Make your environment work for you
When you feel good, you work better. And yes, your workplace is very decisive in this. But certainly do not underestimate the influence of the environment. Working in the right environment has positive effects on employees' health and productivity (Dul & Weerdmeester, 2008). For instance, the right atmosphere can positively influence ergonomics. So investing in the working environment makes a lot of sense. For instance, did you know that the right lighting can increase productivity by up to 23% (ASID, 1999)? Or that the presence of plants can increase productivity by up to 15% (Knight & Haslam, 2010)? We therefore definitely recommend that you check whether you have already thought about all the factors:
Sound
The noise level in the working environment can be distracting and unsettling when it is too high. Use sound-absorbing materials and create quiet areas where employees can retreat if necessary when they become overexcited and can no longer concentrate.
It is regulated by law that employers must control noise levels in the workplace. This level may vary slightly from country to country, but is basically aligned with EU directive 2003/10/EC. Between 50 and 55 dB(A) is common.
Lighting
Make sure the workplace is correctly lit. Natural light and well-placed artificial light sources positively affect your mood and reduce eye strain. Monitors should also not be too bright.
Technically, it all comes down to the number of lux (unit of light) in the workplace. The NEN-EN 12464-1 recommends 500 to 750 LUX (for concentrated work).
Temperature
The right temperature in the office has a major impact on the condition of your employees. NEN-EN 15251 provides guidelines on this, depending on the type of building you work in and the nature of the work. For an average office, a temperature between 20 and 22 degrees is ideal.
However, the ideal temperature varies from person to person. Allowing yourself to set the temperature in a room can also cause many fluctuations and therefore a higher load on the air treatment system. It is best to have as constant and predictable a temperature as possible, which people can dress accordingly.
Planting
Plants in the office play an important role in biophilic design, integrating natural elements into workspaces to improve wellbeing and productivity. Research shows that plants have a positive impact on mental health by bringing calmness and reducing stress.
This in turn ensures better concentration and a more pleasant working environment. Working environments with enough plants lead to a 15% increase in productivity (Nieuwenhuis, 2014).
Air quality
A well-ventilated environment, with a sufficient supply of fresh air has a positive impact on both the physical and mental condition of your employees. So make sure you have good ventilation and air filters. Placing air-purifying plants can also contribute well to better air quality.
Also, a well-ventilated office and purified air can help reduce the spread of viruses. You may remember the ventilation advice during the Corona period.
Furnishing
At home, you probably like to make things cosy because it makes you feel better in the space. An office is really no different. Use soothing colours, create (ergonomically designed) communal areas and use interaction-enhancing elements such as standing tables. So place a common area such as the coffee corner not in the corner, but centrally, so that it is used as a meeting place and employees are encouraged to move around more.
It is also important that the work environment is clean and tidy.
An ergonomic culture
The environment encompasses more than just the literal surroundings you are in. Company culture also has a great impact on ergonomics and the effectiveness of the measures you take. After all, many things are a lot easier when you do them together. So too in ergonomics, when you ensure that ergonomics becomes a real part of your corporate culture, you will reap the benefits. It will become easier for your colleagues to commit to ergonomic work and follow the right guidelines.
Important here is that you create an open work culture in which physical symptoms are allowed to be a topic of discussion. And don't make the classic mistake of thinking that everything is fine because no one reports complaints or pain. Be proactive. For example, check whether employees are still using their ergonomic products properly six months after installation. Send a reminder every six months with the guidelines on breaks and work variation. Do these guidelines not yet exist in your company? Then set them up (in consultation with your employees)! As with healthy eating, awareness of ergonomic products is an important step towards a healthier work environment.
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