Creating a workplace full of light and fun can increase the energy and productivity of your employees and create a work force that is healthier, happier, more creative and more willing to contribute to your business, says Charlotte Baker, the CEO of Digital Hands.
“The space should be designed with the human in mind,” says Baker. “It should be designed to stimulate the mind and support the body. Giving people the space they need inspires them and makes them feel valued.”
Smart Business spoke with Baker about how to create a workspace that inspires healthy, happy employees who are better able to contribute to your business.
What are some things that you’ve done to create a happier, healthier workplace?
We wanted to design a workspace that encourages collaboration; for example, we lowered the divider walls in our call center. This makes employees feel connected, but still offers them a sense of privacy. We’ve also put a sound suppression system in the ceiling and dedicated more space per person so employees don’t feel like they are in a maze; instead, they feel like they are part of the team.
We made sure that every person has a view of the outside. That shouldn’t be reserved for a select few. The sunlight is economical because you can turn down lighting, but it’s also stimulating for employees because they’re not fighting florescent lighting when looking at their screens all day.
And to help employees relax from a stressful job, we’ve created areas where they can go to re-energize. We have a café with a Starbucks machine where people can log on to the Internet, sit around on their breaks and enjoy the environment, which includes wood and good color to create a relaxing atmosphere. There are also large, comfortable chairs that they can relax in or take a power nap.
We also have a Wii lounge where people can go play to relieve stress and decompress.
Our employees are like sponges; they take on the negative emotions of clients and turn them around into a good experience. But when you absorb all that negative energy, it’s important to have a place to go and recharge.