workplace design and how it influences health
design matters more than you think it does when it comes to overall health and your workplace.
3 minute read
colour, lighting and natural elements can all make or break employee health in the workplace.
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have you ever walked into an office full of gray cubicles, covered windows and harsh incandescent lighting and just felt off? well, there’s a reason for that. indoor design elements can influence your overall health and well-being without you even really noticing why.
since many people spend as much as a third of their lives at the workplace, it’s no surprise that when done right, workplace design can help people thrive in and outside their workplaces.
but how does workplace design affect a person’s health?
the aspects of design in the workplace
features such as natural elements, colours, lighting, air quality and furniture all play into health in various ways.
for example, ergonomic furniture in an office setting that calls for a lot of sitting can help by ensuring that the chairs support a person’s spinal alignment to prevent discomfort and pain. adequate spacing in the workplace, as well as potential standing desks with walking pads, can also be part of office ergonomics that positively affect health.
other design elements that can make or break a person’s overall well-being include:
lighting
natural light is much easier to digest than unnatural lighting, so much so that it can aid in regulating circadian clocks and sleep patterns. it also enhances alertness naturally while improving mood, encouraging more active lifestyles outside of the workplace, and increasing overall quality of life.
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unnatural lighting does the opposite, and can drive the development of sleep disorders, mood disorders, and can even increase a person’s risk of developing chronic diseases and cancer.
natural elements in the workplace
exposure to natural materials, such as indoor greenery, natural scents and wood, can be beneficial for employees’ health.
research shows that when indoor areas take on an approach that mimics nature when incorporating design elements, people can experience reduced symptoms of chronic pain and migraine, as well as a reduction in depression symptoms.
this specific design is known as biophilic, and it has also been proven to:
- reduce stress and anxiety
- encourage feelings of relaxation and calm
- reduce blood pressure
- improve heart rate
colour psychology
colours can have an impact on a person’s mental health and productivity, as each colour invokes specific mental reactions. for example, blues and greens are thought to drive calmness without tiredness, improving alertness and productivity.
warmer colours, such as red, orange, and yellow, can enhance a person’s energy and creativity levels when used in moderation; however, excessive use can be overwhelming and have the opposite effect.
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muted colours are also well-received in workplaces, as long as they are accompanied by brighter colours, because on their own, they can appear too dull and lifeless.
balancing colours in the workplace is a viable and essential part of creating a working environment that fosters overall well-being while improving employees’ ability to function at work.
air quality
fresh air is vital to reduce the spread of germs while also improving the air that employees breathe in during work hours. if an office doesn’t have a proper ventilation system, it can lead to:
- reduced cognitive abilities
- respiratory issues
- fatigue and headaches
not only will this affect a person’s overall health, but it will also drive down productivity in the office.
putting it all together
using workplace design elements that foster better overall health for employees is a great way to ensure that a person’s business succeeds, but most importantly, their workers thrive.
it’s crucial to incorporate the key factors that influence workplace design when choosing how to set up an office or other indoor workspace so that people can benefit from all aspects, such as ergonomics, lighting, colour and air quality.
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