We have seen offices change so much over the years. They have gone from rows and rows of cubicles to collaborative work spaces with a hip vibe and flexible space to promote innovation. Besides the office being just a place of work, we have seen a new trend in workplace design: promoting employee wellness. Through design, we are able to facilitate healthier environments into the office through subtle, but thoughtful use of active design that gets up and moving! By placing trash cans in areas that require employees to get up and walk to or eating areas in a spot that a staircase is needed to access it are ways businesses are encouraging a healthy, active environment. Sensory Six excels in designing and building work spaces that are designed to intentionally enhance inspiration, mediation, relaxation and exercise. Here are five other ways that we are changing office spaces to emphasize wellness and health:
1. Standing Desks
Have you seen the shift in your office from employees sitting in office chairs to bouncing throughout the day on a yoga balls? Or maybe they’re not sitting at all, but are working at a standing desk? Standing at work isn't just a new trend but it is a habit everyone should pick up! According to a recent study by Ergotron, 67% of Americans hate sitting at work and 85% take breaks from sitting for symptom relief. Would you stand at work to improve your overall health and life expectancy? 96% of the people from the Ergotron study would! At Sensory Six, we love designing spaces that our clients and their employees not only love, but improves their overall well being.
2. Outdoor Space
Many offices today encourage their employees to go for a walk during their lunch break to get some exercise and a breath of fresh air. People who work in a downtown office can walk to go get coffee or take a stroll around the park. We have seen office buildings in suburban locations establish walking paths as a way to encourage employees to get up and get active. Another great option businesses are considering are workplace patios and outdoor eating areas. What client wouldn’t want to have a meeting under the sun? This space also makes for a great spot after work functions.
3. Showers and Changing Areas
Do you or any of your colleagues ride their bikes or walk to work? While people may think a gym is the most popular amenity to have at your workplace, showers and changing areas are an even more important amenity! In urban locations where people are more likely to ride their bikes or walk to work, it's important to have a place for people to clean up before their work day begins. By choosing organic colors and textures we can create a relaxing space that employees can get ready to begin their day in.
4. Wellness Rooms
We LOVE designing wellness rooms here at Sensory Six, they are one of our specialties! We know that having a space that promotes health and relaxation among employees not only provides satisfaction, but increases their productivity and ultimately gives your business a competitive edge! When designing a wellness room, we take into consideration what the room will be used for. If it's a multi-functional room, then there needs be a flexible layout so it can be used for everything from exercise, to eating space, to an area where employees can kick back and relax. We incorporate entertainment systems, artwork, special lighting, aromatherapy and drink/snack units into our designs for a total sensory experience. Our goal is to create a space that employees feel relaxed in and can escape to when the job gets overwhelming.
5. Green building materials
Do you know what toxins and chemicals are in certain building materials? Working with green materials to create your office is something we are passionate about. If the walls that surround you at the office are made environmentally friends materials, employees come into work each day with a piece of mind that they are safe. At Sensory Six, we take great pride in choosing materials that are organic and natural, whether that be fabrics, flooring or furniture. By choosing organic and natural materials it not only creates a relaxing, inspiring space but it keeps wellness front of mind for employees who come to work and in turn, hopes it inspires employees to create organic spaces in their own homes.
Wellness is just not about eating the right food or making sure you get enough exercise, it goes beyond that and we have seen it expand into the workplace. People spend a large amount of their day at work and employers are starting to see that creating a culture that has an emphasis on health and wellness is not only good for their employees but for their business as well. At Sensory Six, we think every space should be a space that promotes wellness and a healthy lifestyle. We design and build workplaces that emphasizes health, wellness and relaxation to increase employee productivity and satisfaction, that ultimately gives your business a competitive edge. Call us today at 518.306.1099 to set up a time to discuss how we can bring wellness into your place of work!
Content: https://workdesign.com/2014/08/5-ways-put-wellness-workplace/
Images: https://workdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Fitness-2-720x469.jpg
