Beige cubicles, metal tables, and light-padded chairs are gone, and with good reason.
Research has shown that workplace design can have a profound impact on employee well-being. This includes eye strain, repetitive stress injuries, ergonomics, and ergonomics. In fact, 93% of workers in the technology sector have said they would stay longer at a company that provides workplace benefits like wellness rooms, fitness benefits, healthier food options nearby or on-site, and ergonomic solutions like standing desks and adjustable seating.
Before you make an investment in ergonomic and wellness initiatives, be sure to review these tips and statistics.
Design and Environment Make a Huge Difference
A corner office has been a goal in business for years. But, in this era of open-air offices, sunlight, access windows, spacious common areas, and balconies can make a greater impact than you might think. Brighter colors, adjustable lighting, and fresh air can help diversify your work environment. This allows for greater sensory stimulation and avoids the boredom and ho-hum environments that plague many companies. An HVAC system that produces high-quality air can dramatically increase productivity and performance. Make sure that your HVAC system has been calibrated and tested to stop biological contaminants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Ergonomic Options Can Improve the Overall Health
In the past decade, standing desks have been more popular than ever. The results are evident. Standing desks not only reduce the dangers of prolonged sitting but also provide increased focus, stress reduction, and better cognitive function.
In addition to installing standing desks at your company, providing wrist support for keyboards and mice (or, alternatively, using touchpads rather than mice) can help reduce RSI and their related side effects. Proper posture has always been a major issue for workers, adding to muscle aches, back pain, and foot and leg issues, and while it’s up to the individual to take note of their posture and make adjustments, companies should know that incorporating greater degrees of ergonomic options reduces sick leave.
Get Fresh Air and Exercise to Help You Focus
While not every company has the budget for a yoga or exercise facility, anyone can organize walking meetings, encourage mindfulness breaks and start walking or jogging groups throughout the day.
Despite this, research has shown that employees who have access to discounted gym memberships or on-site exercise facilities can see remarkable improvements in productivity and employee happiness. You can also organize group activities such as lunches in parks, outdoor meetings, and walking groups that will help to change the pace of your day and allow you to get some fresh air and sunlight. Microsoft Japan published the results of a month-long trial for a 4-day workweek. As you might expect, workers were delighted. But for a company’s bottom line, the results were surprising. The trial result showed that productivity increased by almost 40%, employees took 25% less time off, and the office used 23% less electricity. It also printed nearly 60% less paper in the month of August 2019. Whatever your approach to wellness, talented candidates will be attracted to your company more if they are interested in their well-being, happiness, and health.
This post was written by Tara Kintz. Tara is a director at Signature Workspace. Signature Workspace, owned and operated by Cantor Fund Management, offers services and amenities such as private offices, flex space, co-working space, virtual offices, meeting/conference rooms, and more. Click here for more information.
