By Yanna Solace Adofina

Companies nowadays have finally hopped on the hip and modern office train. Employers have realized that functionality is not the only aspect involved in providing a pleasant working environment; and that with specially chosen design elements, they can noticeably boost employee performance. Gone are the years when our mental picture of the word office is usually an extremely dim lit building floor filled with several tiny honeycomb-like cubicles.

For the past five years, there has been a substantial increase in redesigned office spaces in keeping with a clean, minimalist aesthetic. According to this 2015 study, minimalism is equated to happiness and contentment. In the workplace, this translates to better mental wellbeing and consequently increased sense of belonging, creativity, and productivity while decreasing stress levels and eventual burnout. 

While not all of us have an inexhaustible budget for design and aesthetics, we believe there are some simple ways where we can start transforming our office spaces from dreary to healthy. Here are some of the things that we did for the lifelab space:

A.) Lots of light and ventilation

According to a recent survey conducted on more than 1600 employees, access to natural light and views of the outdoors are tied for the number one attribute of a good office environment. Exposure to an ample amount of light every day helps with the production of serotonin, a hormone associated with mood stabilization and happiness. Besides natural light, use of non-glare, gentle artificial light from late afternoon to evenings can also be beneficial in helping employees in avoiding eye strain and headaches caused by poor lighting. Meanwhile, an unobstructed view into the outside world does wonders for employee wellbeing, as reported by these researchers --- unsurprisingly, most of us associate pleasant sceneries with better overall health. With everything happening in the world today, all of us can definitely use a serotonin surplus, right?

b.) Biophilic design

As aforementioned in the previous item, almost everyone equates scenic views with a better sense of wellbeing. The lively green hues and warm organic smells given off by biophilia have been proven to provide inspiration and reduce anxiety, especially for creatives. Having plants inside the office are not only for Instagram-ready reels, but these green leafy friends can aid as they freshen up the workplace by acting as natural air purifiers.

c.) Spatial choice and composition

Agile office furniture pieces are a great way to provide versatility in the work area. Having the ability to be playful and flexible not only sets a tone for adaptability, it also encourages each employee to be more active and mobile, as they are no longer confined to the typical desk-and-chair set up for the better part of the day. This leaves no room for a sedentary work lifestyle that greatly contributes to poorer health and increased use of sick benefits.

d.) Outdoor spaces

Having direct access to the outdoors helps employees take periodic breaks all over the day without having to go far. A bit of fresh air always does wonders for physical and mental health, plus it makes for another venue for work-related activities. It also allows employees the opportunity to connect with the community and make meaningful social connections in line with their work or advocacy.

Employee welfare should always be central in the office design process. Old fashioned employers might scoff at the additional costs it would initially entail, but the results would prove more beneficial and cost-efficient in the long run. After all has been said and done, the maxim still rings true : Health is wealth.

Need a clean and green meeting space for your team? We got you. Check out our booking page for more information, and let’s catch up for a quick chat!