
Did you know that anxiety and stress are behind 49% of all sick days?
That’s an alarming number, and points towards the silent epidemic of mental health that is so prevalent in modern-day society. People spend a huge chunk of their time in the office, so it’s obvious that the workplace will have an impact on their mental health… either positive or negative.
As a manager or business owner, you should be doing all that you can to promote good mental health in the office, through a range of methods, including office design. What’s more, an office that keeps your people happy and relaxed is not only good for their mental state, but also good for business. That’s because research has shown time and time again that happier and less stressed workers are much more productive.
At Niche Projects, we’ve helped a number of businesses with their Sydney office design for good mental health. Our experienced design team works closely with our in-house trades to deliver exceptional Sydney office fit-outs every single time. Here are just some of the ways you can promote good mental health in your office.
Create spaces to unwind
One of the biggest problems that workers face in the office is a lack of spaces where they can go and truly relax. When the entire workplace is dedicated to working, and there’s nowhere quiet to go and unwind, people will struggle with increased stress levels. Therefore, it’s so important to provide your staff with at least one quiet, relaxing space where they can unwind.
Designing effective spaces for relaxation isn’t exactly easy, and they can quickly become additional workspaces, as employees look for another area in which to work. Therefore, you must be firm about what the spaces are to be used for… relaxation only! In terms of design, the colour scheme should be calming, and comfortable furniture is a must. Think beanbags and comfy sofas, where people can kick back and properly relax for ten minutes.
Natural elements are a must
Including natural elements in your office fit-out will help employees get their biophilic fix. That refers to humans’ need to connect with nature. Being close to natural elements like plants will actually help lower stress levels in your workforce. Even just looking at plants can make your people less stressed and happier at work.
Natural light is another element that must be maximised in your workplace. If you do have ample windows, make sure the flow of light isn’t impeded by furniture or partitions. Regular exposure to natural light throughout the day is necessary for good mental health, so do make sure your people are getting enough light. Your people and your business will reap the benefits!
Quality relationships are key
It’s very important that the design of your Sydney office brings people together. Unfortunately, many offices actually drive people apart, separating them throughout the work day or creating an environment that causes people to pull away from each other. And in turn, that will have a serious impact on your business.
You should always be promoting strong relationships between your employees in the office. Do this by using partitions carefully, providing a really well-designed office kitchen, and by creating events whereby your people can socialise and build their relationships. Connected workers are happier workers.
Health and safety in design
Employees will be stressed if they don’t feel safe at work… that is a simple fact. Safety and employee well-being are so important and must be the first consideration for any workplace. If your people are worried about slipping over in the kitchen, tripping on boxes in the corridor, or damaging their backs when lifting heavy items, they won’t be able to relax at all.
Prioritising health and safety in the office is an absolute must. What’s more, getting your people involved in the health and safety process can make them happier at work. It shows them that you care, and can give them peace of mind while spending time at work. When they are feeling more confident about health and safety, their mental health will benefit.
Encourage movement
Movement is so important for mental health. It’s well-known that regular exercise has a great impact on mental illnesses like depression and anxiety, and is excellent for busting everyday stress at work and in life. Obviously, it’s not like your people can run laps around the office. But, you can encourage them to get out of their seat every hour, stretch and even take a walk around the block. Research has shown that short, active breaks like this can boost your people’s happiness.
Expert Sydney office design
Quality office design goes a long way toward creating a workplace that promotes mental health. And at Niche Projects, we’re the best in the business. We’ll ensure that your workplace is providing an environment conducive to good mental health, and tailored to the needs of your business. Simply get in touch with us today for more information.