Affordable Tips for Employee Friendly Workspaces 

Building upon the insights from our previous article, which emphasised how company culture and values can be enriched through workspace design, we now shift our focus to exploring affordable tips to making workspaces more employee-friendly. While the physical environment undoubtedly shapes employee experiences and productivity, it also serves as a canvas upon which organisational values and behaviours are reflected and reinforced. In this instalment, we share affordable insights into creating employee-friendly workspaces that can demonstrate that you care about your employee’s wellbeing.  

Creating a workspace that prioritises employee wellbeing doesn’t have to involve major renovations or hefty investments. In this article, we’ll explore simple yet effective tips that employers can implement today to enhance workspaces with employee wellbeing in mind. From incorporating biophilic design elements to encouraging walking meetings, these affordable and quick strategies can make a significant difference in fostering a healthier and happier work environment. 

Bringing Nature Indoors 

Biophilic design, which incorporates natural elements into indoor spaces, has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance productivity. Employers can easily integrate biophilic elements into the office by introducing plants, natural materials, and nature inspired artwork. Even small potted plants on desks or hanging planters can bring a touch of nature to the workspace, creating a more calming and rejuvenating environment for employees. 

Maximising Natural Light 

Natural light not only boosts mood and energy levels but also supports circadian rhythms and overall health. Employers can optimise natural light in the office by removing obstacles blocking windows, using sheer curtains instead of heavy blinds, and strategically arranging workstations to maximise exposure to sunlight. Additionally, consider painting walls in light colours to reflect and amplify natural light, creating a brighter and more inviting atmosphere. 

Encouraging Time Away from the Desk 

Sedentary behaviour is a major contributor to health problems such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and musculoskeletal issues. Encouraging employees to take regular breaks and engage in physical activity throughout the workday can help mitigate these risks. Employers can promote movement and wellbeing by encouraging walking meetings, providing standing desks or adjustable workstations, and creating designated break areas where employees can stretch, relax, and recharge away from their desks. 

Standing Meeting Desks 

Standing desks offer numerous health benefits, including improved posture, reduced risk of musculoskeletal issues, and increased calorie expenditure. While standing desks may require a modest investment, employers can opt for affordable options such as height-adjustable converters that can be placed on existing desks. Additionally, consider implementing a “sit-stand” policy where employees are encouraged to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day to promote movement and reduce prolonged sitting. 

Customising Workstations to Individual Needs 

Recognising that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, employers can empower employees to personalise their workstations based on their unique preferences and needs. Provide options for ergonomic accessories such as adjustable chairs, keyboard trays, and monitor stands to support optimal comfort and productivity. Encourage employees to experiment with different setups and configurations to find what works best for them, fostering a sense of autonomy and ownership over their workspace. 

Reflection Questions for Employers 

The following questions serve as an initial framework for employers to assess and enhance their workspace design, prioritising employee wellbeing. They offer a starting point for evaluating and improving your workspace to foster a healthier and more productive environment for your employees. 

• How does our current workspace align with the principles of biophilic design and maximising natural light. 
• What initiatives can we implement to encourage employees to take breaks and engage in physical activity during the workday? 
• How feasible is it for our organisation to introduce standing desks or height-adjustable converters? 

• Do our current workstation setups accommodate the diverse needs and preferences of employees?  
• How can we involve employees in the process of enhancing our workspace design to prioritise their wellbeing? 

Conclusion 

Improving workspaces with employee wellbeing in mind doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By incorporating simple yet effective strategies such as biophilic design, maximising natural light, encouraging time away from the desk, and providing standing meeting desks, employers can create healthier and happier work environments that support employee wellbeing and productivity. These affordable and quick tips demonstrate a commitment to prioritising employee health and satisfaction, ultimately benefiting both individuals and the organisation as a whole. 

Key Summary

Bluespace’s insights highlight simple tips to improve employee wellbeing: 

1. Biophilic Design – Integrate plants and natural elements into the office to reduce stress and enhance productivity. 

2. Maximise Natural Light – Optimise exposure to sunlight by removing obstacles blocking windows and using light-coloured walls to create a brighter atmosphere. 

3. Encourage Movement – Promote physical activity by encouraging walking meetings and providing options for standing desks or adjustable workstations. 

4. Affordable Standing Desks – Invest in affordable standing desk converters or implement a “sit-stand” policy to support better posture and reduce prolonged sitting. 

5. Customise Workstations – Empower employees to personalise their workspaces with ergonomic accessories to enhance comfort and productivity. 

What is stopping you creating employee friendly workspaces?

We recommend working with a specialist like Bluespace Ltd, which is passionate about creating contemporary office design for workplace interiors where staff will feel more productive, creative and inspired. For more information click here 

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