Lighting At Work
Natural light has a direct effect on productivity and also reduces depression.
Poor lighting can affect an employee's mood and focus. Studies conducted by the Lighting Research Centre show that light has a strong influence on alertness, affecting the circadian clock of the employee as well.
Windows and daylight exposure has an increased positive impact, and a greater sense of health according to the Journal Of Clinical Sleep Medicine. It affects the mood of the employee, leading to more exercise and better rest.
MORE IDEAS FROM THE ARTICLE
- According to studies, 91 percent of employees that took part in the research, believed that Work From Home (WFH/Telecommuting) is more productive.
- 41 percent liked the choice about the place and time of working.
- Imposed WFH had a portion of employees feel less happy or valued at work.
- WFH employees with shorter working hours spread on all seven working days were the happiest, as compared to others with typical or unusual working hours.
- The study highlighted how flexibility is important as many employees have different preferences and home environments.
A study showed that employees with 150 minutes of physical activity a week had better work satisfaction, especially when they exercise before work.
Exercise, as expected, also results in less depression, and lowers job burnout.
A study showed that standing desks are beneficial for employee health, and increase productivity. Calling is more impactful while standing as opposed to sitting, with about a 53 percent better success rate.
Standing desks ensure better circulation and bring more oxygen to the brain, boosting mental clarity, provided the necessary precautions are taken and guidelines are provided.
If an organization focuses on employee wellbeing, they report greater employee engagement, better retention, and less absenteeism.
Corporations that actively promote health and wellness programs see all-around benefits like a decrease in absenteeism, 25 percent better retention, and 47 percent better engagement of employees.
The factors that influence wellbeing include design and construction elements like comfortable furniture, thermal comfort, quality of air, lighting, daylight views, gym facility, food quality, and options for mental relaxation.
A number of studies on office temperature revealed that:
- The ideal working temperature should be 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cold temperatures increase feelings of sadness and loneliness.
- 20 percent of employees have argued with coworkers about the office temperature being too hot or too cold, with the same number also secretly changing the temperature.
- While 53 percent had low productivity with a cold office, 71 percent felt they were less productive with warm temperatures.
- Overheating shoots up the cost of cooling by about ten times.
- Not just the temperature, but the ventilation in the office contributes to the perception of comfort.
RELATED IDEAS
One study found that workers in spaces with plants showed a 15 % higher productivity compared to those in plainer surroundings.
Live plants also promote healthier indoor air, which research has shown has some effect on cognitive functioning in the workplace.
When you spend hours at your desk every day, even the smallest features of your workspace – such as the position of your monitor or the height of your chair– can greatly affect your productivity and even your health.
With a few adjustments you can improve your working environment and keep your desk from killing you.
- Earlier a privilege for a few, work from home became a norm for most office-goers due to the ongoing pandemic and is likely to remain for the rest of the year.
- The shift towards work from home, which became necessary for most companies, was thought to be blissful in the minds of employees, while the bosses viewed it with suspicion.
- Employees are slowly finding out that it is lonely sitting in front of the screen at home and are missing the office culture, the sharing of ideas and socializing with fellow employees.