We talk a lot about how the aesthetics of a workplace may have a significant impact on productivity. This is why we keep up with the current trends in office design and the most popular office fitouts for workplaces.
On the other hand, we are mindful of the toll that working in an office can take on one’s health and psyche. Companies may do their part for their employees by fostering an environment that is less stressful and more conducive to physical activity.
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What is Absenteeism?
Absenteeism refers to when a worker is not present at his workplace. This is an example of chronic absenteeism when it frequently occurs and not just occasionally.
One of the leading reasons for productivity loss, absenteeism always produces discontent amongst coworkers and colleagues who are forced to pick up the slack. Therefore, it is not unexpected that, from a management standpoint, lowering absenteeism is essential.
How Can Office Design Aid In Managing Absences?
Interior office planners must go beyond color and furniture when creating a space mindful of its inhabitants’ well-being. Environmental factors such as air quality, temperature, acoustics, interior layouts, lighting, and incorporating natural elements (biophilia) contribute to a more healthy and happy work environment.
Promote Movement
According to the National Health Service, spending too much time seated might harm your health. The body’s capacity to process sugar, control blood pressure, and break down fat can all be negatively impacted by prolonged sitting.
Obesity, heart disease, diabetes, colon and breast cancer, and early mortality are some health issues related to a lack of physical exercise. You can minimize the health hazards linked with inactivity by exercising at least 150 minutes weekly, as health authorities recommended.
The average office worker may spend up to nine hours a day sitting at their desk, which doesn’t include their commute, lunch, or evening television viewing.
Evidence of the dangers of sitting for long periods at work highlights the significance of physical activity in maintaining health and warding off aches and pains. Many professionals advise getting up and moving around once every 30 minutes.
Designing an office around movement will help maintain a healthy and active staff. It’s common knowledge that keeping your body in good shape also benefits your mind and makes you more effective in your endeavors. There will be less absenteeism and more productivity for businesses because employees enjoy coming to work.
Let the Sun In
Neurochemical pathways in the brain that control physiological processes, behavioral patterns, and circadian rhythm are all affected by exposure to natural light, according to studies. Because most of our time is spent inside, it is clear that artificial lighting is disrupting our circadian rhythms.
Lack of sleep has a profound effect on mental health and productivity. In addition, sleep deprivation has been linked to negative health outcomes like lowered immunity and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Furthermore, it is well-known that using artificial lighting in workplaces can lead to the onset of symptoms, including eyestrain, headaches, and impaired vision, all of which negatively affect workers’ output.
Light-filled workplaces require less electricity for lighting during the day, which is good for the environment. This may affect how eco-conscious workers and customers see your business.
There will always need to be some form of artificial illumination. However, modern lighting products emit spectra similar to natural daylight, and dimmers that change automatically in response to the quantity of present light help generate consistent and uniform illumination.
Clean Up the Air
The whole breadth of indoor air pollution is unclear, but researchers estimate that it can be two to five times higher in enclosed spaces like offices than in open spaces. This is because office buildings often have a higher concentration of pollutants than outside environments due to harmful cleaning supplies, carpet germs, cooking oil, construction materials, and ozone-emitting office electronics.
Carbon monoxide and other pollutants may be pulled into high-rise buildings, putting workers at greater risk of inhalation. This is especially true in congested urban areas. According to ABBC research meant to educate the public about the need to maintain high indoor air quality, air conditioners are almost worthless if they are not equipped with filters.
Offices with poor ventilation and inadequate air quality attention might increase Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) occurrences. The prevalence of SBS is associated with higher rates of absence due to sickness and decreased productivity in the workplace.
Experts recommend that fresh airflow be maintained by regularly cleaning air ducts and replacing filters. Keeping the humidity at a healthy level will help prevent the growth of dust mites, mold, and other allergens.