Personalised Workspaces Can Enhance Well-Being

Date: 11.08.2010

For efficiency’s sake, many employers tend to make sweeping decisions when it comes to things like furniture, workstation equipment, layout, and design. But a growing number of experts are cautioning that a more individualised approach could protect employee well-being – and the company’s bottom line.

According to recent research, many chronic illnesses and injuries that arise in the workplace can be traced back to equipment or furniture that isn’t a good match for a particular employee in terms of size or design. Whether it’s a desk that’s too tall for a petite staff member or a keyboard designed for right-handed folks being foisted upon a lefty, generic equipment can often cause more problems than it solves.

The answer? Whenever feasible, experts advise allowing employees to have a say in the selection of the office equipment, furniture, and layout options. In addition to reducing the risk of on-the-job injuries, researchers have found that employees who feel like they play a role in determining how their workspace is designed express more job satisfaction and exhibit higher levels of productivity.

The same applies to spaces where groups gather, such as break areas and boardrooms. Before undertaking a redesign or ordering new furniture, convene the staff for an informal meeting to learn more about how the space is and will be used. That way, you’ll be more likely to get it right the first time, letting your employees know that they are being listened to — and saving money in the long run.