The link between office design and employee health and happiness

If you have an office job, chances are you spend the majority of your week at work. Whether it’s answering phones, attending client meetings, filling out spreadsheets or typing up documents, many of us spend around eight hours a day doing various tasks in the office. Considering this may be more time than you spend awake at home, it’s not surprising that it can have a significant impact on your wellbeing. Everything from the way in which a desk is set up to lighting and décor can affect not only your productivity, but also your state of mind and physical fitness. In fact, research has shown that there is a strong link between the way an office is designed and staff members’ health and happiness - both of which are essential to building a strong, successful workforce. To find out more about this link, read on. Encouraging movement It’s well documented that sedentary work can have a negative impact on health. Long periods of inactivity can lead to all sorts of issues, from musculoskeletal aches and pains to poor circulation. Research has even shown that inactivity can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. For a company, ill-health such as this can have a knock-on effect on productivity and result in high rates of absenteeism. For employees who are required to sit down for extended periods of time, it’s important for employers to try to prevent these workplace-related health problems from occurring. One way to do this is to promote activity by getting employees to move around the office more. Open spaces and breakout areas can help to avert sedentary tendencies and encourage employees to get away from their desks more often. Some companies even provide various games and sports equipment, such as table tennis and pool tables, which can be great for keeping workers active throughout the day while also giving them a chance to relax and refresh. Even small changes, such as asking people to use the stairs rather than the lift whenever possible, can work wonders for physical wellbeing. If staff are reluctant to move from their desks or don’t have the time to take breaks, it might also be worth suggesting certain exercises that can be done while sitting down. For example, stretching and certain yoga positions can be done in a chair and can help to promote blood circulation and prevent muscle and joint stiffness. Providing your personnel with standing desks could also promote improved health. Stimulating surroundings As well as physical health, the way in which an office is designed can have a direct effect on mood and morale. A poorly lit, dreary interior with lack-lustre décor is bound to leave anyone feeling depressed and unmotivated, let alone those who have to spend the majority of their week working in it. If you want to get the best out of your workforce and keep them feeling happy and motivated, your office needs to be aesthetically appealing, inspiring and mood-enhancing. To create a pleasant and uplifting place to work, think beyond the traditional desk and chair set-up and consider adding causal breakout spaces with comfy chairs. You may also want to allow employees to decorate their own desks with personal, motivating items. In addition, it’s worth noting that certain colours, such as green, have been linked to creativity and happiness, while others, such as red, have been associated with stress. Sunlight is also a great natural mood-booster and can raise energy levels, which in turn can improve productivity. With this in mind, try to maximise natural light with large, open spaces and position desks near to windows where you can. When this isn’t possible, use lighting that replicates sunlight rather than fluorescent fixtures and bring nature indoors with plenty of greenery. Some plants can even help to improve air quality. Desk setup Eye strain, headaches, muscle pain and stress are all common workplace problems that can be triggered by incorrectly set up desks. In fact, problems such as neck and back pain are one of the most common causes of sick days. Unfortunately, many employers and staff don’t pay too much attention to workstations, which can prove to be a costly mistake. There are a few simple solutions to prevent workspaces from wreaking havoc on employee health. For example, computer monitors should be positioned at eye-height and directly in front of the user, and everything on the desk should be within easy reach. As a general rule of thumb, staff members should be able to carry out desk-based tasks without bending, stretching or straining themselves. Ergonomically-designed desks and chairs are a must for any office, as they can be used to improve posture and prevent muscle pains and long-term damage. Desk screens can also be used to increase privacy and reduce noise levels and distractions, which can help to keep stress levels in check and enhance concentration. Open plan workspaces One of the most common worker complaints is to do with office layouts. Open plan designs are by far the most popular style of workspace, with many companies using collaborative spaces in a bid to increase teamwork and improve worker relationships. These offices can also encourage workers to move around more and have impromptu meetings with other colleagues. However, there are some downsides to these types of setup. Shared workspaces can lead to more distractions and increased noise levels, which can be a source of stress and unhappiness. In fact, research has shown that open plan environments can lead to higher blood pressure and anxiety In terms of physical health, shared work areas also increase the chance of colds and flu viruses being spread around. The New Yorker found that companies with open plan offices recorded 62 per cent more sick days than those without. When taking into consideration the pros and cons of an open plan office, your best bet might be to create a workplace that includes both collaborative and private spaces. This gives employees a choice in how and where they work, which can improve job satisfaction and have a positive effect on work performance. There’s no denying that office design has a notable impact on employees’ physical and mental health. By taking simple steps to create a comfortable, stimulating environment and paying attention to workers’ needs, you stand a much better chance of maintaining a happy and healthy workforce.