A happy, thriving, productive workforce is the goal of most business owners. A team of dedicated, loyal staff who kick their KPIs, take minimal sick days and look forward to coming into work isn’t just a pipe dream – it’s a completely achievable objective, made possible by the creation of a healthy workspace.
The fact of the matter
According to research, Australians spend around 1,700 hours each year at work. If you consider traditional office spaces (think: desk, chair and computer, bookended by a sedentary commute each way), it’s not surprising that such a lifestyle is resulting in health issues.
The creation of a healthy workspace has far-reaching effects, too. Not only are you looking after your current team, you’re also upping your attraction to potential employees, as well as defining your brand.
Go green
The “biophilic design” trend, which simply refers to “bringing the outside in”, is proven to increase productivity and reduce stress at work. Plant life can be introduced into an office space in a variety of ways, from incorporating a full green wall to hanging plants throughout the office. Plants also increase oxygen levels and subsequently improve concentration levels and decrease mental fatigue.
Space savers
The best workspaces promote collaboration and communication, with a place to focus and concentrate in solitude. At HUB Interiors, we pride ourselves on continually striking that balance between collaboration and solitude.
We also work hard to ensure that team members have the appropriate space to work comfortably – which is both in response to COVID social-distancing regulations as well as the need for personal space in the workplace.
Prior to the pandemic, offices worked on a formula of roughly one person per eight square metres. Today, this has increased, with workers expecting their own 12 square metres of space, or thereabouts.
Hello sunshine
A recent study showed exposure to natural light in the workplace correlated with an 84% drop in health issues such as headaches. According to a Human Spaces report, around 30% of office workers don’t have access to natural light. If you want to address employee wellbeing, productivity and energy levels, start with this!
Get out
If you’re fortunate enough to have an outdoor space, put it to good use. Even a roof space or balcony will do – it’s all about creating space with comfy seating where staff can come for fresh air and sunshine, to boost productivity, creativity and wellbeing.
Back to nature
Again, this relates back to the “biophilic design” trend. Incorporating natural materials such as wood and stone really do bring the outdoors in, resulting in a wellbeing boost.
HUB Interiors
At HUB Interiors, we only create healthy, happy workspaces, individually tailored to your business, your brand and your team. We take the time to get to know you and your workforce, understanding your requirements, your wish list and the type of space that will suit you best, to produce the optimum results. Our award-winning designers know that peak productivity comes from a balance of comfort and drive; reserved yet natural, creative yet corporate.
