Businesses are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of mental health – with 1 in 6.8 people experiencing mental health problems in the workplace, it is of utmost importance that employees come first, and businesses help cater to reduce stress caused by work.
Although there are many factors that bring on stress, there are simple things businesses can do to help reduce it, as well as improve employee satisfaction rates.
Amongst other tactics – such as management support, counselling and promoting a healthy lifestyle – ensuring your office space is designed strategically is one way you can help your employees’ mental health. Studio Alliance office design experts, have pulled together tips on how businesses can put their employees first when it comes to their office design and layout.
- Exposure to natural light – by using circadian lighting, workplaces can create a more natural and healthierenvironment for employees. Artificial lighting can affect the body’s natural circadian rhythm and therefore lead to insomnia – although this might not happen to everyone, this simple design tweak will subconsciously help your employees in their personal and professional lives.
- Always think of the ergonomic impact – ergonomic furniture is designed to minimise strain on the body so that working for a period of time is achievable. Ensuring office furniture is adjustable is important for employee comfort. A high-quality office chair that supports the back and neck will enable employees to feel comfortable at work.
- Colour schemes make all the difference – some colours will help your employees focus, while others may distractthem. That’s why it’s important to provide different colour schemes and aesthetics in multiple office rooms. A neutral space can help calm one employee, but help another focus. Whereas a pop of yellow in another room could really help a team brainstorming session.
- Plants reduce stress levels – a study by the University of Exeter found that when plants were introduced into an office environment, employee productivity increased by 15%. As plants are air purifiers, they also help improve the air quality and remove toxins which benefits overall employee health. So, while plants don’t reduce stress levels, they can promote a healthier work environment.
- Minimise distractions – acoustic solutions such as sound-absorbing materials and wall panels can help reduce noise in an office. While this won’t reduce stress levels, it can increase attention span in some people which may be needed to tick tasks off. This can result in efficiency when your employees are working. However, some people may thrive with some background noise, so it’s important to give your employees the choice of where they work.
“Studies have shown that utilitarian offices with bad acoustics and poor lighting design can spoil employee’s wellbeing by a long haul. On the other hand, creating diverse spaces with different options for work activities, with various settings and moods, that encompass the employee daily experience, will communicate a concern the company has for its employees. It’s time we put more emphasis on people-centric office designs.” Bjørn Polzin, Head of Planning at apoprojekt, one of Studio Alliance’s members.
