Wellbeing in the workplace is a key element that affects employee efficiency, engagement and satisfaction. As a Human Office, we advise clients on how to arrange their office space using our best practices, experience and knowledge. Understanding generational differences is essential to effectively respond to the needs of different employee groups and create a wellbeing work environment.
Do you know what has the greatest impact on wellbeing in the office?
The following are the most key elements in the office that affect employee well-being:
Ergonomics – appropriate furniture and equipment that supports healthy posture: ergonomic office chairs, height-adjustable desks, monitor arms and other ergonomic accessories.
Light – well-designed lighting, large windows for access to daylight, blinds or shades to adjust light intensity, high-quality LED lamps that mimic natural light, individual light sources on desks.
Plants and green spaces – the introduction of plants into the office to improve air quality, aesthetics and acoustics of the room, as well as to reduce stress levels, positively affect mood, motivation and creativity. Plant pots, plant shelves, green walls, indoor gardens.
Acoustics – proper noise management to ensure a quiet work environment. Sound-absorbing panels, carpets, quiet zones, acoustic partitions, soundproof booths.
Spaces for integration and relaxation – places where employees can rest and recuperate. Lounges, relaxation areas, nap rooms, meditation spaces, game areas, ping-pong tables, foosball, flippers.
Aesthetics and design – a pleasant and inspiring office design that promotes a positive mood. Modern design, well-chosen color scheme, artwork, motivational graphics and murals, personalization of the space.
Technology and infrastructure – access to modern tools and technologies that support
productivity. High-speed Internet, state-of-the-art video conferencing facilities, intelligent building management systems, booking applications, communication and integration within the organization.
Space flexibility – the ability to adapt the space to different types of work and employee needs. Modular furniture, open spaces, coworking areas, private cubicles.
Wellbeing Programs and Facilities – initiatives and programs to support the physical and mental health of employees. Gyms, healthy food options, wellness programs, access to counseling and psychological support.
Generational differences
Generational differences in the workplace have a significant impact on the dynamics of teams, the way they communicate and their approach to work. Each generation brings different values, skills and expectations – older generations value stability and experience, while younger generations emphasize flexibility, technology and personal development. These differences can lead to misunderstandings, but also create opportunities for mutual inspiration and learning from each other. The key is to be open to dialogue and to build a work environment that benefits from a diversity of experiences.
Here are some generational differences affecting workplace performance:
Approach to work:
Millenials (Generation Y): They often seek a work-life balance. They value work flexibility and the ability to work remotely.
Generation Z: They pay attention to mental and emotional health, often putting it on par with professional success.
Mental Health:
Older generations: They may be less willing to talk about mental problems, which affects their approach to wellbeing.
Younger generations: Often more open about mental health and regularly seek support.
Lifestyle:
Generation X and Baby Boomers: They may prefer traditional forms of activity, such as running or fitness clubs.
Millenials and Generation Z: They often engage in a variety of activities, including meditation, yoga and a healthy diet.
Technology:
Older generations: May be less interested in using apps or online platforms to monitor health and wellbeing.
Younger generations: Are more willing to use technology to track their health, using apps for meditation or fitness.
Social relations:
Older generations: They often base their support on family and close friends.
Younger generations: They often use social media to build and maintain relationships, which can affect their sense of belonging and wellbeing.
Generational differences in approaches to wellbeing are important because they affect how different groups approach health and wellbeing. Understanding these differences can help tailor strategies to support and promote healthy lifestyles across age groups.
How to design a friendly office for everyone?
Today’s offices must be inclusive places that respond to the needs of different generations of employees, while paying attention to neurodiversity. This means creating diverse work zones.
Quiet Zone – is a space designed for people who need peace and quiet to focus on work or relax. Such zones are usually separated from the rest of the office to reduce noise and distractions that can impede concentration.
Focus Zone – is a space designed to allow employees to focus as much as possible on their tasks. It is a place that promotes concentration and minimizes distractions, which is especially important in modern offices where noise and intense interaction can impede efficiency.
Creative Zone – is a place in the office that fosters group work, often referred to as “collaboration zone” or “creative zone”. It is a space designed for collaborative creation, exchange of ideas and team projects.
Relax Room – is a space designed for employees to rest and recuperate. It is a place where you can relax, unwind and recharge your energy before returning to work. There are sofas, armchairs or recliners that promote comfortable rest. Often this zone is soundproofed to allow for peaceful relaxation, with minimal noise from the environment.
Ergonomics
What does an ideally designed ergonomic workstation consist of? First of all, it should take into account the individual needs of the employee, the type of work performed, the physical conditions of the workspace, but also the requirements of the Ministry of Family and Social Policy regulation. The basis for this is the appropriate arrangement of elements such as a monitor, keyboard or mouse, but also other work tools used by employees in your company. Appropriate, that is, ensuring comfort of use with minimal strain on muscles and joints.
Our recommended solution includes:
height-adjustable electric desk – by changing the position from sitting to standing we reduce the risk of diseases caused by prolonged work in the sitting position
ergonomic chair with lumbar support, headrest and armrests – provides adequate support for the back preventing pain and spinal disorders
monitor arm – allows you to set the monitor in the correct position both in sitting and standing position (the correct viewing angle changes when you change position from sitting to standing)
keyboard and mouse drawer – eliminates the possibility of developing carpal tunnel disease wrist
lamp – provides eye-friendly illumination, emitting bright, glare-free light that faithfully reproduces colors and casts a single shadow on the surface
Lighting design in the office
The impact of lighting on workers:
Increased Productivity: Well-designed lighting improves concentration and productivity. Employees in properly lit spaces are more focused and efficient.
Improved well-being: The right amount and quality of light has a positive effect on the mood of employees, reducing stress and improving overall well-being.
Eye health: Good lighting reduces the risk of eye fatigue and soreness, which is crucial for workers who spend long hours in front of a computer.
Improving diurnal rhythms: Natural light and a well-chosen color temp erature can help regulate the internal biological clock, which promotes better sleep and more energy during the day.
Aesthetics and Atmosphere: Lighting affects the aesthetics and atmosphere of an office, creating a pleasant and inspiring place to work. Well-designed lighting enhances the architecture and design of interiors, making the office more attractive.
Acoustics in the workplace
The office of the future sounds like a party! But even if you like music, silence works best. When sound waves hit hard surfaces in a room, such as walls, floors and windows, the audible wave of energy we call noise bounces off them, increasing the overall noise level. Acoustic office solutions mean more productive and satisfied employees, as well as increased revenue and reduced staff turnover. New, well-designed acoustic workplaces become centers of teamwork and personal engagement that have the power to support the health and well-being of their users.
The impact of acoustics on health and well-being.
Concentrated silence: the best ideas are born in silence. When noise is reduced, employees can focus better and make the most of their creative potential.
Relaxed atmosphere: a quiet environment means less stress. Employees in a quiet office feel more relaxed, which translates into better well-being and a higher quality of life.
Clear communication: without unnecessary distractions, conversations are clearer and meetings more efficient. This facilitates cooperation and speeds up project implementation.
Plant functions
Plants in the office not only improve the aesthetics of the interior, but also have a significant impact on the health and well-being of employees. Studies show that plants in the workplace can increase productivity, reduce stress and improve overall air quality.
Health – plants purify the air by absorbing pollutants and emitting oxygen, which improves air quality in the office. They increase humidity, reducing dry eyes and skin, and reduce dust and allergens, benefiting employee health.
Well-being – plants in the office reduce stress and improve mood, making employees more satisfied with their workplace. An aesthetically pleasing environment promotes better well-being, reduces fatigue and headaches, creating a friendly and healthy environment.
Creativity – the presence of plants stimulates creativity and innovative thinking, improving concentration and cognitive abilities. Plants in the office increase employee motivation, inspiring new ideas and solutions, which promotes creative thinking and efficiency.
Acoustics – Plants act as natural sound barriers, absorbing and dissipating noise, which promotes better concentration. They improve office acoustics, creating a more comfortable working environment and increasing acoustic privacy in open office spaces.
Spaces for relaxation and integration
Is an entertainment zone in the office already the standard? In modern workplaces, entertainment has become an integral element that attracts employees and motivates them to spend time in the office. Well-planned entertainment zones promote relaxation and integration with the community. Work does not have to be boring – the office can become a place where we combine productivity with pleasure.
The impact of entertainment on employee motivation:
Space to relax and unwind: billiard tables, ping-pong a or foosball become a place where employees can relax and get away from daily duties for a while. These moments of relaxation help recharge ba teries and return to work with renewed energy.
Team integration: team games and joint activities foster relationships between employees. Playing pool or foosball together allows to get to know each other better, which translates into better cooperation and communication within the team.
Creative break: short game breaks can stimulate creativity. When the brain rests, the best ideas are born. So entertainment zones become not only a place to relax, but also a source of inspiration
Our suggestions:
Relaxation zones: comfortable sofas, armchairs and hammocks that encourage a short rest. These spaces can also be equipped with board games, books and other items that promote relaxation.
Multimedia corner: a video game console or retro game table, which will attract technology fans and allow them to have a moment of fun.
Fitness room, chill room and relaxation classes: equipped exercise room, where employees can take yoga, Pilates or other forms of physical activity. Regular classes help reduce stress and improve physical fitness.
Personalized game tables: designer billiard, p ing-pong or foosball tables with company branding. With a choice of colors and styles, these items become part of the unique character of the office.
We offer comprehensive service at every stage - from design, through assembly, to service. With us you will design your dream office, we will take care of everything, guaranteeing professionalism at the highest level.
