And the happier your staff are, the more work they'll get done, or so the theory goes at IKEA.
When is the last time your office environment made you feel inspired? We're used to gawping at the lavish and quirky offices of Web companies like Facebook and Google, but now IKEA thinks Australian small businesses are ready for a dose of "inspiration" at work.
The multinational furnishings giant has set up IKEA Business, a service and web site that aims to help you create an office that takes employee happiness into account.
And the happier your staff are, the more work they'll get done, or so the thinking goes at IKEA. "In fact, we recently discovered over 80 per cent of small businesses believet hey would be more productive if their workspace was more enjoyable," said Mark Mitchinson, IKEA Business Leader, in a media statement for the launch of the service.
So what advice does IKEA have? Inject colour, is one. It stimulates creativity and productivity. The "look and feel" is another important aspect, according to IKEA. The IKEA Business site also mentions Feng Shui and has a guide to pot plants.
IKEA's new site includes a free office planner and one-on-one consultation with IKEA.
