Research has shown that the work environment is a large contributor to employee satisfaction and wellbeing. However, over half of UK employees find their office spaces ‘uninspiring’ and 42% saying that the office doesn’t make them feel valued (Claremont interior design and building solutions).
In this article, Ekkist, the UK’s leading healthy building consultancy, explores the impact of the workspace on employees and considers simple ways employers can make improvements.
Why is the office environment important?
Investing in office design should not merely be about aesthetics or the new trend of ‘office-peacocking’, but rather, is a strategic approach that considers a range of factors for enhancing employee health and productivity.
The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) certifies offices that advance human health and wellbeing. After making changes to gain WELL certification, engineering firm Cundall's One Carter Lane office saw:
- staff turnover drop by 27%, and
- absenteeism drop by 50%.
The advent of hybrid working has made it even more important to ensure that workspaces meet the needs of employees when they come into the office. The Owl Labs 2023 UK Report (United Kingdom) found that the tasks employees feel work best in the office are:
- team meetings,
- formal or informal learning, and
- collaborating.
What are the key factors for a healthy and productive workplace?
There are several areas which need looking at in the office.
Air quality
Indoor air quality is typically 2-5 times worse than outdoor air quality, and this can lead to various health issues, including headaches, fatigue, and respiratory problems, all of which hinder employee performance and create stress. Research by the World Green Building Council showed that improving air quality with lower levels of CO2, pollutants and higher ventilation rates in workplaces can result in as much as 11% improvement in productivity.
Lighting
High quality lighting is crucial and natural light is particularly beneficial, as it regulates the body's circadian rhythms, reducing fatigue, improving mood and sleep quality. A University of Oregan report says 78% of office workers claim that access to natural light and views improves their overall happiness and well-being.
Noise and distractions
According to the European Environment Agency, noise pollution is considered to be the second biggest environmental stressor. High noise levels make it difficult for employees to concentrate and increase cortisol levels, yet according to research by Leesman, only 33% of employees find noise levels satisfactory in the workplace.
Layout
The layout of an office impacts how employees interact, move and feel within the space. Many of the offices we see today are open plan, yet a 2019 survey of UK workers by Savills UK found that 37% of workers in open-plan workspaces believe that the design of their office decreases their productivity levels. A paper on Psychological and Work Outcomes in Open-Plan and Cellular Office Designs suggests that open plan offices lead to higher stress levels and negative health outcomes.
Layout can also impact on socialising and collaboration. Employees need to feel that they are not just commuting to be stuck in separate offices, talking online.
Integrating nature
Natural elements create a calming environment that can reduce stress and improve mood, with one 2014 study by the University of Exeter showing that adding just one plant per square metre of office space improved employees’ scores on basic tests and memory retention.
Ergonomics
According to the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors, effective ergonomic office design reduces the average numbers of musculoskeletal problems by 61%, lost workdays by 88%, and staff turnover by 87%.
How do employers create a healthy workplace?
Here are some simple ways that office design can improve staff productivity and well-being:
Air quality
It is not only essential to have good ventilation and air filtration, but also to continually monitor indoor air quality.
Lighting
Offices should be designed to maximise natural light through large windows and desk proximity to windows being a key consideration. Where natural light is insufficient, high-quality artificial lighting that mimics natural light with minimal glare and flicker should be used – ideally with the functionality to change ‘temperature’ throughout the day in line with the sun. Adjustable task lighting can also help employees customize their workspaces according to their individual needs, reducing eye strain and increasing focus.
Noise and distractions
Workplaces can consider creating quiet zones or providing noise-cancelling headphones. Acoustic panels and sound-absorbing materials can also reduce noise levels, while implementing "quiet hours" where employees can focus without interruptions may be something to consider to further enhance concentration and productivity.
Layout
The office layout should encourage socialising and collaboration whilst not impacting on productivity. Offices with a variety of spaces dedicated to different types of work, plus areas for socialising and relaxation are much more likely to suit employees.
The layout should also ensure that quality kitchen spaces are provided where employees are encouraged to prepare and consume healthy meals that can enhance overall health, energy levels and subsequent productivity. A comfortable dining area can serve as a social hub and ensure that staff have a dedicated space away from their desk to take a break and eat mindfully.
Additionally, filtered drinking water points should be located throughout the workspace to encourage regular and effective hydration.
Not just plants
Incorporating elements of nature into office design—often referred to as biophilic design—can have profound effects on employee well-being and productivity. However, we should not limit natural elements simply to plants as is the case in some workplaces – the benefits of biophilia have also been shown to be offered by water features, natural materials, natural sounds and even images or views onto nature.
Ergonomics and encouraging movement
Adjustable chairs, sit-stand desks, and properly positioned monitors can all help employees maintain good posture and reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
Encouraging employees to take regular breaks to stretch and move around can also alleviate physical strain. Furthermore, if offices provide staff with bicycle parking, showers and lockers they encourage active transport to and from work which can not only lead to health benefits, but according to Harvard Medical School, exercise is also associated with better brain function, memory and moods.
How Ekkist can help
Our Workplace Review service not only examines the workplace itself, but also asks employees for their thoughts and experiences around how the office impacts their well-being.
Contact us at ask@ekkist.co for more information.