Mark Bauer at Forbo Flooring Systems explores how improving workplace design with a holistic focus on all interior elements has the ability to enhance employee productivity and satisfaction.
Workers spend between 80 and 90 per cent of their time in offices. According to workplace safety resource Safe Workers, over two and a half million people are made ill every year by their job, with 28 million working days lost to sickness caused or worsened by work. By making certain informed changes to an office design, we can actively work towards reducing these statistics.
Space and light
When it comes to designing an office space, nowadays the workplace no longer has just one purpose. Instead, layouts feature a variety of ‘activity settings’ or purpose built areas for specific actions.
These areas may include impromptu meeting areas, formal meeting spaces, project rooms or break out areas. Global architectural firm HOK recently said that activity-based work settings are increasing in popularity because the working day is becoming more complex and unpredictable.
The day-to-day activities of employees in an office can be very visually demanding – particularly if, as is common, they involve working at a computer all day. According to BREEAM, lighting should be considered at the design stage to ensure best practice visual performance and comfort for building occupants.
Artificial light sources cause glare or flicker on computer screens, which is linked to many eye-related complaints such as eyestrain, blurred vision, dry eyes and headaches. However, health issues caused by inadequate lighting are not restricted to the eye. Such conditions can also contribute to spinal complaints and other musculoskeletal injuries, which occur when people adopt awkward postures while straining to read something under poor lighting conditions.
In light of these dangers, it is important that as much natural daylight aspossible is accessible to employees in order to help battle illness, including problems of depression. If this is not possible, then fluorescent and white lights should be installed instead of yellow-tinted lights.
To maximise any form of lighting within a building, whether that is natural or artificial lighting, employers should look to install floor coverings that have a high Light Reflectance Value (LRV) rating. Such floor coverings will allow additional light to reflect off the floor and brighten the space efficiently.
Abolish allergens
Allergens within the workplace also contribute to the health of employees, with the World Health Organisation stating that exposure to fumes, dust and gases are responsible for 11 per cent of asthma cases worldwide. There are a number of steps that can be taken to minimise risks and reduce allergens.
Good ventilation should be maintained to ensure clean air supply across the area. Regularly serviced heating, ventilation and air conditioning units is therefore key to reducing health risks. Installing Allergy UK-approved floorcoverings which don’t harbor dust mites is also key to maintaining a healthy environment in spaces where people are likely to spend a prolonged period of time.
Turn the volume down
Reducing noise is another essential factor in promoting workplace wellbeing and comfort. To diffuse excess noise in an office environment, whether it is from people talking, printers, telephones or even brainstorming sessions, an acoustic floor covering should be considered to bring the sound down to an acceptable level. Floor coverings can help.
Impact sound reduction is the measurement of the contribution that the floor covering makes to reducing sound transmitted through the floor from one room to another below. Carpet tiles and flocked floor covering offer impact sound reduction of up to 20 dB or greater – perfect for meeting rooms or open plan workstations. Where resilient floor is needed, acoustic sheet vinyl ranges offer 15 to 19 dB impact sound reduction.
Taking all of the above factors into consideration, office employees will be able to benefit from a healthier, hygienic and comfortable working environment. When it comes to refurbishing or designing a new office, specifiers should liaise with a reputable flooring manufacturer in order to maximise the health and wellbeing of the individuals who use the space by optimising the design of flooring.
Mark Bauer is environment specialist at Forbo Flooring Systems