In today’s evolving professional landscape, remote work is, by far, the most sought-after work arrangement. There are numerous reasons why workers may prefer to stay at home rather than rejoin the office. Typically, these involve:
- The desire for more flexibility
- The stress associated with commuting
- High commuting time and costs
- Ineffective office setups that cause frustration
- Frequent work interruptions in the office (the typical “Do you have a minute” question can last up to one hour)
- Lack of safety in the office
While some of these points can be addressed with the introduction of modern guidelines for the post-pandemic office, such as avoiding unnecessary meetings, creating flexible hours even for office-based employees, and tackling work culture too.
Additionally, offices can also share their efforts in creating a health and safety haven. As many workers are concerned about indoor air pollution and exposure to hazardous materials in the workplace, making H&S efforts public and known can address their worries.
But there is more the office can do to build a positive environment that supports productivity, talent retention, and employees’ mood.
Incorporate nature
Garden offices have grown in popularity during the pandemic. While you may not be able to grow a forest inside the office, you can consider the addition of plants. According to research from the University of Exeter, adding plants to the workplace can increase productivity by up to 15%. This can happen as the combination of many reasons:
Nature has a positive influence on the mind, helping boost well-being and reduce stress. As stress is a significant obstacle to productivity, its reduction will help boost performance in the workplace.
Additionally, plants can help boost the perception of fresh and clean indoor air quality. They emit oxygen, which has been shown to support cognitive processes.
Harness the power of scents
You may be familiar with this popular real estate tip to appeal to potential buyers: Bake fresh cookies on the day of their visit. The scent will convey the idea of a cozy and homely property, which can drive price offers.
Scents have a significant influence on our moods and emotions. Pleasant aromas can create an inviting atmosphere. For example, a hotel scent diffuser can be used to help customers relax and create an overall positive experience. Similarly, using scents in the office can also help alleviate stress and boost a positive mindset.
Embrace natural light
Natural light brings numerous benefits to the workplace. Exposure to natural lights regulates circadian rhythms. In the workplace, it can help improve employees’ mood and their energy levels. As a result, teams are more likely to be more focused, alert, and productive.
They are also more likely to build a positive impression of the office environment. As many remote workers have been forced to improvise during the pandemic, home offices are not necessarily exposed to high-quality natural light exposure. So, this could be a competitive edge for many offices.
In conclusion, there is more than one factor that can contribute to creating a positive work environment. Sensory aspects of the workplace, such as stimulation through the addition of scents, natural lights, and plants, can inject a new and soothing dimension to the conventional workday. But it goes without saying that offices must also meet also requirements, such as creating an inclusive culture, and remunerating skills fairly.