How do you create a healthier office?

How do you create a healthy and productive office? There are many ways - but here's I've put down 3 points that you can consider implementing to help keep your staff happy and well. Staff are your most important asset, and they need investment to make sure you're getting the best out of them.

Get the right desks. 

While it may sound obvious, it is vital that staff who spend a lot of their time sitting at a desk are given one that correctly meets their needs. According to the Office of National Statistics, musculoskeletal problems (which include back pain, neck and upper limb problems) resulted in 30.8 million days being lost in 2016. By using standing desks employees can alter their position, helping them avoid back and neck pain associated with sitting in the same position for prolonged periods. 

Pick your office chairs carefully. 

While it may be tempting to just go for the cheapest chairs, or the ones that look the most stylish we wouldn’t recommend this at all. With staff spending so much time sitting down it’s vital that you engage the services of office furniture professionals who know exactly what they’re talking about and get office chairs that are ergonomic, provide enough support and comfort, and come in at the right budget. Important features to look out for include lumbar support, adequate cushioning, good quality castors, arm-rests, and height adjustment. 

Introduce plants. 

Adding plants into your office can have instantly have a hugely positive effect on your staffs well-being and mood. Office plants will remove toxins from the air that cause Sick Building Syndrome, and also help maintain a healthy, comfortable level of humidity in the office. The HSE describe symptoms of SBS as “dry or itchy skin or skin rash, dry or itchy eyes, nose or throat, headaches, lethargy, irritability, or poor concentration, and a stuffy or runny nose.” However, office plants, as well as looking stunning, can help overcome these issues and keep your staff healthy and working to the best of their potential.