While promoting better mental health in workplaces has been a long-known concept, the past 3 years of the pandemic have placed emphasis on this concept like never before, resulting in initiatives that focus on supporting the emotional, physical, and cognitive comfort of employees through office interior design becoming popular. 

A well-designed office demonstrates your care towards the employees, helps people work more efficiently, and leaves a higher job satisfaction — all factors focusing on improved mental health amongst the workforce. Continue scrolling to learn how to put together an interior that assists you in the aforementioned purpose. 

Offer Flexible Working 

Whether flexible hours or remote working, this mode allows employees to balance their work life with their personal lives, which has a great impact on mental health. To truly embrace a culture that promotes flexible working and, in turn, better mental health, there are multiple aspects to be included in your office space planning, such as: 

• Office system furniture made for flexibility and adaptability like hot desks. 
• Technology that supports flexibility in the workspace like communications software, workplace sign-in software, cloud based security, desk booking software and project management software
• Arranging desks away from communal areas that get disruptive. 
• Ensuring good lighting for the staff working when it’s darker. 

Build Recharge Rooms 

Though your office probably already has a room where employees can steal a few moments of relaxation or chit-chat with colleagues, building recharge rooms — places for physical and mental rejuvenation — can make a huge difference. They provide employees with a space where they can take a break to meditate, stretch, nap, or even just zone out — anything that refreshes and energizes them. 

Consider incorporating the following recuperative areas into your next office renovation:

• Yoga / Gym Room: Encouraging employees to do yoga or other exercises that can keep them active, reduce emotional intensity, and have a positive impact on mental health. 
• Meditation Room:  Meditation helps reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and enhance concentration levels. 
• Power Nap Room: Poor sleep can lead to multiple problems like depression and anxiety, which worsen mental health. A power nap room will be a great facility for workers who stay in the office for long hours, meeting strict deadlines. 
• Electronics-free Room: Modern office environments are bombarded with PCs, smartphones, tablets, etc. An electronics-free room allows employees to disconnect and return with a clear mind. 

Create An Inclusive Workspace 

An office that does not consider everyone’s needs might make the workforce feel unvalued and insignificant, leading to reduced productivity, lower job fulfillment, and hence, deteriorating mental health. 

Therefore, an inclusive office design that ensures a suitable environment for all employees regardless of their status will surely help in improving workers’ performance (and mental health). Think of holding workshops and meetings with a cross-section of employees to view everyone’s opinions and needs and take into account any disabilities or medical conditions, for example, adjustable lighting for people with eyesight problems, sit-stand desks for people with back problems, eliminating physical barriers like stairs, etc. 

Incorporate Biophilic Design 

Spending time in greenery is said to have several health benefits, including lower stress and anger levels, reduced irritability, and better overall moods. As such, amending your office space planning to a biophilic office design is an incredible way to develop better mental health. 

From opting for plants in the office like living walls, the imitation of grass floors to adding water features, sufficient natural light, and appropriate wall art, there are infinite ways to introduce a biophilic design in your office! 

Consider Your Color Palette

A carefully chosen color palette for your office interior is the easiest way to balance consistent branding with the workforce’s mental health. When deciding on brand colors, make sure to pick hues that inspire positive feelings and effects in employees. For example, warm shades like yellow and orange can promote productivity and creativity, while cool colors like green and blue create a tranquil atmosphere and promote deep thinking. 

When employees are working in an atmosphere that boosts their motivation and productivity, they feel more fulfilled and confident, which, as a result, casts an optimistic effect on their mental health. 

Improve Mental Health With Good Office Interior Design! 

Not only will the abovementioned office interior design ideas help to improve the existing staff’s well-being and mental health, but they will also help curate a positive company image to attract the best and most talented employees who place great importance on a good working environment. 

Still not sure where to start? Visit our office interior design portfolio or contact us now for professional help and schemes to transform your office into a positive workspace that promotes mental health in employees!