Modern workplaces shouldn’t be focused entirely on functionality. Having enough desks, chairs, and laptops is the minimum – they should also be comfortable and inviting.
If you’re wondering how to improve your employees’ office experience, check out our guide below.
Prioritising Ergonomic Workspaces
Your employees sit at their desks for several hours daily, so you’ll want to make them feel as comfortable as possible. Ergonomic workstations will support their bodies in a neutral position, reducing the risk of discomfort.
Adjustable chairs, desks, and monitors allow employees to choose the right height so their wrists and hands aren’t bent upwards and their necks aren’t bent back or down. Invest in high-quality office chairs that support the body’s natural “S” curve can also prevent back aches.
For accessories like keyboards and mice, opt for split keyboards that keep their hands shoulder-width apart and shoulders relaxed. Pick a mouse with a comfortable grip, smooth manoeuvrability, and easily adjustable sensitivity.
Maintaining Optimal Indoor Air Quality
Workplace air quality directly impacts the health and concentration of your team. Poor air quality caused by high dust levels, allergens, and volatile organic compounds can cause headaches, fatigue, and respiratory issues. Employees working in these conditions can suffer from reduced productivity and increased absenteeism.
Several options are available to improve your office’s indoor air quality. Regular maintenance and cleaning of your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems by professionals will help you meet air quality standards. You should also identify and address sources of indoor air pollution, like vaping, and switch to low-emission cleaning products. Maintaining good housekeeping practices can also minimise the prevalence of dust and allergens.
Regulating Workplace Temperature for Comfort and Productivity
Maintaining a well-regulated temperature range year-round in your office will help employees remain comfortable and focused. Sudden temperature drops or increases can lead to discomfort, harming performance and morale.
There is currently no maximum legal working temperature. Despite this, the 1992 Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations define a reasonable temperature as at least 16 °C. Aim for 21-22°C for optimal productivity and employee comfort.
When outdoor temperatures rise above this in the summer, ensure your AC system effectively cools the office down. In the colder months, ensuring heating efficiency with well-maintained radiators is essential to keep the workspace consistently warm.
Implementing Mental Health Support Initiatives
Your workspace should also prioritise employee mental health. Poor mental health costs employers tens of billions of pounds annually from presenteeism – individuals at work with low productivity from poor mental health, sickness absence, and staff turnover.Â
Money spent on improving your team’s mental health will have a positive return on investment. Invest in stress management resources to create a supportive, open environment. Also, consider flexible working arrangements if work can be done from home to reduce commuting and increase employees’ family time.
Ensuring Compliance with Health and Safety Regulations
Meeting health and safety requirements is a legal minimum under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and crucial to ensuring a safe working environment. The act requires that your workplace provide staff with health and safety procedure training, welfare provisions, and a safe, properly maintained work environment.
Further regulations may apply to your workplace, including the Display Screen Equipment Regulations (DSE) 1992 (amended 2002) and the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations (PPE) 2018. Employers are responsible for meeting these standards, so check that you’re up to date with all your regulations.
Also Read: How Emerging Health Technologies Can Support Workplace Productivity
