Google is perhaps the first company that springs to mind when thoughts turn to progressive office design. Installing crazy golf course, pool tables and relaxation pods may not be every business owner’s idea of keeping staff happy.

Psychologically, these kinds of workspaces may actually increase productivity if staff are happier – at least that’s what the likes of Google and other creative employers think. But really creating a well-designed office space requires a lot less than you think.

Building in too many distractions into the workplace may actually hinder rather than help the creative process if staff spend too much time at play or things to play with are too close to hand. Research from scientists backs up the idea that workplaces also need structure and fluidity to function properly.

What works for Google’s army of programmers may not work for the average office.

One of the key things is to provide you employees with enough natural light and personal space. Open plan offices, for so long the accepted layout has been found to increase stress and reduce productivity.

Creating areas where employees can collaborate and even break rooms that offer some form of escape could help transform the workplace into an area people will want to spend time in. Colours too play their part. Various combinations of colours can help influence moods.

Orange and yellow for example are known to stimulate a sense of fun and happiness while blue sets a mood of tranquillity.