A company’s competitive edge is greatly affected by the abilities of its people. When they are inspired and happy, they are productive; when they are sick, stressed, or disengaged, they can prevent a company from fully thriving.
This reality has been highlighted deeper by the impact of rising mental health challenges among professionals. The 2021 Mental Health at Work Report by Mind Share Partners disclosed that 81% of Gen Z workers and 68% of Millennials left their companies for mental health reasons, in comparison to 75% and 50%, respectively in 2019. Further, 91% of respondents stated that office culture should promote mental health. From a nice-to-have feature, mental health support has now become a business imperative.
With the physical environment (the workspace) having a critical role in promoting physical and mental health, office design should then be re-thought of. It goes beyond decoration and functionality. Find out how it can support mental health.
· Colors Can Influence Mood and Behavior
Research in psychology and neuroscience show how colors affect our brains, and hormones. Accordingly, yellow can foster optimism, purple can stir creativity, green is known to be a stress-buster, and gray signals calmness or being balanced. What we see daily can influence how we feel. Choosing a color for your workplace is then very essential.
· Varying Space Types Offer Comfort and Confidence
Employees have different personality types, and they go through different activities and emotions everyday. Offering a balance of space where employees can find comfort and confidence when they need to socialize, collaborate, focus, or have a mental break is very helpful. These can be outdoor spaces for respite where they can unwind or de-stress, a quiet space where introverted individuals can find the peace they need, and a space where loud conversations are allowed.
· Informal Social Spaces Can Help Prevent Loneliness
Humans are inherently social beings. We long to connect with one another. Offering thoughtful amenities where employees can bond, learn from each other or candidly pour out emotions such as a recreation room, café, bar or modern living room space offer a relaxed ambience for meaningful conversations.
· Workplace Choice is a Stress-Buster
The workplace of the future offers flexible and adaptive work arrangements to accommodate changing needs throughout the day. For example, not having designated desks but instead allowing employees to choose a space that suits their mood and activities such as spaces for collaboration or individual work.
· Exposure to Environmental Elements
Natural light and nature views have been proven to stimulate our mental well-being, reduce stresses and anxieties.
· Empower Physical Health
Providing amenities like office gyms support physical health. Exercising is a great way to generate mood-boosting endorphins, and to give your brain some much-needed break. Stress-free zones like yoga rooms are also desirable features.
A thoughtful office design can help foster a culture that cares, and make employees feel valued, and looked out for.
Thinking of elevating your workspace? Contact TRBI today. Let’s talk office design trends, changes, and solutions.
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