Creating a Comfortable Work Environment: Tips for Employers
Workplace environmental quality is a critical aspect of creating a comfortable and productive work environment [1], as it is essential for the overall well-being and productivity of employees. A high-quality work environment can lead to increased employee satisfaction, reduced stress levels, leading to better job performance and a more productive workforce.
This article discusses tips for employers to help create a quality work environment for their employees.
Encourage Physical Comfort
Ensure that employees have ergonomic equipment and furniture, including adjustable chairs and desks, to help prevent physical discomfort and repetitive stress injuries. [2] The temperature in the office should also be regulated to prevent overheating or over-chilling, and proper ventilation should be provided. Adequate lighting should also be put into consideration, as it is essential for eye comfort and reducing eye strain. The OOHMS office ergonomics self-assessments tool reviews employee’s workspace and identifies needed adjustments, if any.
Provide a Clean Workspace
A clean and organized workspace can help employees feel more relaxed and focused. It is also important that employees are encouraged to keep their work areas tidy, and cleaning services should be provided to help keep the office in good condition. [3]
Encourage Physical Activity
This is an important aspect of creating a comfortable work environment. [4] Employees should be encouraged to be physically active during the workday, by providing gym memberships, hosting fitness classes, or promoting physical activity breaks. Regular exercise can help employees feel more energetic [5] refreshed, and productive. The OOHMS break app is a useful tool to promote physical activity in the workplace as it reminds employees to take breaks from work and engage in brief exercises like taking short walks and some stretching exercises.
Provide Access to Healthy Food Options
Encouraging employees to make healthy food choices can have a significant impact on their overall well-being. Offer healthy snack options, such as fruit, nuts, and granola bars, and encourage employees to bring in healthy lunches or take advantage of healthy restaurant options nearby. [6]
Foster a Positive and Supportive Work Culture
Create a positive work environment by promoting teamwork [7] and open communication, and fostering a sense of community among employees. This can include regular team-building activities, open forums for feedback, and opportunities for employees to get to know one another. Our psychosocial self-assessment tool helps employers gain insights into the areas where their employees feel most satisfied and identify areas that may require improvement, including organizational culture, social support, and work-life balance. This information, could in turn, help inform workplace policies and initiatives, reduce turnover rates, improve job performance, and provide a more engaged and motivated workforce.
Foster Work-Life Balance
Encourage employees to take breaks [8] and provide flexible scheduling options, such as telecommuting, to help employees achieve work-life balance. Allowing employees to work from home or at flexible hours can help reduce stress levels and improve job satisfaction.
Offer Resources for Mental and Emotional Well-being
Provide resources, such as counseling services or stress management programs, to help employees manage stress [9] and improve their overall mental [10] and emotional well-being. Providing resources such as these can also help to reduce turnover rates, as employees will feel more supported in their roles. Seasoned professionals from various fields within the health sector can be made available to employees upon request through the end of month analysis of employee’s overall mood on the OOHMS mood diary.
By focusing on these areas, employers can help create a quality work environment; one that is comfortable, healthy, and conducive to high levels of productivity. A positive work environment can lead to increased employee satisfaction and motivation, which can translate into improved job performance and overall business success.