How a Cleverly-Designed Workspace Equals Happier Employees
Employers take note. The happier we are, the harder we work.
Yep, that’s right.
Research from Oxford’s Saïd Business School shows workers are 13% more productive when happy.
It makes sense. If you’re happy, you’re more likely to be energised, focused and more efficient.
That’s all good to know, but the big question is, how can bosses promote staff happiness?
Well, one thing they can do is provide an inspiring place to work. A space that’s exciting and comfortable and that people actually want to come to.
Here are six ways to achieve just that…
Play with colour
Colours really can affect our mood. They can evoke emotions, inspire reactions, and change modes of thinking, according to Colorpsychology.org.
Green, for example, is associated with tranquillity and calmness, while yellow is said to stimulate mental activity. Red, on the other hand, has been found to raise blood pressure.
So, it’s worth spending some time thinking about the colours you use in and around your office space and being strategic about your colour scheme.
Invest in plants
Plants in offices can increase happiness.
A study by Exeter University found office plants can boost wellbeing by 47%, and that “employees were 15% more productive when “lean” workplaces are filled with just a few houseplants”.
Plants have also been found to reduce stress.
Researchers at the University of Hyogo in Awaji, Japan found placing small plants within close sight of employees contributed to lower psychological stress.
Consider The Peace Lily, Aloe Vera, Snake Plants or Lavender. They’re all known to improve mental wellbeing.
Buy some art
You may think an office full of art would be a distraction. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
Art can actually boost productivity, lower stress and increase wellbeing in workplaces, according to research. It can set the tone of a space and be a talking point.
International Art Consultants, a company that advises workplaces on art, goes as far as saying the right art can improve staff satisfaction and productivity.
Just think carefully about the type of art you choose. You don’t want something too distracting or controversial.
Consider different types of furniture
The furniture in your office needs to be functional, but comfort is also an important consideration. There’s nothing worse than sitting in an uncomfortable chair all day long.
Ergonomic chairs are something to think about. They can be adjusted to suit an individual’s specification and have been found to reduce damage to the joints in the neck and back as well as improve productivity.
You may also want to consider standing desks or even sofas in communal areas.
Provide plenty of communal spaces
Sitting in one spot all day in front of a computer will do nothing for your staff’s wellbeing. Regular breaks are essential. In fact, studies show we should be moving position 40 times a day.
Think about the layout of your office. Are there breakout spaces or communal seating areas where staff can take 5 minutes? Perhaps you could carve out quiet zones or have a designated lounge space?
Just avoid lines and lines of cubicles!
Offer free stuff
Getting something for nothing makes us happy.
A 2020 poll found nine in 10 Brits love a good freebie, with two-thirds saying it led to satisfaction that lasted a few days.
Why not offer your staff free tea, coffee, or bottled water? Or even all three? You could go even further and provide regular fresh fruit if you’re feeling super generous.
Spacemade locations
At Spacemade, we know how important it is to love what you do and where you do it. That’s why we dedicate so much time working with our landlord partners to come up with the perfect design, layout and feel for their building.
Each space we create has its own unique brand and identity. We incorporate everything mentioned above into our locations so that our members feel relaxed, comfortable and inspired every day.
Ready to find out more about Spacemade? Get in touch today. We’d love to hear from you.
