Posted on 31 October 2017

Categories: Opinion

Stress is widely-regarded as a common part of fast-paced modern life, but if left ignored it can trigger incapacitating illnesses and take over a person’s life. Over 12 million people visit their GP with mental health problems every year, many of whom are dealing with stress. As well as incorporating chill out times, meditation classes and workplace yoga, creating a well-designed workspace has been scientifically proven to reduce stress too. So, while an office refurbishment can be stressful, we’ve looked at a few ways that you can make your office stress-free by redesigning the layout and introducing some new office design techniques, rather than knocking everything down.

 

 

ADD A BIT OF GREEN

The benefits of the humble office pot plant have long been debated, but after a recent study, it was recorded that humans have an instinctive bond with other living things, meaning you could do with adding a few cacti around the place.

 

 

THINK ABOUT LAYOUT

The layout of an office can have a significant impact on the opinions and attitudes of staff. Closed-door spaces can give out a negative impression, making team members feel like they may not be heard.

Also, the layout of equipment on a desk can also have an impact on stress. Coming to work to clutter and an electrical overload can be daunting and tiresome when compared to a calm and organised space. Therefore, it’s always important to consider the physical structure of the office design to maintain high staff morale and reduced stress.

 

 

DECORATE THE WALLS

Giving employees something to look at other than four plan walls does wonders for relaxation levels. Wall graphics offer huge scope for creativity. From cut vinyl wall stickers, large format custom wallpaper or beautifully routed acrylics, we can help bring your ideas to life and help you create the perfect wall graphic for your office space.

Our printing, cutting and installation experience means that you can really let your imagination run wild. And it doesn’t stop there, wall details can be illuminated using LEDs, a mixture of textures, or by using different thicknesses or folded engineering to create depth.

Why not go for a tranquil scene to reduce stress? Or what about a whiteboard type graphic, where employees can get creative for themselves by drawing their own art?

 

MIND THE LIGHTING AND AIR QUALITY

It can be hard to control the type of air conditioning used in a building that you’re leasing for your office. However, as mentioned above, adding a touch of green to your environment can not only improve staff morale but also air quality too; having yet another positive impact on the health and well-being of employees.

Furthermore, there are two types of lighting that need to be considered in an office design – internal lighting and natural lighting. The preference is always for as much natural light as possible, letting lots of natural sunlight into your space to create an ambient mood and relaxed environment.

 

 

CREATE A SEPARATE WORK AREA

Breaking up a work day and letting your staff know that it’s okay to take a break is excellent for productivity. Providing activities and creature comforts in a communal space does wonders for stress levels and allows for interaction; because when team members feel they are valued, they are happier and healthier.

You could consider more options such as filtered water, healthy tea/real coffee, table tennis, mini-pool table, books, and board games are just some ideas to provide a low-stress environment.

These separate areas can also be used for work too, by allowing employees to take time out from the main office space to work in a different, more chilled environment.

Perhaps there’s a separate area in your office surrounded by windows. Why not filter the light in this area with coloured window graphics? Adding soothing colours, helping employees feel more relaxed?

 

 

LOOK DOWN

Why not incorporate an innovative and eye-catching piece of floor graphic to create a stress-free workplace? Whether it’s a wayfinding piece to help people navigate the office, or something more relative to your business, such as an Ariel view of the area you’re located, floor graphics will make a fantastic addition to your space and add a creative touch whilst keeping things upbeat and happy!

Wayfinding graphics are also perfect for large office spaces, adding a novel and practical aspect to the space. At MX Display, we have a wide range of types to choose from, helping you to create the perfect graphic for your needs.

Remember that great design incorporates many elements and having a low-stress environment means happier, healthier and more productive staff who will be glad to come to work.

As you already know, we love big ideas.

We enjoy stepping outside the box and completing new and inspirational work for all our clients.

If you have any questions or would like to request samples of our flooring graphics, or any other pieces of our work, then give us a call on 01332 613900.