Did you know that 25% of working people in the UK reported an inability to cope with stress? Or that nearly 80% said that they were experiencing moderate to high levels of stress?
The reality is that work can be difficult for many people, coming with its fair share of trials and tribulations.
If you are someone in charge of a company, there are a multitude of ways you can help your staff to feel happier, both for overall morale, and their performance. A great way to start with that is by creating an office space that is welcoming and comfortable for your employees to work in.
Feel as though your office could do with an upgrade or two? Read on for our tips on creating a more comfortable area to increase your staff’s happiness and productivity.
Install Air Conditioning
Sitting in a stifling office space can be unpleasant for members of staff. Opening the windows can offer some relief, but on hot days air conditioning can help staff feel more comfortable.
Sitting in overheated spaces becomes uncomfortable, while also negatively impacting cognitive function. Not only will your staff appreciate the installation of good quality air conditioning, but it can also help them to work more efficiently.
Studies have shown that a comfortable working temperature can increase staff productivity by up to 15%. The optimal range is 20–24°C.
However, the benefits do not stop there. Air conditioning doesn’t just provide relief in terms of temperature, but also enhances the cleanliness of the air by absorbing particles, such as pollen and dust.
Working in a clean air environment can enhance productivity by up to 11%.
Making your staff comfortable through the form of air conditioning will help them to work more effectively, yielding better results for your company.
Invest in Good Seating
Sitting in comfortable furniture does far more than just make sitting at a desk more enjoyable.
It also helps prevent injuries, such as back and neck strain. Ergonomic chairs facilitate a stronger posture. Sitting in uncomfortable chairs can lead to herniated disks and circulation problems.
Invest in desk chairs that are made from memory foam or natural fibers for optimal comfort. This will help improve staff mental health in the office, but will also have a beneficial impact on their performance.
Comfortable office seating helps create a more harmonious office environment for your staff, and also boosts work productivity by up to 25%.
Create a Quiet Zone
Whether you have a room spare, or would need to zone off a corner of the office, offering employees a quieter area can help them work effectively with distractions removed.
Taking away the right for your staff to talk to one another while working wouldn’t feel fair, as staff will inevitably need to talk to one another throughout the day. However, some prosper better in a quiet working environment. Noise can impact focus, retention of information, and increase levels of stress for some people.
Additionally, some staff may have a busier schedule on certain days that they feel they need to be alone to navigate through.
For tasks that require concrete focus, a quiet area can boost staff productivity by 20-30%.
Creating a quiet zone offers the best of both worlds, mild chatter and complete silence.
Final Thoughts
Many offices hold a welcoming feel where staff feel comfortable and have a space to work productively.
However, for some, working in the office can be a chore, not because of the work, but because of feelings of discomfort.
This in turn leads to staff dissatisfaction and a decline in productivity.
By creating a comfortable space with clean air, comfortable temperatures and seating, and an area workers can operate in silence, you can boost overall happiness and staff performance.
