no confidential documents are left lying around, having the option to brighten up and ‘own’ their workspace can really help employees to feel more upbeat whilst they’re at work.