Using Design to Promote Workplace Health

Businesses today are worried about their employees’ health and wellness. Studies show that happy, healthy workers are more productive and contribute more to the bottom line. So it benefits companies to help their employees stay in shape mentally and physically. One way to do this is through a well designed workplace. How?

Shape the Space to Encourage More Movement

In other words, make employees more active. According to the Annals of Internal Medicine, people who sit too much every day are at an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer and shortened life spans.

Getting people away from their desks can help mitigate this situation.  Do this by incorporating stand-up work stations, stand-up meeting spaces, indoor walking paths and game rooms with ping-pong, basketball, billiards and more.

Pay Attention to the Lighting

A University of Connecticut study has shown that certain types of lighting can affect our health and interfere with our circadian rhythms, also known as our 24 hour “body clock” that tells us when to sleep, rise and eat. Interior artificial light in particular disrupts this rhythm.

A work space designed so that workers have access to natural light can keep them feeling “in sync” and grounded. This might include employing skylights or large windows with automatic controls.

Create a Soothing Sensory Experience

Human beings are sensory creatures. We respond to auditory, tactile and visual stimuli. To that end, a work environment with soothing background noise, comforting colors and an interesting design theme can keep workers focused and engaged. Too much gray or visually unappealing infrastructure often leads to boredom and less productivity.

If you are ready to update your work space so that it benefits both your workers’ wellness and your bottom line, then contact us. Our skilled, professional staff is waiting to assist and looks forward to working with you.