Have you ever sat in an office reception and felt like you should not have been there in the first place. Perhaps it was too stuffy, or the way the desks were arranged just put you off. On the other hand, have you ever visited an office and never wanted to leave? The cool air, right ambience, polite and welcoming staff - everything seemed perfect. It all has to do with the way offices are designed.
In today’s world where workers are becoming more and more aware of their rights, there is a need to create workspaces where employees are eager to come in the morning and spend the entire day in productive endeavours. A sustainable office design makes people want to get recruited and retained.
Such workplaces also reduce worker absenteeism. Rather than just being a collection of desks, such offices have the right acoustics, good air quality and proper lighting. Such designs say a lot about an employer and how it feels about its employees.
As much as these aspects may seem mundane, they make the difference between hardworking staff and non-productive ones. In such offices, people are more innovative, more engaging and flexible. In fact, there are fewer personal conflicts among staff members.
“To deal with this growing problem of work-related stress, employers must identify the specific sources of stress and take clear measures to address them. One of the major areas to address is the office workspace design. The design of the workplace may be a significant driver in reducing employee stress. By addressing such issues as poor acoustics, poor lighting, and poor indoor air quality, employers can reduce workplace stress,” says Limor Gutnick of Eastern Michigan University, United States.
There is more to sustainable office designs. They are good for business, too. A sustainable approach to office design will create a building where outsiders feel an urge to visit and do business.
According to the Royal Institute of British Architects (Riba), a good design attracts business, translating into a bigger cheque and more benefits for workers.
“Studies have correlated high-quality design with higher return-on-investment. Property owners are enjoying a handsome payback from green architecture. Recent evidence shows that even in difficult economic times, more sustainable office buildings can offer economic benefits to investors, including higher rents and lower risk premiums,” states Riba.
Well, now you know. Your overall daily mood – good or bad – is to a large extent dictated by the work environment, with the design influencing how you feel.
