Reducing Stress In The Workplace
It's normal to experience work-related stress from time to time. In fact, in some cases, it can even be a good thing! A healthy dose of pressure can help to improve your focus and be a great motivator when you have targets to meet.
For the most part, though, stress in the workplace is becoming a fast-growing problem in our society, resulting in decreased productivity and a sharp decline in workers' health.
With recent studies reporting that around 76% of employees in the UK suffer from moderate-to-high or high levels of stress - a 9% increase from last year - we're now seeing more and more workers struggling with depression, anxiety and OCD.
What Causes Work-Related Stress?
There are, of course, several factors that contribute to employee stress levels. These include heavy workloads, lack of control, and an absence of support in the workplace, to name but a few.
Not surprisingly, poor workplace design is also a commonly mentioned source of stress for employees.
It's a well-known fact that our surroundings can have a pivotal impact on our state of being, and, generally speaking, most office spaces aren't conducive to a healthy, happy workforce.
Reducing Stress In the Workplace
As interior designers, we understand the need for thoughtfully planned workplace designs better than most.
So, with that in mind, and seeing as April is Stress Awareness Month, we thought now would be the perfect time to share some of our top tips for bringing zen to the workplace!
1) Let There Be (Natural) Light!
Many workplaces still rely on fluorescent lighting, which can cause eyestrain and blurred vision over time. Natural light is, by far, the better option.
Flooding your office with sunlight will help workers feel more alert and relaxed, thereby improving productivity.
When designing concepts for spaces with very few windows, we often add glass and mirrors to help reflect the light and allow it to flow better around the space.
2) Embrace Nature With A Biophilic Office Design
Biophilic office designs have proven to reduce depression among workers, so it's always worthwhile adding real plants, wood finishings and other natural materials to your office.
3) Sustainable Cleaning Products
Industrial-strength chemicals might leave your office squeaky clean, but the harsh odours will have a less than calming effect on your staff. Additionally, long-term exposure to these chemicals has been linked to skin irritation, allergic reactions and asthma.
Sustainable cleaning products are just as capable of getting rid of grime and will leave your office pleasantly scented. They're also much better for the health of your workers and the planet!
4) Essential Oils
Speaking of pleasant smells, aromatherapy is an effective way of inducing calm and relaxation in the workplace.
Simply place a few diffusers around the office and allow them to disperse your choice of essential oils into the air. We recommend clary sage, lavender and sandalwood!
5) Comfort Is Key
Creating a comfortable environment that staff can enjoy working in is always a top priority for us when coming up with design concepts.
Work pods and booth-style seating are highly regarded among workers as they block out sound and offer a distraction-free environment for staff.
6) Calming Spaces
Whether it's a place to unwind with a cup of coffee, curl up with a book or escape from the desk for a moment, dedicated relaxation areas are crucial for keeping employee stress levels down.
Designed with peace and quiet in mind, these serene spots should be kept separate from the office's livelier social hubs.
We like to use soft colour palettes, leafy plants, and purposeful furniture to make these spaces more appealing for staff.
