How a healthy workplace environment can get the best out of employees

A healthy environment at work is becoming increasingly talked about by employees. This is due to the fact that we have seen an influx of job seekers and new millennials joining the workforce demanding a better work-life balance from their roles. A healthy work environment can help to motivate your employees and boost their productivity. However, not every business knows where to start when developing their working space. 

So, what are the key components to a healthy working environment, what part can workplace design play in employee engagement, and what are the key steps needed to create a good workplace design? 

The importance of employee wellbeing

A structured wellness programme within a redesigned workspace can be very beneficial for employees. Repeated studies have shown that a structured wellness programme can result in improved employee productivity, increased morale, fewer sick days, and better staff retention.

However, you must remain diligent. If the well-being of staff becomes a cause for concern, then there can be negative impacts on performance. The biggest hit that employers can expect is straight to the bottom line. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that 15.4 million working days were lost in 2017/8 due to stress, while the Thriving at Work report found that mental ill-health costs employers up to £42bn per year. It’s clear to see that it is in the employer’s best interests to take employee mental health and wellbeing seriously. Not only to improve retention rates and general wellbeing but also to boost their productivity as an organisation.

How to begin improving your office environment

It can be difficult for you to decipher what key components your working environment needs to improve. One key component to consider would be the design of the office environment to encourage more movement and fewer extended periods of sitting at a desk. Sit-to-stand desks have become increasingly popular in recent years, as well as having shorter meetings on the move. An office that has been designed to encourage a supportive, flexible, comfortable, and collaborative working style, can work wonders for overall productivity and the retention of employees.

A low salary or lack of career progression aren’t the only reasons staff move on. The design of a workplace can play a significant part in affecting employee well-being and productivity. So, what are the key areas to address? 

1. Studies have shown that incorporating natural elements, such as plant life, can increase levels of employee wellbeing by up to 15%. 
2. Ensure there are plenty of options for your employees in terms of workspaces. Be it an informal breakout area, quiet space, or an open plan desk area. 
3. Create as much natural light as possible and embrace colours or greenery to make sure the environment remains fresh and vibrant.

Workplace design and its role in employee engagement

During the last few years, there has been an increased focus on encouraging employees to bring their whole selves to work. Whether this is through specific employee engagement, wellbeing, or diversity and inclusion initiatives. The design of workspaces has been a key consideration in trying to achieve this goal. For example, creating alternative workspaces that differ from the traditional desk or cubicle, so that employees are able to tailor their work environment to suit their personal preferences and increase collaboration between departments.

Workplace design and encouraging both employee productivity and wellbeing, are generally thought to go hand in hand. There have been many debates about how much workplace design should be based on the needs of the organisation, in terms of encouraging interaction, work hotspots, and an open plan office template, as opposed to just focusing on employee wellbeing. Happy and engaged employees are productive employees. 

We see time and again that employers are looking for ways to encourage better collaboration across departments and diffuse silos to drive better productivity. Redesigning the office environment often sits at the core of wider culture change programmes. It is also helpful that office spaces that encourage collaboration, also drive a greater level of socialising amongst employees. This can then drive stronger company culture and better overall engagement. 

Key steps to create a good workplace design

1. Other than the traditional desk, employees need a variety choice when it comes to workspaces. 
2. Invest in diverse and high-quality meeting spaces – this includes informal break-out areas, private rooms for confidential chats, and multipurpose rooms for sit-down meetings.
3. Don’t be afraid to incorporate bright colours. Studies have shown that some well-thought out bright colours can make all the difference.
4. Embrace natural light, surrounding views, and greenery. These can be an excellent way to boost wellbeing from a design perspective. 
5. Encourage activity wherever possible. From sit stand desks, to convenient bike storage, and on-site showers to encourage people to walk or cycle to work.

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Rachel Berry
Business Manager,
Michael Page Human Resources