When people feel good about being at work, they do better work, which is good news for the company. Recent research conducted by Sapio Research found that productivity, creativity and profitability can be affected by employee conditions.
Linda Trim, director at workplace design specialists Giant Leap, says: "To achieve true 'wellness', attention must be given to every component that can impact mental and physical health.
"This means building structures, company cultures and even furniture and fittings, because these are important to people and the businesses they work for."
She has the following advice:
• Many back problems, a leading cause of absenteeism, are a result of poor-quality seating. "High-performing companies are more likely to have facilities that allow people to adjust their work station to best suit them," says Trim.
• Lighting sets the tone of the office and should be neither harsh nor so dim it is impossible to see what you are doing;
• People can't focus in a noisy office. "Quiet workspaces are one of the biggest differentiators between high- and low- performing companies," says Trim; and
• Fresh air can help to prevent dips in concentration.
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