How to Improve Your Work Environment: 12 Effective Tips

As Singapore marks the end of the work-from-home default, many employees are finding their way back to the office. Given this, it’s an ideal time to review whether your organisation’s workspace is truly facilitative to productivity. And while employers bear most of the responsibility for creating a conducive atmosphere in the office, employees can do their part, too. Here are tips on how to improve the work environment so everyone gets to thrive. 

What Is a Healthy Office Environment?

A good work environment is both physically and psychologically healthy. Your actual office space is safe, comfortable, and inspires productivity. At the same time, the company culture motivates employees to produce their best work and enables them to thrive. 

According to Achievers, an employee success platform provider, this includes “celebrating innovation and individuality, encouraging collaboration and teamwork, and providing employees with the flexibility and autonomy they need to reach their personal goals.”

Create a Comfortable Work Space

1. Choose comfortable office furniture.

Health experts have long warned about the problems brought on by prolonged sitting. Additional health risks can be avoided by choosing chairs that provide ample support. Chairs must be fully cushioned and positioned at the correct angle (to test this out, make sure your arms are at a 90-degree angle while sitting straight, with both feet flat on the floor) to avoid straining your arms and back. Also, remember to take breaks by strolling or simply stretching as much as you can.

2. Decorate with plants and make use of natural light.

A study by Environmental Psychologist Dr Tina Bringslimark from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences and Uppsala University in Sweden reveals that workers take fewer sick leaves when they have plants nearby. Plants have the ability to absorb toxins released by office machines and transform them into oxygen. It results in higher air quality in the office, free from volatile compounds that affect our health. Some plants are especially adept at air-purifying, like the Bamboo, Anthurium, Chinese Evergreen and the Snake Plant. 

Research has also shown that natural light can reduce stress and raise productivity levels in the workplace. Having large windows in the office allows for natural light to stream through. While you can’t do away with artificial light entirely, there are lighting options that mimic the look of natural light, such as full-spectrum bulbs.

3. Choose inspiring colours to decorate the office.

Different colours evoke different emotions and reactions. Calmer colours like green or blue can help people focus and inspire a feeling of well-being. Yellow, on the other hand, is best used in creative workplaces as the colour allegedly inspires innovation and creativity.

4. Create a safe working environment.

Ensure that your office complies with the Ministry of Health’s Safe Management Measures by increasing ventilation as much as possible. You can also install air purifiers with HEPA filters. Another good practice is to install carbon dioxide monitors. It helps you see whether your carbon dioxide levels are within the National Environment Agency’s prescribed limit of 800 parts per million. 

As an employee, you can help maintain a safe environment for your colleagues by following masking guidelines and staying home if you are unwell.  

Promote a Healthy Lifestyle

1. Fill the office’s food supplies with healthy choices.

Encourage your employees to develop good eating habits by stocking up on healthy treats like fruits, nuts, and tea instead of junk food. Fruits offer a longer-lasting energy boost, and you can avoid the sugar crash that comes with consuming sweets. 

2. Encourage the employees to use their breaks and allow them to take naps.

Yes, allowing your staff members to “sleep on the job” is a great way to help them become better performers! A short nap can boost concentration and mental performance. A few companies take this into account by designing their workplaces to include sleeping quarters and lounges.

In addition to this, taking short breaks energises workers and increases their productivity. Breaks can be as simple as taking a stroll around the building or chatting with your colleagues for five minutes.  

3. Promote exercise and sports as hobbies.

Break up the monotony of the daily grind by choosing a day or two where all the employees get to compete in games and sports. It’s a great way to let off steam while working up a sweat with friends and colleagues. It can also serve as a great team-building activity that everyone in the office can enjoy.

4. Implement and encourage the use of vacation and sick leaves.

Emphasise the importance of having a work-life balance by providing your staff with ample vacation and sick leaves. It sends the message that you value their health and well-being. Nobody wants a sickly team in the office so it’s in everyone’s best interest to take their days off when needed. 

Foster a Positive Company Culture

1. Tailor your approach to different working styles.

Some employees prefer managers that are very hands-on and provide ample guidance. Others require freedom to work independently and become demotivated if they feel micromanaged. Ask employees about their working style as part of your onboarding process. 

If you’re an employee, you can take the initiative to tell your supervisor which approach works best for you. Just make sure to frame it in terms of maximising your productivity rather than simply emphasising your personal preference. 

2. Make sure employees feel valued.

Foster an environment where employees feel safe to contribute their ideas without fear of being shot down or shamed. It helps promote innovation and creativity. If you’re an employee, you can help by actively listening to your colleagues and ensuring you don’t monopolise the discussion at meetings.

Another way to make employees feel valued is to give them a proper voice. You can do this by conducting regular employee surveys. If you do this, make sure you take action on the feedback given so that the surveys don’t come off as empty gestures. 

Lastly, don’t forget to express your appreciation towards employees. Besides praising your team for a job well done, consider holding annual awards for teams and employees who score high in their performance evaluations. Employees can do their part in motivating colleagues by complimenting them on impressive presentations, good insights at meetings, etc. 

3. Show empathy towards employees and encourage harmonious relationships.

A healthy office environment is one in which employees show genuine concern for each other’s welfare. There are concrete benefits to creating a psychologically safe atmosphere. According to Achievers, “employees at high-trust companies report 74% less stress, exhibit 50% higher productivity, and experience 40% less burnout.”  

Managers and supervisors can improve their empathy and communication skills by attending workshops. Even if you’re not a supervisor, you can express empathy toward your colleagues by being compassionate when they’re going through a tough time. It’s necessary to avoid gossiping and backstabbing your coworkers as well. 

Another great way to build rapport among employees is to host team dinners and outings. If your boss isn’t in the habit of doing this, you can take the initiative by suggesting it or inviting your colleagues to lunch yourself. 

4. Consider cultural fit when hiring.

When interviewing applicants, make sure to find out whether their values align with those of the company. After all, people feel more motivated to perform well when they know that their organisation’s mission and vision match their personal goals and principles. 

However, make sure that your criteria for a good cultural fit are based solely on values and not a person’s age, religion, appearance, etc. After all, a healthy working environment is inclusive and free from discrimination. 

Maintaining a healthy office environment should be one of the top priorities of every responsible manager. Employees have a part to play in creating a good working environment, too. The extra effort will pay off handsomely in the end when you reap the benefits of having a healthy and productive workforce.

Looking for more tips on how to improve your work environment? Check out Jobstreet’s Career Resources. If you’ve decided that it’s time to find an organisation with positive company culture, start your job search by updating your profile. Check out the JobStreet app on Google Play and the App Store for faster access.