5 Ways Office Design Improves Health and Wellbeing

One of the contributing factors of work-related illness is the layout of traditional open-plan offices. Critics have observed open office configurations create too many distractions that increase stress and anxiety and culminate in dissatisfied and restless employees.

The World Green Building Council says the relationship between office designs and office users can have a significant impact on productivity and the prosperity of a business. Staff costs, including salaries and benefits, typically account for about 90% of business operating costs.

Smart business owners recognise the benefits of healthy employees. An unhealthy workforce culminates in a loss of productivity, increase in absenteeism, potential health costs, workplace depression and a drop-in staff retention. 

Health and wellbeing is subsequently considered alongside the conservation of raw materials and energy-efficient systems when assessing green buildings۪. On a wider scale, wellbeing should be measured alongside sustainability and economic prosperity.

When considering the elements of an office design that cares for its occupants, interior office designers have to look beyond colour and furniture. Air quality, temperature, acoustics, interior layouts, lighting and the inclusion of natural elements (biophilia) each play a key role in the health and wellbeing in the workplace.

The National Bureau of Economic Research estimates that for every 10 micrograms of harmful PM2.5 particulates in the air affects cognitive function which can cause productivity to drop at a cost of up to $0.41 per hour per person. In European office, PM2.5 particles range from 5 to 60 g/m3.

Ignoring air quality in an office design can lead to increased cases of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), a condition linked with poor ventilation. SBS is reported to negatively impact productivity at work, increases absenteeism through illness and impairs performance.

Experts recommend cleaning air ducts and replacing filters on a regular basis helps to keep the airflow fresh. You should maintain a healthy level of humidity to help keep dust mites, mould and other allergens under control.

Adding water features, koi fish ponds or images of nature projected onto walls and windows are also highly effective. Auditory elements such as ocean waves and forest sounds can facilitate the recovery of psychological stress.

Expanding natural surroundings into outdoor spaces helps to pave the transition from concrete city to biophilic office. Creating a green entrance or installing a rooftop garden provides employees with a relaxing space where they can work in natural surroundings or take a restorative break.

Studies have also shown that workers exposed to occupational noise pollution report a prevalence of rising blood pressure, abnormal ECG (electrocardiogram) which can lead to heart disease, and a higher release of stress hormones which have a negative impact on the nervous system.

To overcome noise pollution in the office, install a variety of work areas that are designed with sound consciousness in mind. Thoughtful acoustic controls can help improve productivity and tender towards the health and wellbeing of your staff.

Interior design solutions include acoustic friendly partitions, sound-absorbing walls and ceilings foams, free-standing screens and desk fitted screens which deflect noise.

In an agile office, you can also create specific areas of the office for quiet and collaborative areas where noise levels will reach higher volumes. The best option, however, is to install a series of acoustic meeting pods and soundproof telephone booths.

Closing Thoughts

Office Principles with so much focus on creating an office environment that caters towards the health and wellbeing of employees, understanding the results of scientific research helps interior office designers and business owners understand the needs of your workforce.

That۪s not to say that every organisation suffers from each of the health and wellbeing issues described above. Every company has unique specifications in relation to the space you occupy. Office design can be very complex.

Forward-thinking companies are increasingly reaching out to professional interior designers for advice and assistance. Captains of industry that realise the health and wellbeing of employees has to be central to your office layout can expect to improve absenteeism, happiness, productivity and staff retention.