The past 10 months have been unusual for many of us and we've all worked hard to get used to the changes in our everyday lives. If there are any positives to come from this experience, my personal hope is that we emerge from this with a new-found respect for the benefits of flexible working in modern life.
Going forwards, it’s crucial we return to something resembling normality. With more options for flexible working available, we should focus on keeping our day-to-day working environment a positive and uplifting place.
How to Improve Your Workplace Environment to Benefit Your Wellbeing
Did you know that something as simple as a bright light in a room (whether natural or artificial) has been proven to improve anxiety and mood? It can also have a positive impact on your motivation.
Here are five other simple yet effective ways that your working environment can improve your wellbeing:
1. Studies show that cluttered and untidy workspace encourages more untidy behavior. For example, if one work desk in an office is filled with items such as used mugs then other staff members are more likely to emulate this behavior by leaving clutter on their own desks.
But, if a workspace is kept clean and clutter-free, people are more likely to contribute to the upkeep of their environment by keeping their own workspaces clean, tidying items away. Employees are more likely to be productive and in better spirits when working in a clean and organised space, so keeping work areas neat and tidy is in everybody's best interest.
2. Increasing a connection with nature has been shown to have some very positive effects on employee mental health –– from improving moods and positivity to reducing stress and anxiety. These results can be achieved by providing a clear view of outside spaces, introducing plants –– or even aquariums –– to the workspaces. Even something as simple and inexpensive as using nature-inspired artwork on the walls could benefit your employees.
3. Colour choices in office decor can have a profound impact on the mood of employees. A study by the University of Texas produced some very interesting findings on this subject, concluding that that white and gray workspaces can lead to feelings of sadness and depression, while bursts of color helped to increase productivity and imagination. Vibrant shades of yellow can help produce feelings of happiness, while red tones can make people feel more energised.
4. Lighting is one of the most important factors in your daily environment and it can have a huge impact on mood and productivity. Work environments that have an abundance of windows and skylights are able to increase the amount of natural daylight that bathe their workspaces in natural tones. educing glare using blinds, and ensuring that any flickering lights are replaced quickly. Seating employees next to open windows has also been shown to have a positive effect on mood.
5. Having the right kind of facilities available –– like high-quality furniture, dedicated meeting rooms and plenty of refreshments –– can give your productivity and wellness a boost. Simply being in a comfortable setting with everything you need at hand can make you feel a lot calmer, allowing you to relax and concentrate without uncomfortably shifting in your chair or noisy distractions.
How Your Work Environment Can Affect Your Wellbeing
There are many different factors that contribute to a healthy working environment. Finding out what works for you can not only improve your quality of work but it can make you feel more content in your career and improve your overall mental health. No matter where you work or what your job role is, it's crucial that your immediate environment is a pleasant and positive one.
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