While it may not seem like it, modern employees are putting their health on the line every day as today’s work culture generally does little to address the low levels of physical movement in the workplace. Sitting in the same place for most of the workday is not what the human body is built for, hence the growing number of studies discouraging long periods of being sedentary. To cope with this health risk, standing desks, more ergonomic and comfortable seating, and other right office furnishings are gradually being adopted to ensure the workforce’s health and productivity. Below, we outline how quality furniture promotes a healthy back and a productive mind and how they can do wonders for work performance.
The importance of having optimal workplace furniture
The environment we stay in and its ambience affect our mood, emotions, and mindset. This is why businesses are investing more in their office design to promote creativity and productivity among their workforce. Similarly, the kind of furniture used to do work can also significantly impact work performance, including office chairs, desks, and even lighting. As such, the choice of furnishing also plays a significant role in boosting your employee’s productivity or hindering it. The following are a few examples of the right furnishings that can bring out their full potential;
Ergonomic chairs
Aching backs and throbbing headaches are among the most prevalent health complaints among many white-collar workers today, which is expected given that they sit in the same position for hours on end and often endure the discomfort that comes with it. Using the right chair can prevent such issues by a large margin as their proper ergonomics ensure users are seated most optimally. These chairs provide much-needed support for the back, pelvis, shoulders, and neck, allowing for long, comfortable sitting sessions that prevent injury. In addition, they can also improve one’s posture and thus reduce the risk of back problems and repetitive strain injuries.
Adjustable tables
Ergonomics also applies to tables, as the proper desk height is key to avoiding injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. If a table is too high or too low, it may cause workers to strain their necks or hunch over just to see the monitor, causing a host of health problems like back pain, neck pain, headaches, and migraines. Thus, with the combination of ergonomic chairs and desks, workers can configure their seating arrangement to what is most comfortable for their preferences. In addition, being able to elevate to a standing desk is also advantageous as it lets employees switch up their position and avoid sitting all day, the leading cause of most office-related health problems.
Proper lighting
Inadequate lighting can affect productivity and cause all sorts of issues. For example, excessive light can lead to headaches and eye strain, while insufficient or dim lighting can result in drowsiness and fatigue. The ideal lighting arrangement is a combination of artificial and natural light. According to a study by the Future Workplace, sunlight improves productivity in the office in many ways, from enhancing one’s mood, stimulating creativity, significantly reducing eye strain, facilitating better sleep, and, of course, providing Vitamin D, which prevents the many health problems caused by its deficiency. At the same time, artificial lighting from overhead lights and desk lamps should be available to brighten up the space when necessary.
The right colours
Colours psychology studies how colours can greatly affect our mood and emotions as each hue brings specific effects, such as blue, which evokes feelings of calm and relaxation. At the same time, red is linked to passion, danger, aggression, and more. Therefore, when choosing the office’s colour scheme, pick those that can help employees stay focused and motivated throughout the workday. Furthermore, they should match the office furnishings to ensure a cohesive and harmonious design.
Biophilic elements
According to research conducted by psychologists at the University of Exeter in the UK, having plants in the workplace significantly increases employees’ performance – by about 15 per cent, to be precise. This is so that they can produce more work, since employees who are engaged with their surroundings typically have an easier time staying focused.
In addition to increasing productivity, sufficient greenery also fosters employee creativity. Professionals require creativity to overcome the diverse problems they encounter on a daily basis, and creative barriers undoubtedly prevent them from moving forward with their work.
An otherwise monotonous environment can be given vibrant scents and new colours by adding a touch of greenery, which therefore gives employees the inspiration they require. Businesses can help their employees’ minds become more receptive to new ideas by including a biophilic design, which will help them break out of their slump when it comes to critical thinking.
Conclusion
Ensuring that your employees stay comfortable throughout the day is one of the keys to making sure nothing is hindering their productivity and full potential. Investing in the right furnishings is certain to go a long way in helping them stay focused and yield better results, which ultimately contributes to their satisfaction.
Since switching to the right furnishing gradually makes more sense financially, it may be best to consider adopting fully-furnished office spaces for rent to access them sooner than later. At GreenHub Singapore, we provide coworking office spaces complete with ergonomic furniture and office supplies needed to get work done. In addition, they come with a modern and green design philosophy conducive to productivity and promoting the mental well-being of employees. Contact us today to learn more and get started!