For decades, offices were designed to be cold and rigid environments as people believed that this would increase efficiency.
Luckily, this has started to change mainly because modern research shows that a cold office aesthetic hinders creativity, lowers productivity, increases stress, and has a negative impact on employees’ mental health.
More organizations are embracing a warmer aesthetic by introducing elements of nature, such as plants and natural light.
Implementing eco-friendly designs in offices is another effective way for people to feel more connected to their surroundings while supporting both mental well-being and sustainability.
8 Eco-Friendly Design Tips for Offices
Most people realize the impact of a well-designed home on mood and mental health, which is why we invest a lot of time and effort in home renovations.
However, our office space also has a tremendous impact on our mental health, which is not surprising considering that we spend approximately one-third of our lives at work, which is a whopping 90,000 hours over a lifetime! Poor office design choices increase stress levels, which can result in chronic stress – one of the most common avoidable risk factors of diabetes.
Incorporating plenty of greenery in the office will help to transform the space and make it more uplifting and less stressful for employees.
Add a Touch of Greenery to the Workspace
Plants bring life into any workplace and have a measurable impact on well-being.
Studies show that introducing indoor plants is linked to increased feelings of comfort and friendliness.
Surprisingly, a quasi-experimental study also found that the group of participants who had the plants in their environment had fewer hours of sick leave compared to the ones that did not have plants.
In addition to improving mood, there are several health benefits of plants, including air purification, which improves overall health.
Encourage Employees to Keep Plants on Their Desks
While it is good to have plants in common areas, it is great for employees to have personal plants on their office desks.
Taking care of personal plants has a positive impact on mental health, as researchers have found that interacting with indoor plants reduces stress and even helps to lower blood pressure.
Employees who are unsure about larger plants can consider small succulents that require minimal maintenance so that they get used to caring for plants.
Choose a Biophilic Design
Plants do help to make offices feel warm and nurturing, but there are plenty of other natural elements that you can add to improve the space.
Natural textures from wood, stone, and organic fabrics make offices feel less cold and sterile and more connected with nature.
This biophilic design helps to lower stress, increase job satisfaction, and improve focus.
Swap Cold Lighting for Warm LEDs
The warmth or coolness of lighting is measured in Kelvins, where lower Kelvin temperatures are yellow or warm white, while higher Kelvin temperatures create a cool and blueish-white light.
Office lighting has traditionally been on the cool end of the spectrum, but research shows that people have a more positive reaction to warm lighting compared to cool.
LEDs also last significantly longer than traditional bulbs, drastically reduce power consumption, and are more sustainable.
Choosing the right light fixtures is a simple way to update a space on a smaller budget.
Invest in Sustainable Ergonomic Furniture
Many companies hesitate to invest in high-quality office furniture due to higher initial costs, and instead, they choose mass-produced items.
Investing in ergonomic office furniture not only ensures that employees are comfortable, but it also reduces the risk of musculoskeletal issues.
Using sustainable materials such as recycled aluminum or FSC-certified wood also sends a strong message to employees and clients regarding your commitment to ethical practices.
Create a Green Station for Recycling and Composting
Creating a green station for recycling and composting promotes sustainable habits.
Compost bins can handle food waste from the office kitchen, reducing landfill contributions.
Partnering with local recycling services ensures collected materials are processed responsibly.
This initiative builds a workplace culture that values sustainability and improves workplace morale.
Install Water-Efficient Fixtures
Water conservation hardware is an investment that is often overlooked in offices, but it makes a significant difference over time. Install low-flow faucets, dual-flush toilets, and sensor-based taps to reduce unnecessary water use.
Larger workplaces can take this a step further with greywater recycling systems that reuse water for landscaping or other non-drinking purposes.
Reduce Paper Usage
Even though we live in the digital age, many offices still rely heavily on paper.
Going the paperless route not only saves on paper but also eliminates storage and printing costs.
When printing is necessary, use recycled paper and set printers to the default double-sided mode.
