Grey drab cubicles. Brown carpet. Glaring fluorescent lights that give you a headache the longer you work under them. This is how most people think of corporate offices.

Your office doesn’t have to be this way. In fact, I’ve been to some pretty stellar workplaces in my time and they all give you a sense of chill.

Today we’re going to talk about how you can spruce up your office space and boost productivity a ton.

Hire the Best Cleaners

A cluttered workspace will decrease your employee’s concentration ten-fold. Are you willing to sacrifice their productivity on the altar of cheap?

But before you hire a cleaner, you’d be wise to click here to find out about what to expect from commercial cleaners. Not all are what they seem (just like the owls).

Support Local Artists

While you don’t want to end up like Pied Piper in Silicon Valley (that’s not our weed, we swear!), you would boost the morale of your workers by commissioning some tasteful local art.

I was recently at one of Google’s offices downtown San Francisco and everywhere you turned you’d find inspiration by local artists (and the occasional arcade cabinet). It felt like a welcome change to the offices I worked in during my years at a New Mexico non-profit.

Chalkboards Instead of Whiteboards

Whiteboards are so 90s. They’re the things we used to get high with as children while we drew what we were learning about in sex ed. And whiteboards are just so utilitarian.

Why not dare to be a little hipster (post-hipster?) and install chalk boards. “Dust!” you say, and if this were the 1970s, you’d be right. But there’s this new wonderful product called chalk paint and chalk spray that causes no dust while you write your notes.

Green-Up the Space!

Plants produce 22 liters of oxygen for every 150 grams of growth. So, no need for an oxygen bar when you can give your employees a mind-boost through nature!

Try putting a massive tree planter in the center of your space (if it doesn’t break your lease). Maybe grass and some flowers?

How about hydroponics? These are cheap and easy to maintain and they look cool to boot!

If you grow fruiting plants, extra bonus! When in season, fruiting plants become snacks for employees. And you’ll have so much they’ll be able to take them home to family.

Prioritize Both Comfort and Style

Never sacrifice on comfort for style. But there is no reason to sacrifice style for comfort either. Both are possible.

You don’t have to settle for grey or black chairs. At some pizzaz to the office by ordering colorful office chairs.

Make your cubicles and desks stylish and functional. Use quality materials so that employees aren’t constantly adjusting their desks. Quality will ensure these items last longer and you’ll save money in the long run.

It’s Easy to Create a Great Place to Work

You’re the king of your work space. There is no reason for it to be drab. Yes, it takes some time and creativity, but once it’s all in place, you and your employees will be happier.