Renting the Ideal Office Space To Promote Mental Wellness
Publié le 9 August 2023
Create a positive work environment that benefits everyone in your organization by renting the ideal office space to promote mental wellness.
A work environment that promotes employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall well-being is crucial. Creating a positive work atmosphere can start with renting the ideal office space. Human Resources (HR) departments also play a vital role in ensuring that the workplace promotes positive mental health and overall well-being.
The National Library of Medicine found that a well-designed workplace can improve employee satisfaction and productivity by 15%. Happier employees are more engaged employees, ensuring that they feel good in their careers, perform at their best, and are fully capable of supporting their colleagues to achieve large business goals together.
In this guide we will explore the most important factors to consider when renting the ideal office space to promote mental wellness for employees, HR and the entire organization.
Designing a Stress-Free Workplace
A well-designed workspace can have a significant impact on employee mental health. When searching for a new office space, consider open-plan layouts that encourage collaboration and socialising, while also offering private ‘focus areas’. Natural light, plants and comfortable furniture also help to create an inviting atmosphere. It’s well known that natural light and greenery has a positive impact on mental health as well as increasing productivity and reducing stress. Ergonomic furniture and well-designed desks will help to increase comfort, thus reducing the risk of physical injuries and the associated stress.
Considering Noise Levels
Stress caused by excessive noise is a preventable issue in the workplace. Assess the noise levels in the area when viewing an office space. Offices with proper sound insulation or away from busy roads are ideal. Sound-absorbing panels and white noise machines can help to create a quieter work environment. When renting the ideal office space to promote mental wellness, be mindful of the location of the office building itself. If it is near a highway or a construction site, there is a much higher chance of increased noise.
Prioritise Breakout Areas
Prioritising employee wellness can significantly reduce levels of burnout, improve social wellbeing and increase success among employees according to this report by Workhuman and Gallup.
Encouraging regular breaks and providing dedicated relaxation spaces can have a positive impact on employees’ mental health. When searching for office space, look for buildings that have comfortable breakout areas where employees can unwind, socialise, or even play games/sports. Business centres that offer onsite gyms or outdoor areas are ideal for supporting employee wellbeing, as they provide the opportunity for physical activity which has many positive benefits for overall well-being..
Accessible Commute with Amenities
An easy commute to and from work can make a positive impact on an employee’s wellbeing. Ensure that the office is accessible via public transport and that there are a range of local amenities including places to eat and green spaces. A convenient commute and access to amenities will contribute to lower stress levels and help promote a healthier work-life balance.
Creating a Positive Culture
The ideal office goes beyond layouts, it encompasses the culture and policies. HR should work closely with management to provide a positive work culture that values mental health, by promoting a work-life balance, providing mental health resources, and encouraging communication. Renting offices in communities that offer wellness programmes or sustainable practices can also be something to consider, as they could boost morale and improve the day-to-day experience of employees.
Seeking Employee Feedback
75% of individuals value receiving feedback as they feel it contributes to their work. Companies may vary how they offer and receive feedback but it still plays a significant role in assessing and understanding employees.
It is essential to involve employees in the decision-making process of renting an office space. Surveys or focus groups are a good way of gathering feedback on what employees prefer in terms of location, design features and amenities. This process allows for employee engagement, empowers teams to take ownership of their workspace and helps HR to make an informed decision before choosing a new office space.
Budgeting and Negotiating Lease Terms
Renting office space requires financial consideration. Finance teams should work directly with the HR department to establish a realistic monthly budget for the office. Researching pricing in specific areas, comparing different options, and negotiating terms are essential to achieving the best deal. Allocating a reasonable budget for mental health initiatives within the workspace also demonstrates an organisation’s commitment to employee wellbeing.
Given the ongoing popularity of remote and hybrid working arrangements, organizations should consider what types of models could benefit their employees. Hybrid working arrangements can involve renting specific time periods in a co-working space, which can provide access to an environment that promotes mental well-being without requiring a full lease with expensive rent.
Conclusion
Renting the ideal office space to promote mental wellness is an essential step in creating a workplace that prioritizes the overall wellbeing for HR and employees. Focusing on aspects such as noise levels, design, breakout space, and accessibility, can help companies choose the right space for their employees to thrive, succeed and be the best possible version of themselves.
