With studies showing a direct correlation between workplace stress and reduced productivity, there is a business case to review factors that could be negatively impacting your employees. Looking outside workload, expectations, professional relationships and workplace culture, the physical environment is also worth considering. Employees increasingly value ergonomic furniture, sit-stand desks, speech privacy, quiet workspaces and wellbeing rooms – that’s according to an article published by Forbes.
In this guide, we’re looking at how elements like layout, noise levels, and lighting affect employee stress levels.
The WELL Building Institute Framework in Office Design
The WELL Building Institute sets a global framework for creating work environments that promote high standards of health and safety, with the inclusion of emotional wellbeing. It’s designed to enhance the human and social capital performance of businesses and organisations.
Tips on creating a tranquil workspace for your employees
Light
The WELL Building Institute suggests several recommendations for improving light conditions in offices. These recommendations minimise disruption to the body’s circadian system and enhance visibility and visual comfort. Some specific guidelines include:
- Providing access to natural daylight and views of nature
- Designing workstations to reduce glare and optimise daylight exposure
- Implementing effective lighting design that supports the body’s circadian rhythms
- Ensuring that lighting levels and quality meet the standards outlined in the WELL Building Standard for Light.
Sound
The use of sound barriers, such as carefully detailed interior partition walls with high sound transmission class (STC) ratings, is recommended to reduce sound transmission and acoustic disruptions from adjacent spaces.
Natural Elements
Research has shown that incorporating natural elements into the workplace can boost employee morale, productivity, and creativity, while also reducing stress and anxiety levels. Natural elements such as plants, natural light, wood, stone, and water features can be incorporated into office design to create a more positive and healthy work environment. Overall, the presence of nature in the office is linked to a higher level of well-being and an increased level of productivity among employees.
Comfort and ergonomics
Ergonomic solutions such as adjustable desks, chairs, and monitor stands can help reduce physical strain and discomfort caused by poor posture and repetitive movements, leading to less physical fatigue and discomfort. This can contribute to reduced stress levels.
Take the guesswork out of office design
Let our office design experts at Plann:d sort everything out on your behalf. All you have to do is tell us about your preferences or brand guidelines. Contact us today to discuss your plans.