According to the Fellowes Workplace Wellness Trend Report, 87% of workers wish their employers would offer healthier workspace benefits like wellness rooms, sit-stand desks, and ergonomic seating. Over the last 20 years, offices have undergone major transformations, yet the importance of a supportive office environment for employee well-being remains constant. So, what makes a quality workplace? Or a happy one? Less stress and more productivity, right? Employers must prioritize the physical environment because when employees feel comfortable, they perform better.
This blog dives into the importance of a healthy work environment and how office furniture plays a crucial role in achieving it.
What is the Importance of a Healthy Office Environment?
A survey of 1,601 workers was recently conducted across North America. It revealed that light and air quality influence employee happiness, productivity, and well-being and are most crucial as compared to other facilities like fitness and technology-based health tools.
Morten Meisner-Jensen, Co-Founder of ROOM, a design company says “We spend almost a third of our lives in the office, and in order to find and retain top talent, it’s essential for companies to foster an environment that empowers people with the right space to work, think and collaborate naturally. Seventy percent of offices today are open plan, and the open plan layout can be fantastic. But it really needs to be implemented correctly with employee productivity and happiness in mind. From offering private rooms to take a call and quiet spaces for meditation to fun, comfortable areas that foster collaboration, it’s imperative to think about building office spaces with different environments to maximize employee wellbeing. At ROOM, we’re setting a new standard for the workplace, and we believe that our phone booth offers the perfect starting place for teams of all sizes to create a happier, healthier, and more productive work environment”.
The Connection Between Health and Productivity
Research shows that individuals who improve their health, experience a 10% increase in productivity. Today, companies are prioritizing employee health to ensure a smooth work-life balance. This focus reduces absenteeism, fosters positivity and promotes overall well-being. One successful strategy the modern office is embracing is stress management through well-designed furniture. How? The answer lies in choosing comfortable, ergonomic office furniture designs. The central focus of the furniture industry today is comfort. And how do they add comfort to furniture? Ergonomic furniture such as height-adjustable workstations, desks, and chairs lessen fatigue, lower the risk of MSDs, and reduce body pain. Additionally, ergonomically designed places such as breakout areas and quiet zones provide extra comfort to employees seeking relaxation.
How Office Furniture Can Help
Quality office furniture helps you in the following ways:
Empowering Employees and Promoting Autonomy
When employees have workstations with privacy screens or partitions, they tend to be more productive, even in group settings. This sense of autonomy empowers them to work at their own pace, minimize distractions, and make the most of their resources. Privacy is a crucial factor in modern offices, allowing employees to work where and how they prefer while maintaining a balanced workflow.
Fostering Collaboration
Did you know our executive table supports wireless phone charging and offers easy access to power and data right under the work surface? We designed this technology-integrated desk with one goal in mind: to enhance collaboration and teamwork. These elements help eliminate many common workplace challenges, including employee dissatisfaction. Even having a breakout area in the office encourages collaboration and seamless communication, creating a healthier work environment. Whether it’s a conference table or a workstation with built-in charging ports, furniture models with multiple seating options can significantly boost teamwork and creativity in any size workplace.
Uplifting Mood
A groundbreaking design concept has emerged! Leading office furniture manufacturers like us are incorporating biophilic designs into offices to elevate employees’ moods. You might be wondering, what exactly is biophilic design? A study by the Global Impact of Biophilic Design in the Workplace found that workers in environments featuring natural elements reported 15% higher overall well-being. In simple terms, biophilic design means bringing nature closer to humans—and who doesn’t love that? Staying close to nature offers a range of benefits, including improved air quality, enhanced creativity, relaxation, and overall employee satisfaction. Incorporating greenery, such as indoor plants, living walls, or flower gardens, can positively impact mood and, in turn, boost productivity.
Lowering the Risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), such as arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome, affect bones, joints, and nerves. Poor ergonomics is one of the main causes of these conditions. In offices where employees spend nearly 8 hours a day, furniture plays a crucial role. Comfortable, ergonomic office furniture reduces the risk of MSDs by allowing adjustments for posture, height, and weight. So, when are you switching to modular designs that prioritize your team’s health?
Upgrading Office Furniture With Fusion Furnish
Are you looking to bring comfort to your workplace and create a healthier environment? Invest in the right furniture to show your employees the care they deserve. If you’re interested in setting up a biophilic furniture design, we’d be thrilled to assist you.
Contact us to learn more, and if you enjoyed this blog, don’t forget to share it with others.
Why is a healthy office environment important?
A healthy office environment boosts employee morale, increases productivity, and reduces absenteeism by promoting well-being through ergonomic designs and quality furniture.
What types of office furniture promote health?
Ergonomic chairs, sit-stand desks, and collaborative meeting tables are examples of furniture that support health by allowing for better posture, movement, and interaction among employees.
How can biophilic design improve my workspace?
Incorporating natural elements like plants and natural light can enhance mood, reduce stress, and increase overall employee satisfaction in the workplace.
What are musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and how can they be prevented?
MSDs affect bones, joints, and nerves, often caused by poor ergonomics. Investing in adjustable desks and ergonomic chairs can help prevent these conditions.