Employee well-being is recognised as a critical driver of productivity, employee satisfaction and success in the modern workplace.
However, employee well-being doesn’t just rely on strategic policies, physical upgrades are just as important. This blog post will cover key upgrades including physical comfort, cleanliness and safety, that can significantly improve employee well-being in the workplace.
The Foundation of Comfort
The foundation of office comfort starts with physical upgrades that put employee well-being first. Incorporating supportive and ergonomic furniture pieces in the workplace directly impacts physical health and comfort.
In particular, incorporating ergonomic office chairs and desks can prevent the development of musculoskeletal issues over time. Ergonomic office chairs promote better posture through built-in lumbar supports, headrests, adjustable arm rests and moveable seat height. Furthermore, height-adjustable desks reduce joint and muscle strain by providing added comfort and uncomfortable seating positions.
There is a strong link between physical comfort and mental focus. For instance, being free from physical pain and discomfort can significantly improve concentration and prevent procrastination. This can significantly improve an employee’s quality of work, making it highly beneficial for their company.
Creating a Cleaner and Safer Environment
There are many psychological and physical benefits that come with having a clean and organised workspace. For example, an unclean and messy environment can have huge effects on productivity levels. A clean workspace eliminates distractions and fosters the ideal environment for focus, time-management and reduced stress.
Efficient waste management is key in a workplace as it provides employees with the facilities available to effectively tidy up after themselves. This involves placing separate waste and recycling bins in high-traffic areas throughout the workplace, so employees always have easy access to bins. Furthermore, separate waste streams should be clearly labelled and colour coded. Furthermore, it’s crucial that employers conduct sufficient training with employees so that they know the correct recycling and waste management practices in the workplace.
In addition, not only is an unclean work environment disruptive, but it can also be highly unsafe. Firstly, it promotes the spread of bacteria and viruses in the workplace and can also increase the risk of slips and falls due to clutter. A clean environment is crucial for safety and preparedness in the workplace. Additionally, there is huge value placed on having access to medical equipment, like first aid kits, to ensure employees remain safe if incidents do occur in this environment.
This is where warehouse supplies, such as strong cardboard boxes, packaging tape, and pallet wrap, can be invaluable. Not only do they help with organised storage and safe transportation of items, but they also support a cleaner, more structured workplace overall.
Workplace Design
Creating a holistic sense of well-being in a workplace goes beyond furniture or cleanliness, the physical space itself can be upgraded to support employee’s emotional well-being. A well maintained and functional space is highly important to ensure a safe and professional working environment.
It’s crucial that workplaces create spaces that foster relaxation and collaboration between teams. This involves incorporating comfortable seating areas and breakout zones that encourage employees to take breaks and interact with their colleagues in a relaxing and laid-back environment.
Furthermore, designing and decorating your workspace effectively can go a long way in improving employees’ mental and physical well-being. Biophilic design is a popular design route within workplaces that directly connects a space to the natural environment. This approach involves using greenery and plants, natural materials, large windows and light, water features and so on, to bring a sense of the outdoors to an office. Biophilic design has a range of benefits from reduced stress, improved mental health, increased productivity and so on.
These small changes, like investing in ergonomic furniture, incorporating proper waste disposal facilities and improving workplace design can contribute towards a positive and healthy work environment.
Investing in these tangible upgrades is a practical and effective way to show employees that their well-being is a priority. Now more than ever it is crucial that businesses start placing huge focus on designing a future-proof, people-first workplace.