FINAL WORD

YouGov for Mental Health UK has revealed that one in five workers requested time off due to poor mental health caused by workplace pressure or stress in the past year .

However , strong office design can make employees up to 33 % happier at work , says recent reports .

With this in mind , the experts at Savoy Stewart provided their insight into just how to create an office environment that minimises staff stress and burnout as much as possible .

Provide quiet spaces

Often in open plan offices , it ’ s hard to break away from the constant hustle and bustle . According to a recent survey , 58 % of employees reported that they need more quiet work spaces , and 54 % find their office environment ‘ too distracting ’.

Providing quiet zones , such as solo pods , quiet booths or even areas where no phones or music are allowed , gives staff that escape and time to think , as well as giving staff the opportunity to take meetings or breaks in different environments .

Giving your staff the autonomy to work in whatever space that suits them , may it be quiet spaces when they need to concentrate or more social settings when they ’ re feeling creative , gives them more privacy and opportunity to concentrate on their work .

Splashes of colour

Additions such as adding a splash of colour can lighten your employees ’ mood , according to Mental Health America . Bright , warm colours such as reds , oranges and yellows can stimulate energy and positivity , and therefore would work best in meeting rooms , kitchens and other areas where staff may socialise .

Greenery

Scientific studies have reported that adding greenery to your staff ’ s workspace can have a positive effect , reducing stress , increasing productivity and even reducing sickness rates .

A study by the Agricultural University of Norway analysed 51 offices and found that the introduction of plants to one office was linked to a 25 % decrease in symptoms of ill health , including fatigue , headaches , concentration problems , coughs and dry skin .

If your office has poor ventilation , then your team may be at risk of developing sick building syndrome , so adding some air purifying plants can remove any unwanted toxins .

Aloe vera , peace lily and spider plants are all great enhancements for any office , as they ’ re low maintenance and known for air-purifying .

Natural lighting

WHEN STAFF ARE PUT IN HIGH- STRESS SITUATIONS , WHETHER THIS BE UNREASONABLE DEADLINES , UNCLEAR EXPECTATIONS OR UNMANAGEABLE WORKLOADS , THEY ARE AT RISK OF BURNOUT .

While cool , subdued tones are considered soothing and calming – so consider using blues , greens and purples for breakout rooms and quieter spaces .

Avoid colours such as grey , which has a lack of energy and won ’ t inspire joy , and red , which can increase aggression and passion , which may be too intense for an office atmosphere .

Natural light is essential for staff wellbeing , so opting for large windows to let in the light is key . Your staff might spend all day in the office and risk not seeing sunlight at all on those shorter winter days .

Office fads such as treadmill desks , nap pods and ‘ bring your dog to work day ’ are all great , however The Harvard Business Review reported that

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