Every office has a different way of encouraging and maintaining good health and wellbeing for team members. Some offices keep the lights off to save money, while others encourage staff to work at standing desks (as long as they don't get tired!). There are plenty of tips on how to improve your office environment, and there's more to it than just replacing outdated furniture or getting rid of old clutter.
Healthy and happy employees are more productive
You may think the best work environment is one where staff operate at maximum efficiency and always finish the workday with a completed to-do list. However, it's important to note that high employee productivity is only sustainable if your team members are happy overall.
So it stands to reason that improving the work environment in your office can have a significant impact on how well your team performs and how they feel about coming to work each day. A healthy office environment will help you attract the right people—new employees with the best talent—and keep them longer. It also boosts morale, which ultimately results in better customer service and more satisfied customers.
How to improve work environment in the office
Many factors can contribute to a positive work environment, including:
Recreational areas
Employee benefits
Ergonomic work areas
Lighting
Air quality
Keep it clean
Recreational areas
Although it's important for companies to have a physical space that suits their needs, employee engagement can be difficult in a fast-paced workplace environment where people often spend long hours at their desks every day. If you want happy employees who feel like part of a team and enjoy working at your company, recreational activities like these can help reduce stress levels and improve mental health:
Relaxation and mindfulness during breaks and lunch hours (e.g. yoga sessions)
Prayer rooms
Ping pong tables
Board games or even video games
Employee benefits
When considering how to improve your office environment, it's a good idea to foster a strong company culture that promotes a work-life balance—from providing free drinks and healthy snacks, to funding professional development opportunities, offering team wellness programs, and even flexible working arrangements. Employee benefits like these can also be a great way to show appreciation for their hard work.
Ergonomic work areas
If you have ergonomic furniture in your workplace (for example, chairs with adjustable heights and support for the lower back), it will be easier to maintain proper posture throughout the day and minimise the risk of strain or injury. Additionally, a cluttered workspace can contribute to discomfort and other health issues—so keep things regularly cleaned and sanitised!
A good working environment also encourages posture breaks. Stretching, walking, and other forms of light exercise can help reduce back and neck strain that often result from sitting too long in one position. For example, a standing desk or treadmill desk are great options for this purpose.
Lighting
You might be surprised to learn that your office's lighting has a significant effect on your team members' productivity, mood, and overall health. The right amount of light can help focus on the task at hand and reduce eye strain, while too much or too little can cause fatigue and other problems.
In addition to natural light from windows, most office spaces have artificial lighting for two purposes: task lighting (for specific tasks such as reading documents) and ambient lighting (to create an overall ambiance in a room). Computer screens also generate artificial light (with the strongest type of glare).
Air quality
Your office should have fresh air that is clean and free of any harmful toxins. The best way to achieve this is by using air purifiers and plants that help to filter the air as it circulates. Whether you're a small business owner or a corporate executive, don't overlook the benefits that good air quality can have on your employees' health and wellbeing.
Keep it clean
If you're wondering how to improve your office environment and create a workplace that keeps your employees happy and healthy, it's important to focus on cleanliness. A clean office is an indicator of how much care the company puts into its workers. In general, this means keeping things regularly cleaned and sanitised—whether that means sweeping up crumbs from lunch or hiring commercial cleaning services to ensure your bathroom is thoroughly scrubbed every day.
Conclusion
When considering how to improve the work environment in the office, look beyond only the physical space. While things like office designs and lighting plans are undoubtedly important, think also about how to improve the workdays of the people who ultimately judge the quality of your workplace environment: your staff members. Keep them happy and healthy, and you'll have a productive and positive work environment.
Would your employees rate their Perth metro workplace 10/10 on cleanliness? Schedule commercial office cleaning services with DC Enviro today! All labour and cleaning equipment is included, and the team even practice sustainable cleaning using bio-degradable chemicals. DC can mobilise within 48 hours, so book now!