Whenever you feel good you work better: it may seem trivial but how workplaces are designed and set up demonstrates that this is not taken into as much consideration as it should.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have experimentally demonstrated that the psychophysical well-being of workers has an immediate and quantifiable impact on work: where conditions are better, productivity increases by 12%.
Investing in employee well-being, supporting their development and creating happy work environments promotes their satisfaction, improving their quality of life and work.
According to a report published by Fellowes 93% of tech workers say they prefer companies that provide a healthy work environment designed to promote mental and physical well-being.
So how do you create a healthy and positive space?
Let’s see 4 important features to design a happy office.
Air quality and environmental health
The World Green Building Council has found that when air quality is improved, productivity increases by up to 11% and sick leave decreases exponentially.
Air quality is indeed a fundamental part of work and life quality, also outside of office hours: airborne contaminants in closed work environments (according to Legislative Decree 81/2008 and subsequent amendments) have been long associated with the onset of Sick Building Syndrome, a set of symptoms and ailments such as headaches and asthenia, chronically irritated respiratory tracts, fatigue and eye and even skin discomfort, all related to being in a certain building for a prolonged time.
Healthy work environments
To create healthier work environments, it is important to uphold some good practices daily:
– ventilate periodically by opening the windows for 5 minutes
– keep suitable plants (here are some tips on the best ones to clean the air)
– maintain a temperature around 19-20 Celsius degrees
– check, if possible, the quality of tools and products for cleaning
– do not use air fresheners
– keep your workstation clean, including tools (PC for example)
– check the maintenance of the ventilation systems
– ensure the CONTINUOUS sanitization of the air to break down pathogens at the very moment they start circulating. LOOK AT OUR PROPOSALS
Light
Scientific research confirms that natural light plays a crucial role in physical health. The vitamin D we get from sunlight improves mood and helps prevent diseases. Natural sunlight also relieves anxiety levels and helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, which also helps us sleep better.
Research conducted by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology also found that employees who work in office environments with natural light have higher energy levels and higher productivity. How can you improve this aspect without upheavals? There are some simple ways to bring more natural light into your office if you don’t have the budget for a complete overhaul: use mirrors to reflect natural light, move anything that hinders the diffusion of light from windows into the space (file cabinets, bookcases, separators), reposition the workstations taking into account the light source.
Colours
A sedentary work environment requires a palette of colours and shades whose combination stimulates energy and helps improve concentration.
Brighter shades lend themselves better in areas where you want to encourage creativity, such as collaborative areas and meeting rooms, colours such as green, purple and blue instead help concentration, making environments more relaxing. The implementation of colour does not simply focus on the way you paint the walls: it also concerns the materials chosen and the type of decor. The use of reclaimed wood, stones and plants help create a natural environment that complements the role of colour. Surrounding yourself with beauty (paintings, posters, decorative objects, books and magazines) is a further factor in overall well-being, human growth and value.
To know more:
Heavy air in the office? Try changing it
How to choose an environmental air purifier