Office Designs to Improve Employee Wellbeing In the Workplace

 

 

The modern office has gone through a number of evolutionary changes, from cubicle farms to open floor plans and then the introduction of ping pong and football tables. These changes primarily revolve around employee wellbeing in the workplace to foster a more dynamic and collaborative workplace culture.

One significant factor that has triggered changes to the work environment is COVID-19. Although office trends come and go, one thing that remains constant is the impact that the office environment can have on employee mental health and wellbeing. 

Studies show that the average British employee spends 34 hours of their week working. With workers spending so much time in the office, it isn’t surprising that the workplace has such an impact on their mental health. Workplace wellness should be a priority; a great workspace design can lead to a reduction in stress and an increase in employee wellbeing as well as employee productivity. Employees need to feel comfortable and at ease in their work environment if they are to produce their best work. So, it is essential for employers to consider employee wellbeing when planning their next office fitout. If you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to an expert office fit out company for assistance.

 

 

Office Layout on Employee Wellbeing

When considering office design, it’s key to hit the balance between giving your employees space and privacy for them to focus on specific tasks, as well as creating an open environment for two-way communication. 

Office partitions and glass cubicles can be used effectively in your office design to improve staff wellbeing in the workplace. With the right design, these are a great way to split up office space without cutting off communication and making employees feel isolated. They can also be a more cost-effective alternative to solid walls and provide flexibility to make adjustments when necessary. 

 

Lighting & Natural Light On Staff Wellbeing

Have you considered lighting in your office? Are your employees in view of a window? Studies show that employees seated near a window experience decreased eyestrain and headaches. Not to mention the added benefit of air circulation. Just think about the positive impact these factors can have on employee wellbeing! Seating workers close to a window isn’t always an option so here are a few small alterations you can implement to make a big difference and improve workplace wellness:

• Move big, bulky furniture which blocks sunlight
• Consider adding skylights if suitable for the building
• Replace broken and flickering lights 
• Layer different lighting such as ambient and brighter lighting for focused tasks
• Opt for dimmable LED lighting over fluorescent lighting 

 

 

Comfort On Staff Wellbeing in the Workplace

The office should be a place of comfort. If your employees are comfortable, they’ll be happier, more able to focus and more productive. The right chair in the correct position paired with the perfect desk can reduce back problems and muscle fatigue, a common cause of lost work time. 

To improve employee wellbeing, provide your staff with different areas to work in the day with the ability to alternate from sitting to standing. Create quiet zones for focused working and breakout areas for creative brainstorming and teamwork. This will help to break up the day for employees and keep their minds fresh.   

Not only is it important for your staff to be comfortable while working, but it’s also beneficial for them to have a comfy place to rest and unwind on their breaks. After all, if they return to their workstations feeling relaxed and refreshed, they’re more likely to do a better job for the rest of the day. So consider adding sofas and padded chairs to staff relaxation areas when designing your workspace.   

A great waiting area and meeting room will also help to make a good impression on guests so don’t forget these areas either.

 

 

 

Decor On Workplace Wellness

Just Because It Looks Good! 

The overall decor of an office can have a big impact on an employee’s perception of the company they work for, not to mention the impression that it can give to your clients too. Whether it’s bright and bold colours or neutral tones and natural materials, your choice says a lot about your business and overall has major impact on workplace wellness. If put together considerately, office decor can help create an environment that employees are proud of.

 

 

 

 

Choose McFeggan Brown For Bespoke Workplace Design

Above all, investing in an office refurbishment demonstrates your commitment to your team’s wellness and staff members are much more likely to work hard for a business that tends to their wellbeing. Workplace wellness is a proven tool for both attraction and retention and it can certainly play a part in future-proofing your business for years to come.

 

If you’re relocating to new offices, or would like to refresh your current working space for improved employee wellbeing, please get in touch and organise a consultation with one of our experts to further explore the interior design and social distancing solutions available to you.