SHARE
CONTRIBUTED POST
*MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS*
Employee well-being is a primary concern for modern businesses. Multiple studies have shown that happy, healthy employees are more productive and less likely to defect than those who are not. Strategic commercial design is a great place to start in establishing a healthy work environment, and we focus on that in our interior design firm. With this in mind, keep reading as we explore various means of promoting employee well-being through commercial design.
Open Interiors
Open interiors have multiple benefits for commercial spaces. Fewer walls means less obstruction of natural light. This improves daylighting and improves energy efficiency. It also increases the customizability of the space. Open spaces can be quickly reconfigured to meet emergent needs of the business.
Most importantly, open interiors do wonders for employee wellness. They create bright, vibrant spaces that offer a more welcoming ambience. They evoke a sense of interconnectivity that boosts creativity and collaboration among employees.
In times when a bit of privacy or defined space is necessary, demountable glass partitions and glass conference room walls can help create specific work areas without detracting from the open, inviting atmosphere.
Biophilic Accents
Connectedness with nature is closely associated with improved mental health. Nature helps trigger positive emotions such as calmness, joy, and creativity. Commercial designers are capitalizing on this via the biophilic design concept.
Biophilic design is all about using space, place, and materials to create a more natural environment for building occupants. Open interiors that foster natural light flow are a great place to start. Features such as stone accent walls and exposed wood ceiling beams are great ideas. Interior plants and living walls are ways to bring some calming greenery into a commercial space.
Sound Mitigation
Modern commercial spaces are bustling. They typically feature open interiors, which can allow for more sound transfer than heavily-walled areas. Many commercial buildings are often located in high-traffic urban areas or busy shopping districts. Some even feature multiple tenants in the same space as businesses get creative to save on the cost of rent. When these factors add up, the result is a work environment that limits employee focus and productivity.
There are various materials that can help limit noise transfer in clamorous commercial spaces. Acoustic wall panels and ceiling clouds absorb sound waves and help keep conversations local. Sound attenuators and volume dampers for HVAC ducts and power generators can keep noisy utility systems under control. Decorative screen panels and architectural grilles can filter blowing debris and precipitation to limit noise from projectile impact.
Air Quality Controls
Air quality in commercial spaces has become a hot topic in the years since the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only do employees want to breathe fresh, clean air, but they want to feel safe from another outbreak.
There are multiple ways to promote air quality in commercial design. Casement windows are easy to open and are a quick and convenient means of achieving fresh air. Architectural louvers keep clean air circulating throughout the building while keeping out pests, moisture, and debris. During times of renovation, be sure to deploy air scrubbers and other construction dust control technology to remove any toxins from the air.
Elite Safety Features
Commercial safety breaches reach all ends of the Earth in a matter of seconds in the social media era. It creates a PR nightmare for the business and sparks increased concern over the safety of public buildings.
As such, modern commercial buildings must be designed to give employees and patrons full peace of mind when entering the facility. Install the latest fire safety features to limit the chance of a blaze. Add commercial railings to all staircases and elevated walkways to eliminate the risk of a fall. Establish an infrastructure of credentialed access and high-security technology to keep employees safe from terrorist acts. Design with next-level ADA compliance so that people of all physical abilities have the same access to a safe, secure work environment.
Functional Exterior Spaces
Adding to the biophilic concept, employees want the chance to be outdoors during their work day. Cold, artificial interiors are not conducive environments to mental health.
Include functional exterior spaces so that employees can step outside, enjoy some sunlight, and catch a breath of fresh air. Use architectural shading devices for connected patios. This can create an ideal area for lunch breaks. It can even provide a chance for employees to step outside and catch up on some emails.
Rooftop decks are another trendy idea for maximizing commercial exteriors. Durable roof deck tiles and low-profile hog wire railing can accommodate heavy traffic and promote safety without encumbering stunning rooftop vistas. Rooftop gardens are also en vogue. They provide numerous sustainability benefits while providing employees with a clean, natural aesthetic that does wonders for boosting pride in the work environment.
Boost Employee Mental Health and Productivity with Thoughtful Design Choices
Employee well-being is a crucial component of running a successful business. From open interiors to functional exterior spaces, consider any of the design ideas listed above for the best work environment for employees. For more of the latest commercial design trends, explore the resources at Etch Design Group for the leading insights in the industry!
Author Bio
Andrea Erickson is a freelance writer who loves sharing her knowledge and expertise in renovation and Interior Design. She lives in her hometown of Austin, Texas where she enjoys spending time with her husband and decorating with her children. Andrea’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.