Whether you’re just starting a new business or striving to renovate an old office, functionality, and practicality and likely your main concerns. And while these factors are vital to streamlined business operations, you might want to prioritize employee well-being instead. With happy and healthy workers also come higher productivity levels and greater overall outcomes, which can benefit the success of your company as well. To that end, here are some office space aspects that impact employee well-being you should focus on:
Openness
The level of openness in the office can have a great impact on the way team members work collaboratively and individually. Open office layouts with broader communal spaces and limited walls have increased in popularity over the last couple of years due to the way they support communication and collaboration. If brainstorming, teamwork, and similar practices are important for your business, an open plan is a great factor to consider for boosting job satisfaction and employee happiness levels. However, it might not be an ideal option for companies where increased privacy and minimized distractions are a priority.
Lighting
Office lighting could affect employees in surprising ways as well. The ideal work environment is often one where there is plenty of natural light. This type of lighting can keep employees alert and focused on their tasks, but it can also lift their mood, raise energy, and reduce stress. All of these factors are quite important to employee well-being, so try to include as much natural light in your office as possible. If it’s simply not doable, consider using warm lightbulbs instead of cold ones to achieve a similar effect.
Greenery
Just like natural light, other aspects of nature can also positively contribute to employee well-being. Greenery is one of the most powerful aspects – it can reduce noise, aid in relaxation, increase productivity, and even boost creativity. By providing fresh and clean air, plants could help to minimize absence rates as well. Of course, they’re great for making the office space more attractive and inviting for employees, too. So, aim to implement more greenery in your workplace, from large houseplants in the corners to small decorative plants on desks, and even lovely flower arrangements in common rooms.
Efficiency
The only way employees can be productive is when the office space allows them to be. This means that the ideal workspace should provide team members with all the tools they need to support optimal work. Consider purchasing new computers that perform efficiently, provide convenient access to gadgets such as projectors and printers, and give your employees any other tech equipment they need to boost productivity. Even smaller aspects can make a big difference. For example, you can connect all office devices with a LAN cable instead of relying on wireless technology. This will provide employees with greater speed and reliability to ensure stress-free and productive work.
Interior design
In terms of interior design, two main factors tend to have the greatest impact on employees. The first is colors, with blue being a relaxing shade, green bringing more balance, and yellow improving the mood. The second aspect is the furniture. Not only does it have to provide a functional purpose, but it also needs to support employees, especially if they spend hours at their desks each day. Ergonomic furniture is the perfect solution, helping to prevent injuries and pain and support good health. Naturally, the entire office design can have a positive effect – go for simple yet effective solutions to boost overall performance.
Branding
Another aspect that can be implemented into your interior design with surprisingly good results is company branding. It’s a well-known fact that clearly demonstrating your brand throughout the office design can leave a great first impression on business partners and clients who visit your premises. But branding has the power to keep your employees in line with your vision as well. For instance, the casual nature of a business can be emphasized through unusual office furniture, while promoting ideas such as wellness and community could encourage your team to follow those values.
Artwork
Every workplace should have some art on display, too. The type of artwork you select, as well as its placement, will depend on the goals you’d like to achieve. If supporting employee well-being is your main objective, opt for scenes of nature and warm shades that promote relaxation. Even images of family members and pets on employees’ desks can be a good solution for upholding the right values. When chosen well, art will add more character to your office space, while simultaneously inspiring creativity and innovation among your teams.
Evidently, your office space can impact the well-being of your employees in a number of different ways. Focus on the factors mentioned above and aim to improve them as much as possible in order to promote a healthier work environment.
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