Don’t want your best employees leaving your business?
Chances are you’re spending a lot of money hiring, onboarding, and training new staff.
But here’s the kicker…
You’re missing one of the easiest ways to keep them happy and healthy.
Your workspace.
Office design has a huge impact on how healthy and retained your employees are going to be. Allow me to show you the facts.
Right now 51% of employees are looking for a new job.
Yep. You read that right. More than half of all employees are on the market right now.
And why are they looking?
Well sure, compensation matters. But bad workplace cultures, lack of support, and downright uncomfortable offices are serious factors too. Replacing an employee can cost your business up to 200% of their salary with recruitment fees, training costs, and lost productivity.
That adds up quick.
Here’s what you’re missing:
- Why workplace design directly impacts employee retention
- Understanding the health cost of poorly designed offices
- 5 workplace elements that can support employee health
- And how you can build a healthier workspace without breaking the bank.
Why Workspace Design Directly Impacts Retention
Alright, so here’s the good news…
A lot of these issues can be solved by simply redesigning your workspace. And it doesn’t have to cost a fortune either. By investing in some smart workspace design and affordable office furniture you can create an environment your team will actually enjoy coming into work every day.
Honestly, if your employees are sitting at a desk that causes them pain for 8+ hours a day… Why would they stay? Eventually they’ll find somewhere that cares about their wellbeing.
When you build a workspace that supports your team’s health.
You’re telling them,
“We value you. We want you to be healthy and happy while you’re here.”
That’s the kind of message that builds loyalty and increases retention. When employees know you care about their experience, they’re more likely to stick around. Not to mention you’ll drastically cut down on recruitment costs too.
The Health Cost Of A Poorly Designed Office
Most office workers sit down for more than 8 hours a day.
Desks, chairs, and computers that haven’t been designed with their health in mind are leading to musculoskeletal disorders. Chronic back pain. Neck pain. Shoulder injuries. And repetitive strain injuries.
And it’s no small problem either.
MSDs (Musculoskeletal Disorders) are the most common workplace illness in employees. They cost businesses up to $54 billion in medical bills and lost productivity each year.
But it doesn’t stop there…
Employees that are in pain or uncomfortable while they’re trying to work. Are more distracted, less productive, and take more sick days. As you can imagine, this builds frustration. They do this for long enough…
They quit.
A poorly designed office affects your entire business. Sure you’re going to bleed money in medical costs and lost productivity. But when your employees simply leave because you didn’t care enough about their comfort?
That costs you too.
5x Workspace Elements That Support Employee Health
Wondering what a healthy office looks like?
It’s not as flashy as you think. Here are five key elements that do wonders for your team’s health.
Ergonomic Chairs
Seat thy employees properly and they shall return. Ergonomic chairs are the foundation for a healthy workspace. Adjustable seat height, lumbar support, armrests. These chairs help prevent back pain and encourage better posture. Studies found that ergonomic work environments can improve productivity by up to 15%. Don’t believe me? Give those seats a try.
Height Adjustable Desks
Sitting is the new smoking. There’s a reason height adjustable desks are becoming so popular. Allowing your employees to stand while they work reduces the likelihood of MSDs and keeps energy levels high. Seriously. They’re awesome.
Lighting
Staring at a computer all day is bad enough without blaring overhead lights giving you a headache. Natural light is best but when that’s not an option… Invest in some good task lighting that minimises glare. Your employees will notice the difference and you’ll thank me later.
Quiet Rooms & Breakout Areas
Office life isn’t all about collaboration. While teamwork is great, sometimes your employees will need quiet areas to get work done. Or informal spaces to have conversations. By giving your employees options you allow them to work how they like. Less stress = healthier employees.
Indoor Temperature And Air Quality
This one sort of surprised me too…
Did you know how your office is ventilated impacts how comfy and focused your employees feel? Damp, stagnant offices make people feel tired and reduce their ability to concentrate. Conversely, a clean and comfortable office temperature keeps everyone nice and alert all day.
How To Build A Healthier Workspace On A Budget
Here’s the thing most places forget…
Creating a healthier workspace for your employees doesn’t need to cost thousands. Sure, some of the solutions I mention above are going to cost you. But if you focus on these changes gradually your workplace can become a lot healthier.
Focus on the biggies. Ergonomic chairs and height adjustable desks should be priority. After all that’s what your team will be using day in and day out. And they affect your team’s health the most. Start with these and you’ll be surprised how far everything else can stretch.
Move things around. Before you go throwing money at the problem. Try moving your desks around. Maybe your office can utilise some natural sunlight? Or you could create some quiet areas by shifting where people sit. Sometimes you don’t need new furniture to make your workspace better.
Invest wisely. You don’t need to upgrade your office in a day. Listen to your team and find out what they need most. Is everyone tired of staring at monitors all day? Get some monitor stands. Everyone’s knees are touching the ground? Get some footrests. Small investments can make a big impact.
Ask your team. What do your employees want? Send out a quick survey and see what your team has to say. Maybe they’re begging for a coffee machine. Whatever it is you’ll save a ton of money by having a specific direction.
Remember to pace yourself too. Your office doesn’t need to be redesigned overnight. Employees will notice when you’re consistently trying to make things better for them.
Conclusion
If you want your employees to stick around…
You have to give them a reason. An uncomfortable workplace isn’t going to motivate your team to stay.
When you build a workspace that focuses on keeping your employees healthy.
Not only do you reduce injuries. You increase productivity, and employee satisfaction.
Here’s the real kicker…
it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
By implementing healthy workplaces we’ve helped hundreds of businesses increase productivity and employee retention.
