How can a workspace be designed to improve employee well-being?
13/05/2019 by Hicham HMICHE
13/05/2019 by Hicham HMICHE
Well-being at work is a criterion that is becoming more and more important in the concerns of companies. It is much more than just creating a relaxing atmosphere: we are talking here about a layout that allows for to improve the daily lives of employees, their working conditions and how they feel. By committing to these areas of improvement, the company has everything to gain: better productivity and the motivation and loyalty of employees. To help you to see more clearly, we propose you some tracks.
In order to challenge what an optimal space is, let's take a look at the specifics of this well being oriented development.
First of all, it is important to to respect the space each employee needs to work on a daily basis. This space must be large enough for them to be comfortable in their movements, so that he is not disturbed by ambient noise (telephone conversations, keyboard keys strokes, phone rings, conversations of others, etc.). The whole point is to allow him to work in good conditions. in order to optimize its concentration capacity and consequently optimize its productivity. He will thus be able to better carry out the tasks entrusted to him while enjoying his space.
Also offer your employees the possibility to customize their workspace. They will be able to bring plants, display pictures, decorative elements, etc. Of course, this personalization must be done in a reasonable manner and not disturb other employees (e.g. room fragrances, a lamp with too much light, etc.).
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Posture is essential in the workplace: everyone can work sitting, but also standing or sitting on other supports than a desk chair. One can thus consider the installation of chairs high so that employees can work standing up, as well as sofas or chairs to hold meetings. You will soon realize that communication is easier and that the daily ills of the workplace are more difficult to solve. (mainly back pain) tend to decrease. The results are beneficial for the employee, but also for the employee because an employee who feels better will be more voluntary and more productive.
Interactions are essential in a workspace : this is why everything must be done to encourage communication for a good transmission of information. For this, the open space is an ideal layout solution, but beware: it must give priority to the space of each employee and include strict rules. For example, it must limit noise pollution (telephone, conversations, chatter, etc.). If these nuisances are not mitigated, they can lead to conflicts and tensions, which is not optimal to promote communication and a good atmosphere.
In order to allow everyone to communicate well, opt for a relaxation area so that everyone can exchange and interact. This space can include armchairs, sofas, a common table for the joint projects and carry out tasks as a team. You can also have a beverage dispenser installed.
We have seen the main design criteria to give priority to well-being, but what are the criteria to put forward to make everyone feel comfortable ?
Optimism and positivism are essential in a company: they are the main drivers that allow to move forward, that encourage the development of the activity and that tend to success. projects as a whole. To do this, you need to identify what is causing a bad atmosphere in your company, especially if rumours are circulating. It may be employees who have a negative attitude and are not happy with the way they work. that influence others or simply poor communication that undermines projects. To counteract these influences, it is essential to set the record straight and to Set up communication processes between the different departments to avoid unnecessary tensions.
Employees encouraged and invested. For them to have such an attitude, they must be encouraged and motivated on the employer side. This is why you can set up challenges, make sure that they are well being through regular interviews on their well-being, their place in the company, etc. Don't forget to encourage them by asking them about their news and by supporting their qualities and the beneficial effects they have on the company. bring into the structure. An employee who feels valued will always be more motivated and therefore more productive. You also limit absenteeism, which tends to weigh on the activity and on the atmosphere. in general.
Finally, to ensure the continuity of employee encouragement and motivation, it is essential to set objectives. These must be human, attainable and healthy. We're not just talking about objectives in terms of figures, but also in terms of attitude and personal investment in the company. These objectives, if achieved, can be rewarded by batches not necessarily expensive, but important in what they represent. This can be for example cinema tickets, tickets for a sports event, an outing to the restaurant, delivery of fresh fruit for employees, organization of a team building, etc.
You now have some tips on how to apply it to your structure: it's up to you! You will quickly appreciate the results on your activity and on the general atmosphere!