Office staff spend at least one-third of their day in a business setting.

Utilizing office renovation ideas to improve employee wellness boosts productivity and satisfaction. From reducing eye strain to providing healthier air, there are many things you can do to focus on well-being and still keep things functional and aesthetically pleasing. 

At first glance, spending money on improving the general office environment might seem nonsensical. However, when workers feel you’re investing in them and care about their health, they will likely remain loyal to your company. 

Benefits of an improved workspace include enhanced productivity, lower churn rates and better company culture. Clients who visit your space will notice it has a brighter, happier feel. Here are six simple changes you can implement to improve staff well-being today. 

7 Ideas To Improve Employee Well-Being

1. Reduce eye strain

Adding windows or bright wall hangings can give employees something to focus on and take a break from staring at a computer screen. In a study on Chinese school-aged children in Hong Kong, researchers found a direct association between time spent on smartphones and eye strain. Around 81.3% of kids owned a smartphone, and most experienced eye fatigue, blurred vision, and itchy or painful eyes. 

Other experts advocate looking up from digital screens every so many minutes and focusing on something in the distance to relieve tired eyes and prevent strain. Adding points of interest is an inexpensive solution that helps employees avoid pain. 

2. Add ergonomic accessories

If you’re on a tight budget when planning your office renovation ideas, look for minor changes with a solid ergonomic impact. For example, many people who type all day experience carpal tunnel syndrome.  Adding mouse pads with gel wrist supports or keyboards with a shape that prevents wrist strain can help alleviate the problem. Invest in ergonomic chairs to prevent back strain if you can afford it.

3. Tap into color psychology

Adding a fresh coat of paint is one of the most popular office renovation ideas. The space will appear brighter and fresher, and you can tap into the power of color psychology to improve productivity and employee morale. Paint the walls a sunny yellow to encourage positive thinking and creativity and bring the outdoors inside. Blue can help with efficiency, and green can bring harmony to a space. 

Since painting is a sporadic occurrence, you should gather input from employees about which colors they prefer for a working space. 

4. Offer varied spaces

At home, you likely have numerous areas to meet your daily needs. The kitchen is nearby, you might have some conversation chairs for when friends drop by, the bed allows you to rest and the bathroom gives breaks when needed. An office setting is no different. Varying the spaces keeps your employees from growing bored and helps with mental well-being. Consider adding areas where workers can gather to brainstorm, quiet spots to rest, and places to eat and get nourishment. 

Companies such as Google offer sleep pods where workers can take a quick nap and return to their tasks refreshed and ready to create something fabulous. Even small companies can set up a couple of partitions with cots or cozy couches for a quick rest. 

5. Improve air quality

Employees are healthier when the air quality is improved. People may spread viruses in the winter. Figuring out how to better circulate the air helps boost worker morale and keeps sickness at bay. If you have the budget, add windows you can open to let fresh air flow through. Companies on a tighter allowance can always add green plants to filter the air and bring a feeling of nature indoors. 

Change filters in your HVAC system frequently. If possible, invest in an air purification system. The more you can do to keep workers healthy, the more productive they’ll be. They won’t dread coming to work during flu season because the incidents will be fewer. 

6. Set up an agile environment

The most productive companies might have unassigned workspaces. Employees drift to the area they want to work in and can flow easily from one station to another, depending on what they have on their schedule that day. You may need dedicated spaces based on the roles and tasks required to run your company.

Workers who can move around are often happier at work. People who feel positive, love their company culture and have lower stress levels are naturally more satisfied. Remove stressors and gain employees who aren’t afraid to develop crazy new ideas that might be the best thing ever implemented. 

Offer opportunities for people to connect if they want but withdraw if needed. Catering to different personality types helps your company be more inclusive and creates a family-like atmosphere in the office. 

7. Encourage body health

According to the Food Research and Action Center, approximately 39.6% of United States adults are obese, with another 31.6% overweight. While employees shouldn’t feel singled out or judged in a mentally healthy workspace, you can encourage healthier habits by offering ample breaks for walking, creating exercise spaces and providing healthy snacks.

Office renovation ideas include adding a gym area, setting up an indoor walking track, or adding space for exercise, yoga and health classes. 

Conclusion

Adopt a healthy office attitude and get your employees involved. Ask them for renovation ideas to help them feel happier and healthier at work. Mental wellness is as much a part of overall well-being as the work environment. Find out what people need to be more productive and satisfied and do your best to provide it during your next redecorating project.