In the era of office jobs, creating a healthy work environment for employees can be costly. However, improved working conditions is worth it as its returns are increased productivity, health, and happiness.
These four tips are bound to improve any work environment, whether you are just starting to make improvements or have made several improvements already.
Regular Cleaning
Few things are as damaging to mental and physical health as a cluttered workplace. Cluttered work environments generate both confusion and distractions. Furthermore, cluttered workplaces are more likely to produce harmful CO2 levels and excessive amounts of dust. Duct systems are likely to become inefficient, failing to cycle CO2 out and fresh oxygen in.
Natural Lighting
That large majority of offices are dark unless lit by fluorescent lights. Fluorescent lighting was the revolution over incandescent light bulbs, which proved both harmful and inefficient. Fluorescent lighting was the solution, until now.
Fluorescent lighting has been linked to several health effects including depression, migraines, poor eye sight, and obesity.
Natural lighting not only eliminates the negative effects of fluorescent lighting, but it improves melanin levels and sleep quality. Both of these improvements have direct effect on employee attitude.
Eliminate Cubicles
Recent studies have shown that cubicles break down employee relationships and hinder productivity. Offices designed with an “open” office space, rather than a “closed” office space with cubicles, have shown to increase employee communication and teamwork. Both communication and teamwork are directly linked to the relationship with employees. If communication is poor and teamwork nonexistent, then relationships suffer. Eliminating cubicles in favor of an open office space will instantly begin improving both communication and teamwork.
Sponsor Lunchtime Workouts
One unintended byproduct of office work is obesity. Most employees have family responsibilities outside of work and lack an adequate amount of time for physical exercise. Therefore, regularly sponsored lunchtime workouts will improve employee morale, boost productivity, and create an event at which employees are able to create meaningful relationships with their colleagues.
It is important to the overall success of your company and well-being of your employees to create a positive work environment. Keeping a clean workplace, inviting natural light in, kicking cubicles out, and sponsoring lunchtime workouts will help create that environment. Of course, there are plenty of other things you can do for your employees that aren’t mentioned in this article. A commercial electrician can plan out some lighting for a more fun atmosphere, you can stock up on plenty of snacks and treats for employees, or replace office chairs with more comfortable ones. Consider making some simple improvements to make work better.
Emma is a freelance writer based out of Boston, MA. She writes most often on health and education. When not writing, she enjoys reading and watching film noir. Say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2
