Investing in employee wellness returns $6 for every $1 spent thanks to improved productivity and reduced absenteeism, Harvard Business Review reveals. One simple wellness initiative that can make a big impact for your organization is sensory-friendly office design. Although harsh lights, clutter, and noise may be the norm in many offices, these conditions are no good for focus and productivity, particularly if you have employees with sensory sensitivities. The good news is that if you embrace sensory-friendly strategies (such as, blue-enriched lights, cleanliness, and quiet zones), you can successfully reduce distracting external stimuli—and provide employees with the calm and uplifting space they need to get their best work done.
Switch to blue-enriched light bulbs
Replacing harsh fluorescent lights with cooler, blue-enriched bulbs can boost cognition and productivity. Blue wavelengths are particularly beneficial during daytime hours as they stimulate the brain and beat morning drowsiness. In fact, when employees worked in offices with blue-enriched bulbs for a two-month period, they reported better mood, improved focus, and less eye strain as a result, research from the University of Greenwich finds. So, this simple switch is definitely worth a try.
Blue-enriched bulbs are also a sensory-friendly alternative to harsh, flickering fluorescent lights. Many people prefer not to work under fluorescent lights, and they can even cause migraines in employees with light sensitives. So, it’s important to eliminate fluorescent lights where possible, and provide employees with lighting that energizes rather than drains them.
Eliminate clutter
It’s no secret that clean offices boost morale and productivity. In fact, 65% of employees say they look forward to coming into the office when it’s clean, whereas 50% say clean surroundings motivate them to work harder. Clutter, on the other hand, raises cortisol levels (a stress hormone) in the body, which makes it difficult for the brain to focus. In other words, a tidy and well-organized space makes it easier for employees to concentrate and stay productive since there’s nothing competing for their attention.
A clean-desk policy is a great way to encourage employees to keep their desks tidy and clutter-free. Although the specifics of these policies vary across organizations, they usually require employees to file away all papers at the end of the day. If this sounds like something you could benefit from, you may want to ask your IT team about online document tools that can help your employees go paperless.
Create quiet zones
Almost 60% of high-performance employees say they need peace and quiet to focus and problem solve, while 54% say their office is too loud and distracting to work efficiently in. The solution? Quiet zones. Private areas in the office that allow employees to perform deep, solo uninterrupted work. You can also make the desks within these zones bookable, so employees will always be able to access a quiet spot when they need it. But, to be effective, these rooms have to be soundproof. So, ideally, create these spaces in areas far from noisy break rooms or loud machinery. It’s also important to lay rugs and carpets in and around the zones to absorb sound. Acoustic panels are another great addition. Although these panels may not be completely soundproof, they can effectively absorb unwanted sound and reduce echo.
Aside from soundproof design, you should also encourage a wider workplace culture that respects quiet time. For example, set daily quiet hours for deep focus and concentration. During these times, employees should aim to keep unnecessary conversation to a minimum, so they can dedicate themselves to their projects completely. Similarly, encourage employees to be mindful of how loud they talk. If something isn’t urgent, perhaps they can use a different communication method instead of a verbal conversation (like email or instant message, for instance). This simple habit can make a huge difference to the overall noise levels in the office.
A sensory-friendly office prioritizes employee happiness, comfort, and wellness. If you take steps to improve lighting and cleanliness and create designated quiet zones, you’ll successfully create a low-sensory space that keeps distractions at bay. In turn, you’ll create conditions that motivate all employees to get their best work done.
Nina S. Blake is a writer with a research journalism background, who is always eager to explore new niches and tackle diverse subjects.
