The Importance of Mental Health in the Workplace

How can office design affect mental wellbeing?

Wellbeing at work can be supported in many ways that range from increasing biophilic design elements in the office to more organisational changes and processes. The level of depth in which you need to go to may depend on the requirements of your staff but as a foundational level, there are some simple ways to give your workplace a lift.

Biophilic design refers to the human connection to nature which can be replicated in the office through natural light, plants and organic materials. Sometimes referred to as ‘bringing the outside in,’ it has been shown that adding biophilic design to your workplace can boost productivity by up to 20%. This is just one example of how office design can help with wellbeing at work but it is a well-recognised and effective way to boost wellbeing in the office.

The use of colour in the workplace can impact our productivity, focus-levels and wellbeing. Studies show that there is a psychology behind the impact of different colours. Red is well-known for being a colour that creates energy and excitement but can be powerful and overbearing, whereas blue is known for being more calming and relaxing. There are greater complexities to individual colours but it is also important to use the right balance of colours in the office. Vibrant, highly saturated colours can induce stress and monochrome colours can limit creativity.

One of the crucial elements that experts recommend is designing for diversity and choice. The workplace has to offer a variety of spaces to ensure that employee requirements are met. This will enable different generations, personality types and working styles can all work comfortably in the office in conditions that suit them. Companies should be aiming to provide a positive employee experience in the workplace which will help maintain focus and productivity levels. Giving employees autonomy and control of their environment will be the difference between retaining or losing members of staff.