Having healthy workers is one of the most important things a company can have. Employees are the most valuable addition to your business and their overall happiness and wellbeing can make or break your company. So, what can you do in order to meet your workers’ needs? Here are some of the most effective ways to improve health and wellbeing at the office.
Do your homework
See how you use your space now and consider how it can be used in the future. Take a look at your workflow, sizes, and location of desks, technology placement, recreational spaces and everything else. Make sure to tackle this task from the perspective of your senses—a workplace that looks good, feels comfortable, sounds peaceful and smells great will always be healthier for you and your coworkers. Personal spaces need a cozy vibe, while meeting areas require boldness in order to inspire workers.
Introduce nature to your office
Welcoming nature inside is one of the best things you can do for your business. Workers who are exposed to views of nature while they work are about 25% more productive and 12% faster. What’s most important is natural lighting. Sunlight boosts productivity but it also has an amazing effect on mood and health. And healthier workers take fewer breaks and fewer sick days, so providing natural light is in everyone’s best interest. Also, a few indoor plants around the office will additionally boost wellbeing by providing people with cleaner air and relaxing views.
Check your air quality
While asbestos is not used in construction anymore, older buildings still might have asbestos hidden in them. For instance, over 25% of all homes built in Australia up until the 60s were clad in asbestos cement. So if there’s a possibility your workplace contains this harmful mineral, make sure to call experts in asbestos testing in Sydney to identify asbestos, test the air and recommend removal options. Make sure to do all of this before you start any remodeling works, especially demolition. When inhaled, asbestos can leave long-term harmful effects and even be deadly. By ensuring you have clean air, your employees will get to breathe easily.
Add some color
Most offices seriously lack color that allows the creative juices to flow. So, if your workspace is too gray and white, add a few splashes of yellow to boost creativity, green to reduce stress and blue to improve focus. Neutral colors as a base are a great solution for reducing distractions, but some bold hues can spark just the right feelings and improve overall wellbeing and job satisfaction.
Reduce noise
With all the phones, chatter, hum of machines and outside sounds, you might think it’s impossible to reduce noise in your office, but give these tips a shot. Since noise is one of the top distraction causes, it’s important to address your office design and furniture solutions. In open space office, position phones in corners and desks in semi-private enclosures (separate spaces with dividers). There are also surfaces and materials that absorb noise (acoustic panels, carpets) and furniture that reduces noise instead of causing it.
Provide practical break areas
Keep wellbeing and happiness high by providing your workers with practical break areas. Give them a place where they can grab a coffee, eat lunch, get a freshly-squeezed juice or just enjoy a light break from work. A safe and comfortable space will allow people to get away from their desks and change the scenery which can do wonders for creativity and problem-solving.
Encourage healthy behaviors
Since almost 50% of all workers state that they have a stressful commute, encourage them to reduce some of that stress and boost their fitness by grabbing a bicycle. Exercise produces happy hormones, improves focus and reduces pain all of which can boost wellbeing. So, provide your workers with bicycle racks, changing rooms and lockers so they can leave their bikes in a safe place and prepare for work. You can also reward best workers with free gym memberships or spa treatments—this will not only push people to work hard for the rewards but also improve your company’s overall environmental rating.
Happy workers equal successful business, so it’s in everyone’s best interest to do your best to improve wellbeing and health in your workspace. Luckily, these office wellbeing tips don’t require huge expenses, so start improving your workspace today and expect great results tomorrow.
