With many businesses being forced to work from home due to the Covid pandemic, it has given employers time and space to recess their businesses’ workspace. Offices are not just a place that we go to work in, but they are where we spend the majority of our time and can have a profound impact on our wellbeing. With a rise in awareness of our mental health in modern times and an increase in information and advice on the subject, we are all trying to make lifestyle choices that improve our emotional health. Now is the time we need to ensure that our workspaces also promote and add to employees, both physical and emotional, health and wellbeing. 

Why should this be a priority in the workspace? 

There are three main reasons that even a small refurbishment can be beneficial for not just the employees but also the business as a whole. They: 

1. Increases performance. There have been many studies done on the connection between wellbeing and increased workspace performance. 
2. Increases morale. The more engaged the employees are and the happier they are with their work, the better the work. 
3. Increases relationships. A social workspace can increase team relationships and communication across the board. 

How can a refurbishment create a better working environment?  

• Colour 

Colour theory states that mood can be massively affected by the colours you surround yourself with. Workplace designers have been incorporating this into their designs and using colour in a targeted way to encourage wellbeing and productivity. Generally warm colours, like red and orange, are stimulating and create a dynamic work environment. It can be great as an accent for social areas, such as conference rooms. Cool colours, like blue and green, promote thinking creativity and calm. So rather than just sticking to the normal beige or magenta, which are not particularly inspiring or stimulating, make the office a home away from home with some colour.  

• Seating 

Gone are the days of sitting at a wooden desk hunched over your work like a Dickensian factory worker. We all need more movement for our wellbeing, and so there are now more and more options for diverse seating in the workspace. Standing desks, ergonomic chairs and a variety of options to move around decreases blood pressure and lowers stress levels. 

• Flexibility 

Spending hours and hours in one position isn’t good for anyone, and being stuck in the same place for long periods of time can be de-motivating and frankly boring. Many workplaces have been making allowances for this and creating different areas within workspaces. Having the opportunity to move throughout the day and choosing different areas to work depending on the task, encourages more collaboration, and can be very inspiring. 

• Lighting 

There is nothing less motivating than sitting in a dark space trying to work. Utilizing all-natural light and building spaces around them can have a big impact on how employees feel in their environment. Having a plan for spaces with less natural light is also important, and can affect the energy and productivity of employees. Changing up the light bulbs to LED can be one small way to make a difference and encourage productivity. 

Would you like to refurbish your workspace, but are not sure where to start? Get in touch with us at Fin today to see how we can help. We have a lot of experience and can help guide you through your options. Get in contact with us at: hello@finworkspaces.com or call 206-489-0134