Many people spend the majority of their waking hours at work, often in an office. A couple of decades ago, most offices had the same trappings. Cubicles, too-bright or dark lighting, uninspired decor, and an ambient temperature that was invariably either too hot or too cold. However, office managers in recent years have started to make changes.
While the office is still a work environment first and foremost, an emphasis has been placed on making it a comfortable and pleasant place to be. An office shouldn’t necessarily be overly homely or relaxed, but a sense of style and creature comforts won’t do any harm. Rather, they may help.
Office Comfort and Productivity
At first glance, comfort and productivity don’t seem to go together. After all, if someone is too comfortable, they’re more likely to relax and less likely to focus on their work. However, this isn’t always the case. No, you shouldn’t run out and replace all your desk chairs with recliners, but a measure of comfort can do a great deal of good.
If an employee is uncomfortable, particularly if they’re sat down all day, they may experience back or neck pain. In some cases, they might even develop more serious health concerns, which won’t just impact their health and lives, but also on their productivity. Someone who is distracted by constant pain or poor health won’t be able to work at their best.
Even if an employee’s physical health isn’t affected by an uncomfortable office environment, it may take a toll on their mental health. You’d be surprised at how small things, like natural light, paintings, and potted plants, can impact how someone feels.
Lower stress levels and an environment that encourages discourse don’t just make your employees more productive but also make them happier at work. If an employee is happy at your workplace, then they’re more likely to stick around, rather than leave for greener pastures.
How to Make Your Office More Comfortable
There are plenty of ways to make your office a more comfortable place to be in. First of all, you should look at your workstations. Whether your office is open plan, divided into cubicles, or has another layout, your employees will likely be working at a desk and in front of a computer.
So, this workspace should be safe and comfortable. As mentioned before, seating can be a huge issue. Sit-stand desks can provide a good option for employees who don’t want to be sat around all day and who don’t have time to take a break and walk around. Ergonomic chairs are also vital for reducing back problems. Even the monitor should be at eye level, so your employees don’t have to bend their necks uncomfortably to see what they’re doing.
As well as the individual comfort, you should also consider things like ambient temperature. Your heating and AC system will differ depending on your office building. For example, if your office is in a larger stone building, you may want church heaters that are designed to keep such areas warm.
