How to

Elevate workplace satisfaction with 3 cost-effective changes

Key office considerations for employee happiness on a budget

In today’s business landscape, small businesses strive to balance employee satisfaction with cost efficiency. Recent studies underline the pivotal role of the work environment in productivity and happiness. With a staggering 59% of employees feeling disengaged, resulting in a global productivity loss of €6 trillion, creating comfortable workspaces is crucial.

Let’s explore three simple and budget-friendly strategies to elevate your office, fostering higher morale and efficiency among your team.

Photography by Vitra, Carl Hansen Søn, Herman Miller, Wästberg and Zilenzio

01. Tackle poor ergonomics

In the realm of discomfort and awkward seating arrangements lies the perennial woe of poor ergonomics. Picture this: chairs that seem to rebel against the very idea of spine support, desks that play a game of hide-and-seek with the ideal height and a dearth of equipment that could make your wrists sing with joy (yes, ergonomic mouse pads and keyboards, we’re looking at you). It’s a recipe for physical discomfort and potential health hazards, from the occasional twinge to the dreaded Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).

To navigate this ergonomic minefield, the key is to seek out the ultimate in office comfort. Investing in chairs that actually want to hug your lumbar region, desks that can finally find their ergonomic calling and peripherals designed to pamper your wrists can make all the difference. Throw in some personalised ergonomic assessments to tailor solutions to individual needs and suddenly, the office becomes a haven of comfort and productivity.

Brighten up the workspace by strategically positioning desks near windows to soak up that precious sunlight.

02. Shedd light on lighting deficiencies

Now, let’s shed some light on another common office annoyance: lighting that’s more foe than friend. Ever found yourself squinting at your screen like a detective in a noir film, courtesy of harsh artificial lighting? Or perhaps you’ve experienced the gloom of a workspace devoid of natural light, leaving you feeling like a houseplant deprived of sunlight?

The solution lies in a delicate balance between artificial and natural illumination. Brighten up the workspace by strategically positioning desks near windows to soak up that precious sunlight. And when the sun decides to take a break, adjustable artificial lighting comes to the rescue. With fixtures that mimic the gentle glow of natural light and task lighting for those intricate tasks, your employees can bid farewell to eye strain and welcome a brighter, more productive workday.

But fear not, for there are ways to strike a harmonious balance in the auditory realm.

03. Balance sound environment and acoustics

Now, let’s tune in to the symphony of sound – or should we say, cacophony – that often fills the office space. From the chatter of colleagues to the hum of office machinery, navigating through a sea of noise can feel like starring in your very own audio drama.

But fear not, for there are ways to strike a harmonious balance in the auditory realm. The way to orchestrate a more serene workspace is by introducing sound-absorbing materials like acoustic panels or curtains. Picture it: a serene escape amidst the chaos, where focused work can be performed without the disruptive crescendo of background noise. With a dash of strategic furniture placement and a sprinkle of communication protocols to keep unnecessary noise at bay, the stage is set for a productive and peaceful work environment.

Found these ideas helpful? Let us assist in enhancing your workplace satisfaction. Contact us at info@escandi.se for expert guidance.