The impact of office design on the physical and mental wellbeing of your employees simply cannot be understated.
The World Health Organisation predicted that by 2020, the two most common types of illness amongst office workers would be cardiovascular disease and mental illness.
By taking into account these risk factors, you can ensure that your company plans and designs to minimise them.
Thankfully, in-depth and continual study into the effects of workplace design means we understand more than ever how to improve the working lives of our staff.
Moreover, when the COVID-19 pandemic is over, there must be a renewed focus on the wellbeing of workers in the office. It’s an opportunity to restart, with your employees at the forefront of your mind.
If your organisation is planning a Sydney office fit-out or refurbishment, here are some ways to ensure the wellbeing of your employees benefits.
Natural Elements
As human beings, we have an innate need to be in contact with natural elements. This is called biophilia and has influenced a number of office design trends.
The presence of natural elements in the office has been found to improve productivity and creativity in your workers. Moreover, it helps to lower stress.
Work with your Sydney office fit-out company to ensure your office space has plenty of plants, natural light and even water features.
These elements will help to improve the physical health and mental wellbeing of your staff, which in turn means better productivity and efficiency.
Good Ventilation
The days of working in an office with stuffy, stale air should be behind us.
Unfortunately, many Sydney offices still lack good ventilation. This poor airflow has an adverse effect on the health of anyone working in the space.
For example, poor ventilation allows germs to build up and can cause respiratory irritation, as well as fatigue. Increased levels of carbon dioxide can even affect your employees’ concentration.
Therefore, work with an experienced Sydney office fit-out company to ensure that the design in your office optimises ventilation and good airflow.
Relaxation Spaces
Your staff need to take moments during the day to breathe and relax. In fact, getting away from the desk for short periods actually makes your workers more productive.
To help your employees make the most of their short breaks, include relaxation spaces in your Sydney office fit-out and design.
The key here is dynamic spaces.
For instance, the average meeting room is empty about 45% of the time. Therefore, one way to make up for this inefficiency and help your employees relax is to design meeting rooms that can double as a relaxation space for workers.
By helping your staff to truly relax when they take a break from work, you’ll be helping to improve their health and wellbeing.
Do this through savvy design for your Sydney office fit-out.
Regular Cleaning
Whilst it’s not directly related to office design, every office manager has a duty to provide a clean and safe workplace for staff.
Moreover, an office that is regularly cleaned by a Sydney commercial office cleaning company will be a healthier and happier space for employees.
This is an essential service, especially in the face of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, ensure your employees are operating in a safe space, with regular cleaning.
To discuss your Sydney office fit-out, get in touch with Niche Projects here.
