Do you have a healthy office?
The office is far from dead. Despite the rise of working from home, employees still spend an average of 70-75% of their working time in the office. But how healthy is that environment in which they sit for hours each day? Many organizations have vitality high on the agenda, but do not look enough at the impact of the physical work environment.
Your office can boost your employees' health - or be a source of complaints. Burnout, back pain, stress and fatigue often stem from an unhealthy workplace. Time to look at what does work.
What does science say about healthy office?
A literature review by the CfPB and TU Delft shows that office design has a direct impact on employee health and vitality. Here are a few striking insights:
- Sit-stand desks: Reduce overall sitting time and reduce the risk of back pain and cardiovascular disease.
- Natural elements such as plants and daylight: Have positive effects on mental fatigue, stress and sleep problems. (Read: The wellness shift that companies should not miss)
- Personal control On temperature, lighting and sound: Increases sense of well-being and reduces health complaints.
The evidence is there: a well-appointed office can significantly improve the physical and mental health of your employees.
More on this topic? Read: Vitality in the workplace
The impact of a healthy office environment
A healthy work environment goes beyond ergonomic office chairs. It directly affects productivity, absenteeism and even company culture. Here are some concrete benefits:
1. Less absenteeism
- According to TNO research, employees are less likely to report sick if their work environment is healthy and comfortable. Factors such as air quality, acoustics and ergonomics play a major role in this. A poorly ventilated office with lots of noise pollution causes more complaints such as headaches and stress.
Preventing psychological absenteeism? Read the blog on: Preventing mental absenteeism in SMEs
2. Better productivity and focus
- People function better in an environment with adequate natural light, a pleasant temperature and good acoustic design. Offices that optimize this see employees become less distracted and work more productively.
3. Positive corporate culture and satisfaction
- A pleasant workplace contributes to employee satisfaction and well-being. This not only increases retention, but also makes it easier to attract talent.
New perspective on healthy offices
Many companies view a healthy work environment as a cost, when in reality it is an investment with a high return. Employees who feel physically and mentally well perform better, call in sick less often and stay engaged with the organization longer.
It's time to look at office design differently: not as an afterthought, but as a strategic tool to keep employees vital and productive. (What is vitality?)
New technologies: Smart offices for a healthy work environment
With the emergence of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), offices can now be equipped with sensors that collect real-time data on air quality, temperature and occupancy. This data enables facility managers to dynamically adjust the work environment for optimal employee comfort and health (Planon, s.d.).
Practical example: A smart ventilation system that automatically adjusts airflow based on CO₂ levels ensures a constant supply of fresh air, improving concentration and productivity.
Figures and studies - The evidence behind a healthy office environment
A healthy work environment is not a trend, but a proven strategy for success in the workplace. Several studies show the importance of investing in healthy offices. Here are some striking figures:
Productivity soars with 15%...
when employees work in an environment with plants and natural elements (Spaces, s.d.).
87% of workers...
want their current employer to offer healthier workplace benefits (Aquablu, s.d.).
Good air quality...
lowers the risk of absenteeism, employees feel more comfortable, which promotes the atmosphere and their productivity (Facto, s.d.).
Inclusive design: A healthy office for everyone
A trend that is gaining traction is the concept of inclusive design. This involves designing the work environment to be accessible and comfortable for everyone, regardless of physical or cognitive limitations. This not only promotes diversity and inclusion within an organization, but also contributes to the well-being and satisfaction of all employees (The Project Furnisher, s.d.).
Example: Implementing adjustable workstations and creating quiet spaces for employees who are sensitive to stimuli creates a work environment where everyone can perform at their best.
Practical tips: Create a healthy office
Want to make work of a healthier office environment? Here are practical changes you can make right away:
1. Choose sit-stand desks
Prolonged sitting is detrimental to health. Make sure employees can alternate between standing and sitting with adjustable desks. Electrically adjustable desks are used more often than manually adjustable ones.
- Tip: Combine the sit-stand desk with brief training on how employees can use it to its fullest potential.
2. Add greenery and daylight
Plants and natural daylight are more than decoration. They have proven positive effects on stress, anger recovery and sleep problems.
- Practical: Make sure employees have a view of greenery or outdoors from their workstations. No windows? Even paintings of nature can help.
3. Give employees control
Feeling in control of the environment is crucial to psychological well-being. Allow employees to adjust temperature, lighting and blinds themselves.
- Example: Place task lighting that is individually adjustable, and provide areas for retreat.
4. Make movement attractive
Encourage physical activity in the office. Consider:
- Stairs instead of elevators.
- Walkways and central facilities that promote movement.
- Dynamic workstations that invite more standing and walking.
Pro-tip: Make stair climbing a habit through playful stickers or posters. But beware of patronizing - humor and challenge work better.
5. Optimize air quality and acoustics
- Poor air quality can lead to fatigue and headaches. Provide good ventilation and air filters. A quiet work environment also helps: acoustic panels, sound-deadening materials and "quiet zones" make a big difference.
6. Create spaces for relaxation and social interaction
Taking breaks is crucial for productivity and well-being. Provide relaxation areas where employees can take a break to recharge, and encourage social interaction with cozy seating areas.
Example: Companies such as Google and Microsoft have relaxation areas with lounge areas, ping pong tables and even sleeping booths for a power nap.
You know vitality is important.
Now is the time to take action. Strengthen your employee power today. Schedule a free demo with Recharge360 right away.