Over the last 20 years, the modern office space has taken on several different looks. In the early 2000s, we saw employers exchange cubicles for open office designs. In the 2010s, we saw more collaborative spaces, ping pong tables, and in-house cafés. Yet, there’s one thing that hasn’t changed, no matter how far back in history you look: how office design affects employees and their well-being.
According to a 2019 Fellowes Workplace Wellness Trend Report, 87% of workers would like their current employer to make upgrades and offer healthier workspaces. Many of these upgrades are wellness rooms, company fitness benefits, sit-stand desks, and healthier lunch options. With the help from iSpace Office Interiors, you can accomplish all of this, but it’s vital you understand why you’re making these changes. So, let’s take a look at how your current office design is impacting employees.
Air Quality
With today’s health concerns floating around, it’s no surprise that many employees now worry about the air quality in the office. Poor air quality and filtration can have a significant impact on employee health, leaving you with more sick workers and possibly higher insurance premiums. Additionally, dirty or dusty air makes the workplace unbearable for some, especially during allergy seasons. But what does air quality do for productivity? According to the World Green Building Council, productivity could increase by more than 11% if you invest in cleaner air solutions for your company.
Comfort
If your employees have been working remotely for the past year and a half, you can bank on them expecting some level of comfort when they return to the office. Many of them will want the same amenities they had while at home. These might include ergonomic chairs, sit-stand furniture for more physical activity while they work, and even some upgrades to the breakroom with more comfortable seating. They could even want access to caffeine and snacks – all of the comforts of home.
Mind
If the thought of working 8-10 hours of your day in a windowless, colorless room makes you shudder, then imagine what it does for you employees. The well-being of your team needs to include considerations to their mental health, which starts with office design. If your office environment lacks natural elements, you might find your team lacks mental motivation and creativity. In fact, a Global Impact of Biophilic Design in the Workplace study demonstrated that people who work in spaces such as courtyards, rooftop lounges, gardens, etc. reported 15% higher levels of overall wellbeing. That’s a pretty significant increase if you ask us!
Lighting
Remember our mention of that windowless, colorless room? Yep, we can’t mention that and not talk about how lighting affects your employees’ well-being. If you’re looking for a way to improve productivity, employee health, and office morale, then you’ll want an office design that promotes natural light as much as possible. According to the Department of Design and Environmental Analysis at Cornell, when you seat employees within 10 feet of a window, your employees could see an 84% decrease in eye strain, headaches, and blurred vision symptoms.
Let’s Give Employees a Space that Promotes Their Well-Being
When it comes to your office design, employee well-being will always be our number one priority. We offer services like sound management and ergonomic analysis. We also work hard to ensure that your new office design is exactly what you want but conducive to promoting employee health. So, whether you’re looking for collaborative breakout rooms or a new coffee corner, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to get a quote or start your FREE space planning journey.