F rom Monday to Friday, the average person spends more than eight hours at work each day. That's even more time than some people spend sleeping! Because we spend so much time at work, it's in your employer's best interest to make your work environment the best it can be; it affects productivity and satisfaction in a major way. It's not just about free snacks, big windows, colorful conference rooms and Ping-Pong tables. In fact, there's a science behind what drives happiness in the workplace and what can be done to achieve it, through light, furniture, ergonomics and movement.
Here are five tips to bring happiness into the workplace:
Let in the light. Everyone values the corner office or space closest to the window — and that's not coincidence! Natural light has proven to provide renewed energy and vitamin intake. If your workstation leaves you lacking some sunlight, take a little time each day to find some natural light. A quick 15-minute trip to the office atrium or even a simple walk outside can leave you feeling rejuvenated. Make a quick coffee run or take your computer outside to catch up on emails - you won't regret it. Are you an employer? If there is minimal natural light in the office, consider expanding to incorporate outdoor workstations, or simply encourage remote work or brief breaks to increase sunlight exposure. Master your technology. We all recognize and understand the frustrations faulty technology can bring. And while you may have little input regarding the types of printers or computers your office uses or who the conference call provider is, improving your technical knowledge will lower your frustration and your anxiety. Take any training sessions offered by your IT department and/or watch available videos Online to learn how to use any given technology more efficiently. And run that system upgrade you've been putting off! Your machine will run more smoothly and so will you.
For employers, it's critical to understand the day-to-day technologies that impact employee productivity and happiness, for both individual and group tasks. Ensure costs have been allocated to optimize technology and training in areas that are most impactful, and cut costs in areas of least impact (or perhaps frivolous add-ons that can be eliminated). Ensure employees understand training and troubleshooting that is available to them.
Bring order to the chaos. If you have an important meeting coming up or you're under a lot of stress, cleaning your workspace can help. A clean workspace allows you to arrive and immediately get to your most important task without wasting time. For employers, ensure your employees have streamlined space, and that workstations can be tailored to individual and group tasks. Adjust your workspace to fit you. Whether it's a height-adjustable work surface, an ergonomic chair or even a wrist base for your keyboard, simple comforts can have a monumental impact on your productivity. Take the time to adjust your workspace to fit your needs instead of "making do" month after month. And don't be afraid to ask your employer for solutions to help. The tools you need may already exist…you simply need to ask. For employers, be cognizant of employee needs in seating and the functionality of their space. Not all employees or tasks require the same template. Consider seating options that promote ergonomic health, desks and stands that complement required privacy or sharing, and structure that encourages movement and healthy habits.
Stand up for storage. Adding storage solutions to your
workspace is about more than simply clearing the clutter; it's about taking ownership of the area where you spend so much time. A natural place to put your personal belongings or hang your coat makes your workspace feel more like home. As an employer, it's important to empower employees with the control over their workspaces. Oftentimes, organizational tools and tactics can provide this – consider designated compartments, shelving, cabinets and drawers. Customizable organization and storage can be critical to feeling control over the workspace and happiness in the workplace. Until the day you retire, your workplace will be an integral part of your life, so as a reminder, make it the happiest it can be. PEIL
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