Basic HTML Version
magazine
www.binfo.co.uk
42
Office Design
Ask a group of people to list the
environments in which they experience
the most stress and the workplace
is bound to come at or near the top.
Today’s business environment is hyper-
competitive, with high expectations
of work output and an ever increasing
pace of performance.
Whilst many of the reasons for stress
in the workplace are unavoidable, the
environment itself can have a profound
effect on how we deal with the pressures
we experience.
Imagine someone in an office with
a busy work load and several imminent
deadlines, armed only with a slow PC
and a strong coffee. It’s quite likely
they will feel some stress or pressure,
but at a manageable level. Now, add
a loud conversation into the mix, turn
up the temperature and make them sit
in an uncomfortable chair.What may
have been a manageable level of stress,
increases tenfold.
What, then, can one do to ensure that
employees operate in an environment
that maximises feelings of well-being and
keeps stress levels to a minimum?
Embrace privacy
Noise and lack of privacy are considered
to be two of the biggest causes of stress
in the office and with the recent increase
in open plan layouts, collaborative
workspaces have left workers with
less and less space in which to work
privately. Create more private areas by
dividing open plan environments with
glass partitions or half-height walls that
don’t box off areas completely. Dampen
noise in open plan spaces with carpets,
acoustic ceilings and sound absorbing
barriers between desks. Add small one-
to-one pods for more confidential or
contemplative tasks.
Make space for a break
Many office workers neglect to take
breaks throughout the day in the
mistaken belief that non-stop working
makes them more productive. It is much
more likely to increase levels of stress,
tension and exhaustion.Workers with
access to a well-designed breakout space
are more inclined to take short rests
away from their workstation. Make these
areas comfortable, relaxing and calm and
encourage senior staff to use them so
that they become part of the corporate
culture. Supply high quality coffee to
encourage uptake.
Let the light in
If you start your day in a drab office,
poorly lit with harsh artificial lighting,
your mood is likely to change the moment
you step through the door. Natural light
can have a huge effect on mood and
productivity. There are various ways to
make best use of natural light. If you
don’t have floor-to-ceiling windows,
make sure the windows you do have are
free from obstruction. Remove furniture
and clutter on window sills to let in as
much light as possible. Try creating a
more open environment, for example
by removing interior walls. These could
be replaced with glazed partitions that
maintain privacy but allow natural light to
permeate the centre of the office.
Get organised
Clutter, untidy desks and a lack of storage
all raise stress levels. Incorporate a storage
audit into office design plans to ensure
that the needs of workers are met and
that untidy work areas do not add to
workplace stress. Consider introducing
clear desk policies and switching from a
paper-based to a digital filing system to
free up space that would otherwise be
occupied by bulky filing cabinets.
Creating a Stress-FreeWorkspace
Martin Atkinson, Managing Director of PiMSWorkspace,
explains how office design can help workers manage their stress levels
Give control
Employees like to have some control
over their immediate environment. If
they can’t adjust temperatures, open a
window, reduce sun glare, raise a work
surface, lower a chair or increase light
levels, feelings of discomfort and stress
will intensify dramatically. Giving workers
more control over their surroundings can
improve morale and well-being.
Add a sense of fun
Create a more relaxed working
environment with a few simple changes.
Not many organisations have the funds to
replicate Google’s elaborate designs, but a
leaf can always be taken from their book.
Try introducing a ‘comfort zone’ with
bean bags or hammocks and a TV where
workers can chat to colleagues, enjoy
lunch or even take a well-earned nap.
Consider a games room to re-invigorate
workers on their breaks. And re-think the
design and function of existing spaces:
change the company kitchen into a café
with the addition of tables andWi-Fi
connectivity; or make the office walls
interactive with a dry-erase whiteboard
surface or paint.
www.pimsworkspace.com
Make the most
of natural
light to boost
productivity
Glass partitions
balance openness
with privacy