Office - more space for the mind
TO WORK with relentless vigour and effervescence, to consistently demonstrate ease and vitality whilst doing all tasks, to smile and remain calm at all times, is difficult indeed, especially in the stressful workplace. What then, can be done, to minimise this anxiety and stress and make workplaces, exude a welcoming, friendly and relaxed ambience? Experts ardently believe that the external environment matters greatly in influencing the spirit of the workers. Indeed, if one looks at it, one will find wisdom and practical sensibility in this notion. With ambience and interiors that are work-conducive, friendly, and exude a warm air, the worker is bound to feel relaxed and work with personal incentive, as the workplace seems welcoming and not over-bearing.
Work is now not confined to any limit, for deadlines are always near. Worse still, in this age of globalisation, with offices exactly on the opposite side of the globe, one is working at all times, co-coordinating or in a video conference with a head office, in the middle of the night. With irregular hours and mounting pressures, stress is bound to result. The office can indeed become a place of drudgery and even boredom and monotony- just a dull grey space.
Psychologists together with interior designers, provide us with a solution. To minimise work stress and ensure that workplaces exude positivism, all one needs is an environment that resonates with vitality and life enhancing ambience. Interiors, that abound with energy and spirit, an ambience that is warmly welcoming at all times, is what is needed to make the employee come to work eagerly and most importantly stay on with pleasure.
Office spaces can't just be functional and practical any more, they also have to be relaxing, fun, and even inspiring.
Space matters.
To be confined in a cubicle staring at a computer screen is akin to being isolated with work. Yes, we do need our privacy to work and concentrate on, however for all humans, and especially those bogged down by stress, to be confined to narrow walls can only increase the pressure. We need our open spaces, and hence one should ensure that cubicle spaces are shared, with ample room for movement and even interaction with the neighbour. This doesn't mean everyone sits close to each other, so as to be disturbed. Cubicles, (if that's your office style) shouldn't be crammed, rather let there be space between and around them. Make sure, workers have ample space to have a vase, photo frames and even posters of inspiring quotes.
Workplaces have become like home to many, with teams functioning with the camaraderie of a family. Using this idea, in a unique design concept was Novartis, as it was building its corporate head office in Basil. "Strong teams are like families: they have an unquestionable routine, but with in this framework, each member enjoys a great deal of individual freedom", (Pathways, The Novartis Journal). This input was given a unique interpretation, as the cubicle was done away with. Teams of four sat around a table, with computers, and enough space for discussion, yet also to have their own individuality with photo frames and calendars Of course, a few closed rooms were also provided for those who needed to work alone.
This deals with the basic work unit, the larger office space also matters equally, in making the workplace more welcoming. It can't all be dull and dreary any more and the buildings that are architectural marvels are a testimony to that as are wide spread office campuses. Indeed an interesting and modern design rather than a staid building gives office place an individuality, something to be proud of and to look forward to going to work to.
Where do you meet?
Nothing soothes the eye like a little greenery. The presence of a park, even an indoor one, where mentors can have their session with the employees, helps make the environment more pleasant and easy-going. This is also true for corridors and places of gathering, whether formal or informal.
Large meeting rooms, with ample room to breathe helps in the process of decision making, as against crammed board rooms, so also with corridors and coffee machine areas. For minds of your company to relax and even exchange some brilliant ideas, you need an interesting, informal place.
Hence let there be a table where there is a coffee machine, with a plant and an inspiring quotation, or even company's aims.
The best of ideas, come to people when they are least expecting it. Hence let spaces encourage this. Let cafeterias also have their own identity, and dιcor, a place people look forward to relaxing in, not just a school like long table with steel chairs and dull white light.
Colour combo:
Offices are increasingly realising the importance of colour. A correct colour combination defies boredom, and exudes energy and positivism. Colour does have a psychological effect and helps lighten the atmosphere.
Further it gives the company a brand identity. You can use bright colours or softer ones reflecting the mood and nature of work done. Ad firms can be vibrant, IT more sophisticated.
Flowers at the front desk, in the centre of an office space, all add colour and bring a smile. Isn't that all we need to relax and get back to work refreshed?
It in indeed worth the effort to make office spaces more work conducive, warm and relaxing. This will ensure enhanced productivity, stress dissipation and motivate employees in an unseen manner.
UZMA HYDER
faqs@cnkonline.com.
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