You spend most of your day at work and so it should be just as comfortable as your home. Many jobs can be stressful and take their toll both physically and mentally.

But wherever your office is located, there are things you can do to make your workplace better for your health and wellbeing. Read our top tips below:

  1. Don’t sit all day – People who work at desks should stand or walk around for at least two hours a day to avoid health risks related to too much sitting.
  2. Clear the air – Some employees are sensitive to chemicals in carpet, office furniture, or paint. We recommend letting fresh air in by keeping windows open while you work. If that’s not an option, consider getting an air purifier.
  3. Try a standing desk – If your workplace allows it, switching to a standing desk can help you sit less and move more during the day. But being on your feet all day can also lead to aches and pains, so look for a setup that allows you to adjust the height or your work station and use a chair when needed.
  4. Choose colours carefully – Shades of green have been linked to enhanced creative thinking. Avoid red for negative vibes in the office.
  5. Leafy Green Plants – Bringing nature into your office can be a great way to inspire creativity and a feeling of wellness. Opt for green, leafy plants, rather than cacti—whose spikes can create the opposite of a relaxed feeling!
  6. Personal Items – Decorating your desk can help you feel comfortable, which can reduce workplace stress and dissatisfaction. But to avoid a cluttered feeling, which can actually cause more stress, less is more.
  7. Natural Aromas – The smell of citrus can lift your spirits and improve thinking and memory, opt for an essential oil diffuser that delivers a subtle, natural aroma.
  8. Stop eating at your desk – Sitting down to lunch away from your desk won’t just keep crumbs out of your keyboard; it can also help reset your brain for an afternoon of productivity.
  9. Sit up straight – Sitting all day isn’t the healthiest thing for you, but slouching all day is even worse, hunching over a computer is a leading cause of back pain. Invest in an ergonomic desk chair that supports correct posture, we have lots we can recommend.
  10. Get moving – Even if you can’t get to the gym, you can still do some simple stretches and strength moves right in your office. Keeping hand weights or resistance bands near your desk can encourage you to take exercise breaks throughout the day.
  11. Office Dog (or other animal!) – Allowing people to bring their reduces job stress and boosted employee satisfaction. And it wasn’t just dog owners who benefited from the pet-friendly policy; other employees who came into contact with the animals reported less stress.
  12. Natural Lights – Getting natural light during the day is ideal, so we recommend sitting near a window if possible. Having a desk lamp you can turn on and off can also help reduce eyestrain.

For more information on how to get the most from your office design contact us today.