New research* finds what office workers say helps improve their wellbeing at work and what they would like their employers to provide. We want to help employers use their office spaces to create supportive, positive and productive workplace cultures which can ultimately contribute to staff retention and improved productivity.
To do this, we’ve used our research and the expertise of MBPsS Psychologist and UK Mental Health Campaigner of the Year 2023, Gethin Nadin, to offer top 5 tips to improve staff wellbeing.
The top 5 tips to improve staff wellbeing are:
- Create an office environment that encourages conversations and connections. Three quarters of office workers would be more likely to stay in a job if they’ve built connections with colleagues and 44% said that talking to a colleague helps them deal with stress at work.
- Encourage your staff to take regular breaks. Installing a well-designed breakout area can help your team stay hydrated, refreshed and more productive. Half of office workers say taking a tea/coffee break helps improve their productivity at work.
- Show that value your staff by offering wellbeing incentives that they won’t be able to get at home. More than a third of office workers said they would feel valued by their company if they had a water dispenser with cold, sparkling and still filtered water in the office.
- Give your employees the tools they need to better deal with issues that are affecting them outside of work. Mindfulness training can help improve workplace relationships and lower stress levels, or soundscapes can help calm the mind and improve concentration.
- Create a vibrant and relaxing workplace with plants, fresh colours, and comfy furniture. 73% of office workers would be more likely to leave their job if their office wasn’t designed with positive mental health in mind. Gethin has found that “More plants in the workplace can lead to a decrease in tension and anxiety, depression and fatigue among workers”.
