It’s estimated the average employee spends 90,000 hours at work. So, at Smash.to, we can only imagine how long we’ve spent at our desks. We probably know every coffee stain and ink smudge.
And it’s true – going paperless can lead to a less messy desk.
But sprucing up our space can do wonders for the mind, and it’s far easier than planning a house and becoming an interior stylist. It’s like a change of view, a treat for the eyes, a home away from home. And it’s not just for the sake of aesthetics. Changing your setting from time to time can help with mental health and wellbeing. Meaning, you can look after your staff and the business bottom-line.
But we’re not talking about reshaping your desk to home a beer keg, a games console, and a couple of inflatable flamingos (though we are partial to tropical birds!)
According to Yes Assistant, keeping a presentable and professional work desk is a must. A reflection of the workspace can reflect the business itself. So, aim for a respectful and professional space that will impress any flying visitors or new starters.
As your employees churn out business succession daily, it’s vital as an employer to maintain a healthy and comfortable environment for them. During the past year, socio-economic events have turned the business world on its head. And not just them, but with employees too. Lost jobs, cut hours, and workplace changes have been a shared symptom for millions of employees – on a global scale.
Stress, anxiety, and depression have been associated with work-related illnesses. Poor morale and a poor working environment will be a similar picture, but it is not completely unchangeable.
But as we slowly heal as a nation, we should also do what we can to make our staff feel at ease, as they settle back into their office chairs.
Why Should You Do It?
Well, the aim of the game is simple. You need to host a comfortable, safe, and happy working environment with boundaries for workaholics, of course. Clock this, and you’re guaranteed to see the benefits turn into prosperity and succession.
Keeping a level of professionalism is, of course, a given. But that should be an embedded policy from the day we set up shop.
Make your space feel like anyone and everyone is welcome – with an easy and comfortable vibe. By doing this, you can help enhance:
- The emotional well-being of your staff.
- Productivity and succession.
- Employee engagement and morale.
- Staff attendance and retention.
- Creativity, communication, and collaboration.
How Can You Provide Comfortable Office Space For My Employees?
Having a comfortable space, where your employees can both focus and relax helps take sufficient breaks at work.
Sometimes, after a big office things can get messy, not to mention unwelcoming, says office removalist, Ryan Banks. The idea of people clanging away at their computer desk all day and then eating their dinner there too isn’t ideal, nor is it the healthiest habit. A comfortable and welcoming desk encourages employees to skip breaks and not leave their desks efficiently, sometimes for the whole working day.
RNIB advises helping with digital eye strain, employees who use screens at work should follow the 20-20-20 rule. The rule suggests taking a break for 20 seconds, every 20 minutes, and look at something 20 feet away.
You can achieve ways to personalize your office desk:
Encourage Personal Touches
Allowing your staff to keep personal items on their desk is a great way to show personalized space.
Family photos, holiday memorabilia, even your children’s drawings can all help personalize a desk. But these sorts of items can have a practical use too. From having a small blanket for cold winter mornings to growing a potted plant can do wonders.
And hot-desking will then become a thing of the past, says OfficeTopics.com. Your staff no longer need to worry about where to sit every morning. A designated space just for them allows workers to feel supported and part of the company.
A Loaded Bookshelf
There’s something about being surrounded by books that boost concentration and productivity. It’s like we’re able to soak in knowledge and creativity by osmosis.
That’s why, as students, many of us would escape to the library to study – just for the atmosphere. So why not incorporate that into your workspace?
We’re not saying dedicate an entire west wing to 19th-century Russian literature or even hire a mobile library. A simple bookshelf, flush with books, can encourage inspiration in your employees; but also allows a workspace to look less corporate and strict.
You can keep autobiographies, novels, and non-work-related reads. And books on wellbeing, like adult colouring books and mindful creative-writing books.
Bring Nature Indoors
Crack a window open and grab a few potted plants – they’re instant ways to help reduce workplace stress and depression levels.
Monstera, Chinese evergreen, and snake plants are all great plants to grow in the office. And they are all air-purifying, meaning you can intake the health benefits of working in a cleaner atmosphere.
Office Dogs
This may seem slightly overboard, but there are significant benefits in having an office dog or allowing pet dogs in the workplace.
So long as nobody is afraid, allergic, or is against the idea entirely, you can set a policy for allowing dogs in the office.
Having office dogs is proven to:
- Reduce anxiety, stress, and depression.
- Encourage workplace communication, productivity, and morale.
- Grow employee retention and business reputation.
Plus, nothing can cure Monday morning blues faster than puppy snuggles!
Get A Mini Fridge
Having a retro mini fridge is simply rad.
Dive In A Leather Recliner
There is nothing as comfy as a solid leather recliner! Leather requires specialized cleaning as leather can easily crack under poor maintenance over long periods of time. If you can put in the time and consistency into leather care,
Place Your Own Rug
Having your own living room rug under your office desk is a step closer to comfort and focus. Solid floor coverings will not only make your feet rejoice, but also insulate for both weather hot and cold, comments rug expert Tim Mayer.
The Importance of Wellbeing
The most important thing you can do as an employer encourages a healthy and comfortable workspace. Set an example to your staff, by showing them how important it is to look after wellbeing on a daily basis.
Employers should become a living persona of positive workplace attitudes. Stamp out negativity and encourage your staff to share problems they might be struggling with. Lead the way on the importance of wellbeing, and watch them turn gratitude into business development and prosperity.