Stress and anxiety in the workplace can lead to decreased attendance and productivity. In fact, 12.7% of all sick days in the UK are due to mental health conditions.
In order to ensure that your staff is in optimal mental health condition and is contributing to your business, it’s important to take initiatives that promote workplace well-being. Providing help with managing the workload, stimulating social interactions, and organising yoga classes can all help in that.
But did you know that the office design can have as much impact on your staff’s well-being? Commercial outfitter Novograf gives expert advice on how to give your office design a revamp in order to boost happiness and productivity at your workplace.
Start with the layout
According to a survey by GlaxoSmithKline with their employees, email traffic dropped by more than 50% when they switched from cubicles to an open office layout. Decision-making also increased by 25% due to workers being able to have more informal meetings.
However, an open-office layout isn’t ideal for everyone. For instance, someone who has ADHD will work better in a private and enclosed space. It’s best to consider the needs of everyone in order to promote well-being at the workplace.
You can use partitions and dividers to provide privacy for those who need it and create flow zones. Private pods, meeting rooms, and a rest area are also great to have.
Maximise natural light
According to a study by C. Blume, C. Garbazza, and M. Spitschan, natural light can increase the release of serotonin, which is the happiness hormone. This improves our mood and circadian rhythms, which are responsible for our sleep, and we all know that sleep is essential for our well-being.
Invite as much natural light into your office for as long as possible. You can also encourage your employees to spend their lunch breaks outside so that they can also reap the benefits of fresh air. Even those who don’t smoke can enjoy a regular break out in the open. People with seasonal mood disorder (SAD) will significantly benefit from this.
Did you know that viewing nature can also have a calming effect on people, whether it’s real or an image? Offices that overlook nature, such as a park with trees or a forest, are ideal. Even if you don’t have a nature view, you can easily bring the outdoors inside by implementing the biophilic design concept. You can do so by implementing natural materials, such as wood-effect or cork flooring, textures, lots of greenery, and nature-inspired artwork.
The office décor
Another essential aspect of facilitating a pleasant and healthy office environment and enhancing the team’s mood and productivity is the décor.
Colour psychology states that the best colours for an office are bright or warm tones. For stimulating mental activity and inducing happiness and productivity, go for yellow or orange. If you’re looking for a soothing and intellectual effect, go for blue, and if you want to encourage balance and growth, green should be featured in your colour palette.
Comfort and cosiness are also important when designing an office that promotes employees’ well-being. Accent wall art, 3D signs with inspirational quotes or phrases, and fun decorative objects, such as vases and statues, can also help create a more welcoming atmosphere.
Furniture can also promote well-being in the workplace. There is range of ergonomic chairs and standing desks converters that can reduce the risk of strain injuries and are also extremely comfortable.
Your office design is a powerful tool to not only create an inviting environment but also a way to improve your staff’s well-being and productivity. You want it to reflect your company’s office and make your employees comfortable every day.
