According to a new Bupa report published this spring, employee mental health is now a bigger concern for companies than physical health issues. Bupa has seen the number of people claiming on their health insurance for mental health treatment double in the last decade, and 65% of businesses surveyed say that employee mental health is now a boardroom priority.
Progressive employers have always been aware of the importance of creating an environment that supports good mental health. From policies and initiatives to reduce stress, to providing employees with opportunities to access support when they need it; many companies are already tackling mental health head on.
Mental health awareness is also an important part of the equation. While there have been significant steps made in this area in recent years, with people talking about mental health issues more openly, for many there is still a stigma associated with these conditions. That’s why CBS Office Interiors are keen to support Mental Health Awareness Week (14-20 May) and encourage more people to think about how the workplace impacts mental health.
Office Design and Mental Health
More and more research is showing that the office environment – including the design and layout – can have a positive (or negative) affect on mental health. It’s not surprising considering how much time we spend at work and inside. ‘Unhealthy’ offices can be responsible for a host of mental health issue, for example:
- Poor acoustics are linked to rising stress levels: Excessive noise can trigger the stress response, where our bodies release cortisol and adrenalin. Long term this can cause anxiety and depression.
- Lack of daylight can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): This form of depression typically affects people in the winter months when light levels are seasonally low. However, when people work in offices with limited natural light they can suffer the same symptoms throughout the year.
- Overcrowding causes stress and anxiety: It has been proven that overcrowding can also trigger the stress response. If the office is overcrowded, cluttered and personal space is lacking, employees often feel stressed and anxious which significantly lowers concentration levels, productivity rates and overall mental and physical wellbeing.
- Air quality and office temperature also impacts health and wellbeing: Poor air quality is linked to respiratory conditions, and offices that are either too hot or too cold are uncomfortable to work in. Poor physical health impacts negatively on mental health too.
Fortunately there are lots of ways to improve the office environment and make it a more mentally positive place to work. Ambient lighting, climate control, acoustics and air quality solutions can be implemented to address the negative impact of the existing office design. With some creative thought it may be possible to find a better office layout, which provides employees with personal space while ensuring they can interact and socialise too.
Creating collaborative spaces, as well as areas to relax and de-stress, are also important. Breakout areas, hot desking and informal meeting areas, and creative spaces for brainstorming and collaboration all help to improve mental health in the office. Employees benefit from working in different ways and appreciate having different options so that they can choose the best place for them. This has a positive impact for the business too, increasing productivity and reducing absenteeism because of health issues.
Here at CBS HQ in Ascot, Berkshire, we work with our clients to design office spaces that go above and beyond their brief, delivering unexpected benefits such as improving morale, reducing stress and creating happy workplaces. If you want to explore how office design can help support your mental health initiatives, please get in contact with our team.
According to a new Bupa report published this spring, employee mental health is now a bigger concern for companies than physical health issues. Bupa has seen the number of people claiming on their health insurance for mental health treatment double in the last decade, and 65% of businesses surveyed say that employee mental health is now a boardroom priority.
Progressive employers have always been aware of the importance of creating an environment that supports good mental health. From policies and initiatives to reduce stress, to providing employees with opportunities to access support when they need it; many companies are already tackling mental health head on.
Mental health awareness is also an important part of the equation. While there have been significant steps made in this area in recent years, with people talking about mental health issues more openly, for many there is still a stigma associated with these conditions. That’s why CBS Office Interiors are keen to support Mental Health Awareness Week (14-20 May) and encourage more people to think about how the workplace impacts mental health.
Office Design and Mental Health
More and more research is showing that the office environment – including the design and layout – can have a positive (or negative) affect on mental health. It’s not surprising considering how much time we spend at work and inside. ‘Unhealthy’ offices can be responsible for a host of mental health issue, for example:
- Poor acoustics are linked to rising stress levels: Excessive noise can trigger the stress response, where our bodies release cortisol and adrenalin. Long term this can cause anxiety and depression.
- Lack of daylight can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): This form of depression typically affects people in the winter months when light levels are seasonally low. However, when people work in offices with limited natural light they can suffer the same symptoms throughout the year.
- Overcrowding causes stress and anxiety: It has been proven that overcrowding can also trigger the stress response. If the office is overcrowded, cluttered and personal space is lacking, employees often feel stressed and anxious which significantly lowers concentration levels, productivity rates and overall mental and physical wellbeing.
- Air quality and office temperature also impacts health and wellbeing: Poor air quality is linked to respiratory conditions, and offices that are either too hot or too cold are uncomfortable to work in. Poor physical health impacts negatively on mental health too.
Fortunately there are lots of ways to improve the office environment and make it a more mentally positive place to work. Ambient lighting, climate control, acoustics and air quality solutions can be implemented to address the negative impact of the existing office design. With some creative thought it may be possible to find a better office layout, which provides employees with personal space while ensuring they can interact and socialise too.
Creating collaborative spaces, as well as areas to relax and de-stress, are also important. Breakout areas, hot desking and informal meeting areas, and creative spaces for brainstorming and collaboration all help to improve mental health in the office. Employees benefit from working in different ways and appreciate having different options so that they can choose the best place for them. This has a positive impact for the business too, increasing productivity and reducing absenteeism because of health issues.
Here at CBS HQ in Ascot, Berkshire, we work with our clients to design office spaces that go above and beyond their brief, delivering unexpected benefits such as improving morale, reducing stress and creating happy workplaces. If you want to explore how office design can help support your mental health initiatives, please get in contact with our team.
Rebecca joined the HRreview editorial team in January 2016. After graduating from the University of Sheffield Hallam in 2013 with a BA in English Literature, Rebecca has spent five years working in print and online journalism in Manchester and London. In the past she has been part of the editorial teams at Sleeper and Dezeen and has founded her own arts collective.
- Rebecca Clarke
- Rebecca Clarke
- Rebecca Clarke
- Rebecca Clarke
