Have you wondered what’s common between the most prosperous organizations across the world? It is the fact that they are filled with employees who are happy and healthy. If a person is to spend more than 8 hours a day for 5 or even more days in a week at a desk, it has to be a place where he/she feels comfortable or at ease. The environment or set-up of an office space plays a massive role in keeping the employees motivated, creative and most important, healthy enough to be able to utilize their complete potential.
Here are the topmost things that directly influence the office environment for the better, leading to a workplace where everyone likes to be.
1. A well illuminated space
Nobody likes to spend hours in a dark, shabby and depressing space. It curbs the enthusiasm and gives a feeling of discomfort. Thus, it is absolutely pivotal for an office space to ensure that it is brightly illuminated in order to create a cheerful environment. If you can manage to bring in the natural light, then there would be nothing like it. Based on a study conducted by scientific researchers, it has been proved that a workplace filled with natural lighting, boosts the energy and sleep cycles of the employees.
2. Standing Desk Chairs
Does this seem to be a very trivial and insignificant inclusion in your office space? Well, you will be surprised to know that you are wrong. A Standing desk chair has become an integral part of the most popular office spaces, as their impact couldn’t be more direct in terms of the employees’ physical and mental health. The sedentary lifestyle that comes along with many corporate jobs, has lead to numerous health issues for employees. Problems like obesity, spondylitis, arthritis, muscle and bone deformities and more can be caused by sitting in the slouched position for those long hours. These desks give a physical freedom and provision to be mobile while still being able to continue working. Moreover, these also act as mood and energy enhancers during high=stress periods.
3. Include recreational areas within the office
It is absolutely crucial to have a place where employees could go to, to re-energize themselves and take a break from the stress of work. Providing for some indoor and outdoor games within the office premises are a great way to increase productivity, by offering a positive place to relax. These are also great for team building and bonding. Employees get to know and bond with each other.
4. The freedom to personalize individual workstations
A human is at his creative and productive best at a place where he finds a sense of belonging. Allowing your employees to personalize or decorate their own workstations would let them create their own comfort or happy spaces which would pull them through the day. This is also the first step towards the feeling of ownership at the workplace, which is extremely important for every organization.
5. Flexible working hours
Employees are like sand in your fist. The harder you try to hold on to them or control them, the faster they will slip away. So, you just need to learn how to let them be. Every individual is not the same, nor do they function in the same manner. Some of us are the most productive during early mornings, while others seamless stretch through the night. Although, a basic level of discipline is required, it is advisable to give an extent of freedom to your employees in terms of working hours and office timings. The agenda is not to make them appear at the workstations at a specific time or for specific hours. The agenda is that he/she delivers the assigned responsibilities in the best possible way, and stays true to his/her potentials.
6. Vibrant entities
Bright colours and fresh fragrances never fail to induce a feeling of happiness and satisfaction. Thus introduce great posters, plants, flowers or other decorative entities wherever possible within your work space. These stimulate human senses to make them feel happy and spread the cheer at all times.
7. Cleanliness
This goes without saying that it’s the last yet in no way the least way to ensure that your office is a great place to work. One can never be at ease in a place which they don’t find clean and hygienic. There’s a constant discomfort and irritation which can be disruptive in terms of performance.
In summary, some simple inclusions and minor modifications can lead to a massive difference in your employees’ lives. Paying attention to the workplace environment is an attribute of all smart employers. Join the club and turn your office into a zone of happiness and well-being.