Creating a Healthy & Inviting Workspace

Amy Taylor May 08, 2014

Stress at work is a common issue for many of us. With an average of 40 days’ unpaid overtime a year, Britons work the longest hours in Europe. In fact, about 400,000 people in the UK report work-related stress, according to the NHS. And it’s definitely true. Your environment has a great impact on your performance and productivity. You know that a messy, disorganised and cluttered room makes you feel uninspired, tired, stressed and too lazy to start working whilst a clean and inviting space makes you feel motivated and ready to take on any job – tough or not – with zeal and enthusiasm.

But what makes a healthy and inviting workspace? Here’s what science and design say.

Space

You don’t need a very big space to feel comfortable whilst working. What is important is that it is calm, quiet and personalised. Noise is a major stressor at work. Enclosed workspaces are recommended because they help minimise noise. According to a study, workers are more likely to perceive noise in open working areas than in cellular offices.

Also, a healthy and inviting space is one that is personalised. In one research, it was found that employers who were able to customise their working space were more productive than those who were not. Furthermore, employees with control over their space also identified more with their employer.

Another important feature of a healthy and inviting space is variety. Adding a unique element in your work area that disrupt the space and breaks monotony can jumpstart productivity. It is a great idea to use Feng Shui in designing your office or workspace. Feng Shui is an environmental science and gives advice on how to create environments in which we feel comfortable and supported.

Ambience, Colour and Lighting

Lighting has a great impact on the total feel of your office. Whilst artificial light is always handy, a workspace that is exposed to natural light has been linked to improve performance, productivity and sleep. So whenever possible, keep your working area near the window. Not only does it improve your mood, sunlight is also a great source of vitamin D, which has a major role in different bodily functions.

Dimmer-lit spaces may also promote creativity. The colour of your surroundings does have a role to play as well. Scientific studies recognise that colours bring about emotional reactions to individuals. Different colours have different effects on our mood and energy levels. In offices, colours that are useful include red (boosts energy), blue (calming and helps fight mental and physical tension), orange (creativity), green (has healing effects on the body and fights irritability), and yellow (boosts motivation and intensifies intellect).

Music also adds an appealing touch to your working area. Just about all offices have some type of music playing in the background. Study after study shows that the right kind of music does have positive impact on our mood, and may actually boost creativity. Music is known to affect emotional well-being, physical health, social functioning, communication abilities, and cognitive skills. In the office, music is used to minimise noise (or block it), and promote mental stimulation, which in turn, boosts an employee’s productivity and reduces his or her stress levels. However, some people find music in the office intensely annoying, especially if it is too loud or inappropriate. Soft and uplifting music is more appealing in office environments as it sets a cool and less stressful atmosphere. Take note however that to be effective, the music you listen to must suit your taste. If you don’t like the music they play at the office, you can always make your own playlist and get your music player and earphones running!

Décor and Add-ons

When it comes to office decoration, there are a lot of options. But never forget to add touches of nature. A few green plants in the office have an impact on employees’ happiness. Research finds that people who work in environments with plants and window views are happier and feel better about their jobs than those who are not exposed to nature. But plants do more than just enhance the beauty of your surroundings and uplift your mood, many actually clean pollutants out of the air as they add oxygen and humidity to the indoor environment.

Adding a piece of artwork is also a great way to spruce up your working space. Whilst there is not much research about the benefits of artworks in offices, studies suggest that in hospitals, they may facilitate healing and calm patients.

Aromatherapy & Air Quality

You want your working space to be as relaxing as it can be. And what could be a better way to promote relaxation than to keep it looking and smelling fresh! Aromatherapy is the practice of using volatile plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical well-being. Not only does it stimulate the brain, aromatherapy also supplies more physical benefits. For instance, lavender scent in the office is said to reduce computer errors at least. Instead of using artificial air fresheners, go with the natural ones. A small bottle of your favourite essential oil is enough to boost your mood and health for a long period of time! You must also invest in indoor air quality. Make sure there’s proper ventilation. Avoid smoking or allowing someone to smoke in your office or working area. Toxins in cigarettes remain for a long time in an enclosed environment and you know it – they can significantly harm your health.

Hope these ideas could help you create a healthy and inviting work space that makes you more productive and motivated. Happy working!