Introduction
The importance of mental health in the workplace has been gaining recognition worldwide.
As employers strive to create healthier, more productive environments, one factor that often gets overlooked is office design.
This post will explore how various aspects of the physical work environment can impact employee mental health and offer suggestions on how to create a more mentally healthy workspace.
The Connection Between Physical Space and Mental Health
Research has shown that our physical environment can have a significant impact on our mental health.
For instance, aspects such as lighting, noise levels, color, and spatial organization can influence stress levels, mood, and overall mental well-being.
In the context of a workplace, these elements of office design can affect employee productivity, job satisfaction, and even the likelihood of developing mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Key Office Design Elements That Affect Mental Health
Lighting
Natural light is essential for mental health.
Exposure to sunlight boosts the production of serotonin, a hormone that helps regulate mood.
Thus, maximizing natural light in the office can contribute to a happier and more energized workforce.
For spaces without access to natural light, consider using artificial lighting that mimics daylight, and avoid harsh fluorescent lights that can cause eye strain and discomfort.
Color
Color psychology suggests that the colors in our environment can influence our emotions and behaviors.
For example, blues and greens can promote feelings of calm, while yellows can stimulate creativity.
When choosing colors for your office, consider the nature of work being done in each space and the mood you want to evoke.
Noise Levels
Noise can be a significant source of stress in the workplace.
High noise levels can interrupt concentration and lead to frustration and anxiety.
Employers can manage noise in the office by providing soundproof rooms for focused work, using noise-cancelling headphones, or incorporating noise-absorbing materials into the office design.
Open vs. Private Spaces
The debate between open office plans and private offices has been a hot topic in recent years.
While open offices can foster collaboration, they can also lead to distractions and a lack of privacy, which can increase stress.
On the other hand, private offices can reduce distractions but may isolate employees.
The best solution often involves providing a mix of spaces that allow for both collaboration and focused work.
Biophilic Design
Biophilic design, which involves incorporating elements of nature into the built environment, can significantly improve mental health.
This could involve adding plants to the office, using natural materials and textures, or providing views of the outdoors.
Research has shown that exposure to nature can reduce stress and increase feelings of well-being.
Practical Steps to Improve Office Design for Mental Health
Creating a mentally healthy office environment does not have to be a costly endeavor.
Small changes can make a big difference. Consider conducting a survey to understand your employees’ needs and preferences.
Maximize natural light where possible, use color strategically, manage noise levels, and provide a variety of spaces to cater to different tasks and preferences.
Don’t forget to add elements of nature to your office, too!
Case Studies
There are numerous companies that have seen positive results from implementing office design changes with mental health in mind.
For instance, the office of Green Street features biophilic design, natural woods, and exposed ceilings to create a bright and airy atmosphere.
The inclusion of natural light, access to outdoor work and interaction spaces, temperature-controlled workrooms, and ergonomic height adjustable sit-stand desks provide amenities designed to strike a balance between collaborative and focused work.
This office environment evokes a sense of community, proving to be a place where employees want to be and work1.
Metagenics
Another example is the company Metagenics, which focuses on health and wellness with stress mitigation built into the design of its newest office.
Key features include a living green wall, natural materials of wood, stone and concrete, abundant sunlight, ample outdoor views, and lower panels at workstations, all of which contribute to overall health.
The flexible design of the office provides a uniquely holistic approach to employee and patient health while embracing the future of technical advancements and a synergistic medical approach.
By adopting an unconventional perspective, the experience-driven space enables patients and employees to feel welcome and comfortable as soon as they enter the office2.
Orgain
Orgain is another company that has put its health and wellness focus on display with a comfortable breakroom and adjacent game room designed to provide that often needed “mental break” to avoid work fatigue.
Outdoor, “de-stress” zones include a Zen garden, putting green and tranquil water feature offering opportunities for employees to rest and relax or build connections with their colleagues.
Orgain also implemented a fitness center with a custom rock-climbing wall and a fully equipped outdoor fitness patio to continuously inspire healthy, vibrant living3.
These companies serve as examples of how office design can play a significant role in promoting mental health in the workplace.
They show how considering the impact of lighting, color, noise, spatial organization, and nature in the work environment, employers can create spaces that not only boost productivity but also contribute to the mental well-being of their teams.
Conclusion
Office design plays a vital role in promoting mental health at work.
As companies around the world return to the office after the pandemic, employees expect employers to provide a healthy workplace that embodies both physical and mental health.
By considering the impact of lighting, color, noise, spatial organization, and nature in the work environment, employers can create spaces that not only boost productivity but also contribute to the mental well-being of their teams.
It’s high time we start taking office design seriously as a tool for improving mental health in the workplace45
