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Working Environment
Steelcase is encouragingbusinesses to
domore to foster employeewell-being,
after a two-year studyofwell-being
research, surveys, indicators and
theories found that creatingaworking
culturewithemployees inmindboosts
productivityand creativity,whilst also
reducinghealth-related costs.
According to research by the Steelcase
WorkSpace Futures global research team,
employeeswho thrive atwork have 41%
lower health-related costs than thosewho
struggle in theworkplace and62% lower
costs than thosewho suffer from poor
health.
Its survey of 7,000officeworkers
in10 countries found that theworking
environment has a significant bearing on
employeewell-being,withmore than four
out of five peoplewho are unhappywith
theirwork environment complaining that
they feel stressed (84%) andfind it hard
to concentrate (83%).
Overall,more than four out of every 10
workers surveyed by Steelcase are either
not very or not at all satisfiedwith their
work environment.
Themain causes of dissatisfaction are
being stuck in anoffice and being unable
towork away fromone’s desk (68%).
Globally, four out of five office-based
employeeswork at fixed desks and62%
only everwork in the office.
Steelcase’s research suggests that
thosewithmoremobileworkstyles enjoy
higher satisfaction levels.More thanhalf
(51%) of respondentswhoworkwith
mobile devices like tablet PCs say that
their quality of life atwork is very good.
Themostmobile industry is ITwhere
56%of respondents have the possibility
of working fromhome or an alternative
location at least once aweek, compared
to the average of 39%.
More control
Another factor thatwas found tohave a
significant bearing on employeewell-
being is control and personalisation.
Overall, just one in six respondents
feel that their company is an ‘appropriate
place for them towork’ andfits inwith
their lifestyle.This figure is significantly
higher amongst respondentswhohave
the freedom tomodify theirworking
environment.
For example, 82%of respondents
who are able to choose their ownoffice
furniture say that their company is an
appropriate place for them towork and
fits inwith their lifestyle: 58%of people
who can choose their own furniture
describe their quality of life atwork as
very good.
Other types of provision thatmake
employees feel they are in the right place
include private roomswhere people can
retire (76%),workstations formobile
workers (74%), access to sports areas or
programs (74%) and areaswhere staff can
rest (73%).
Well-being factors
On the basis of these findings, the
SteelcaseWorkSpace Futures global
research teamhas identified sixwell-being
factors that it says businesses should
foster inorder to create a healthier,more
productiveworkforce.These are:
1.Optimism– fostering creativityand
innovation.
Steelcase says that themost
productiveworkers are optimists and that
organisations should cultivate optimism
by giving employeesmore choice in
where theywork andmore freedom to
customise theirworking environment;
The secret of a
happyworking life
Steelcase researchershave identified the six factors that
most affect staffwell-being
2.Mindfulness – fullyengagedand
present in themoment.
Productivity and
creativity is improvedwhen employees are
energised, focused and free of distractions.
Businesses should aid concentration by
creating spaceswhere employees can
connectwithothers through eye-to-eye
contact (virtual or real). Calming areas
are helpful andworkers should alsohave
control over sensory stimulation.
3.Authenticity– reallyyourself.
Steelcase says that people aremost
productivewhen they can be true to
themselves. Employees should feel part
of a larger corporate culture but free
to express their own ideas and values.
Home-like environments help foster self-
expression.
4.Belonging– connecting toothers.
Feelings of well-being are enhancedwhen
employees know they are an integral part
of something larger than themselves.A
sense of belonging is strengthened if it is
easy for employees to collaboratewith
co-workers and there are informal areas
for socialising.There should also be space
formobileworkers to connect andwork
with colleagueswhen in the office.
5.Meaning–a senseof purpose.
Branding is not just for the client, says
Steelcase; it is also beneficial for people
inside the company.Organisations should
strengthen brand values andmeaning by
creating spaces that reinforce corporate
culture, purpose andhistory.
6.Vitality–get upandgo.
Engage the
body inmovement to supportmental and
physical vigour. Provide easily adjustable
furniture so that employees can adopt
different postures throughout the day and
encouragemore active choices, like taking
the stairs insteadof the lift. Stimulate
workers’ senses through light, touch and
sound – and give them greater control
over their environment. Bring nature
into theworkplace by providing daylight,
views, ventilation andoutside spaces, such
as patios.
Tofindoutmore about Steelcase’s
sixwell-being factors, follow this link:
uploads/2014/01/360Magazine-
Issue67-SixDimensionsofWellbeing.pdf
...employees
who thrive
atwork have
41% lower
health-related
costs than
thosewho
struggle...
