More beautiful workspaces

Despite the fact that virtual work (such as working from home or from coffee shops) is said to be on the rise, the majority of employees work from a central workspace, often a formal, traditional office. Workspaces impact the impression that people form and take away about your business. They can also enhance or decrease the outputs of meetings held internally, with clients and with other stakeholders. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that well-designed workspaces positively impact our levels of energy, creativity and productivity. One study points to a significant 20% increase in team productivity. That equates roughly to one additional working day a week!

Newer office buildings are taking this evidence to heart. They are designed to maximise natural light, sporting calm colours and clean, hypoallergenic furnishings, breakaway spaces and inspiring artwork. But it is fair to say that many office spaces are still far from ideal, and organisations both large and small may have little budget for an office makeover or for renting premium office space.

As individuals we have limited input into our immediate environment. Given that we spend so many of our waking hours at work, in this blog we present a few ideas for improving your immediate workspace that are likely be within your control. We hope you enjoy them – for the most part they are really simple tips. As always, we invite your comments and ideas too.

1. Sitting the right way, and ergonomic chairs. Studies show that changing posture regularly during the day reduces the odds of injury. There is a right way to sit. Here is a handy sitting guide for those of you who want to know more about the right way to do it.

Ergonomic chairs prevent commonly reported back, neck and leg pain. Employers who invest in the health and wellbeing of their staff through high quality chairs can prevent absenteeism from common ‘chair injuries’. If you are spending up to eight hours a day behind a desk and the chairs supplied by your office are leaving you feeling worse for wear, consider investing in your own chair that is kind to your body. Some employees are allowed to bring their own chairs to work, why not ask about this?

2. Clear desks. As the old adage goes, a cluttered environment feeds a cluttered mind. Aim to create as much white space as you can around you, by keeping a clear and tidy desk.

3. Organised spaces. Your desk should reflect your working pattern and priorities. Items that you use often should be the easiest to access. Try to avoid awkward turns to reach items. A few minutes thinking about what you do, and what you do most, will assist with creating a more functional and healthy workspace. This seems like common sense, but ask yourself, is your desk optimally set up for what you do? What can you improve?

4. Lighting. If you are not lucky enough to have natural light, make sure that you step away from your desk often, and, if possible, take in some natural light.

5. Plants. There are multiple benefits to having plants in an office environment. Plants are visually appealing and are proven to reduce stress levels - studies show that they reduce blood pressure. They regulate humidity and clean the air by removing harmful pollutants. Modern office buildings have up to 10 times more pollutants than air outside.

Plants that work well indoors include ‘mother in law’s tongue’ or Sansevieria trifasciata, a slow-growing plant that needs little water; African violets with their beautiful blooms that are not fussy about light from fluorescent lamps; and the ZZ plant or Zamioculcas zamiifolia, a succulent native to Africa with deep green laddered leaves, also tolerant of low light. For pictures of these plants, and more plant ideas click here.

6. Personal items. Work is not only about making money, but also about making meaning. Personal items can remind us about a larger purpose to our work. They can also serve to boost our creativity. If you are feeling bored with your workspace, refresh it by changing up the items that surround you.

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