As with any environment, individuals congregate in areas where they feel secure, comfortable and above all else, happy. In the sea, more than 25% of all marine life lives in just 0.2% of the Ocean’s entirety. This is in the Coral Reefs, which provide shallow, bright and warm living space for a plethora of different creatures, all of whom benefit from the safe and appealing environment the reefs have to offer. This attraction alone encourages the creatures of the reef to stay, why leave somewhere they feel content?

The same concept applies in office spaces all over the world. People who feel comfortable and stimulated in their working environment are proven to work more efficiently and possess much higher levels of morale. Colour, light and space all play a significant part in a person’s perception of their working environment, and motivate them accordingly. Good working conditions are no longer seen as something desired by the workers but as an essential condition for the company.

Studies show that simply by adding more plants or changing the light bulbs you can experience instant and significant changes in employee motivation, health and morale. Below are five surprising variables in the office environment and how enhancing, adding or altering them can render interesting results…

1. Lighting

Research into optimal lighting for the office environment shows that you can’t get better than good old natural sunlight, but you can come close! Full spectrum lighting is the nearest you can get to indoor sunlight, and many years of study prove not only does it bring out true, natural , vibrant colours in everything but it also eases eye fatigue, boosts your mood, lowers the stress hormone level, lessens retinal ageing and reduces glare. So swap those antique fluorescent tubes for full spectrum bulbs and see your employees light up!

2. Plant

Amazingly, plants do more for your office than simply provide an aesthetic addition to the environment! The N.A.S.A. Space Administration have conducted their own research into the benefits of indoor plants and found that they are a cost effective way of cleansing the air of the toxins emitted by everyday office equipment. There can be up to 300 harmful pollutants in one confined office space alone and plants are proven to convert most of these into harmless substances. A two year study revealed that the presence of plants caused a 12% drop in certain symptoms commonly contracted in the office environment (such as headaches, eye irritation etc), which translated into a 14% decrease in absenteeism. It is recommended that there be one potted plant for each 100 square feet of floor space.

3. Colour

Colour therapy actually originated from ancient Egypt. The psychological effects of colour and their use in the domestic environment have long been exploited, with many makeover programs mixing many unusual colours to create a certain ‘atmosphere’. The same can be applied in the workplace, with a bright, vibrant office colour scheme clearly a preference. Several colours are known to effect certain psychological attributes, for example:

• Orange – stimulates creativity

• Yellow – intensifies the intellect and heightens motivation

• Red – Energizes

• Blue – Calming, fights physical and mental tension

• Green – Fights irritability and has a healing effect on the body

With these in mind, an office truly can be a blank canvas, with colour the first thing the human mind subconsciously notices. If first impressions count, then colours are crucial.

4. Feng Shui

Translating literally into ‘wind-water’ it is derived from the Chinese art of placement that when executed correctly it theoretically improves the ‘Chi’ (life force) in a person. Adopted and adapted for the western world, it is a belief that clutter and untidiness leads to stress and unrest, yet tidiness and organisation will infuse calm and peace. It really is as simple as it sounds, as is the solution. The office environment that bestows the individual with their own clearly defined personal working area will help improve their own organisational skills, lowering stress levels and therefore enhancing productivity. Put simply, the key is Chi!

5. Aromatherapy

The power of aroma has been exploited by many cultures for years, however in recent times employers have realised themselves the benefits that aromatherapy can render both for the employee and the business. Research by Japan’s biggest fragrance producer Takasago showed that in offices where a lemon aroma was introduced, workers made 54% fewer typing errors. On a psychological level, aromatherapy humanises the working environment, making employees feel more comfortable and can reduce stress levels considerably. They also reduce the possibility of becoming ill from viruses propagated by close contact in offices, with pine and rosewood particularly effective at this.

Ocean Consulting is a highly professional, privately owned, recruitment consultancy, specialising in Permanent & Contract recruitment within the commercial sector. With over 14 years recruiting experience within the senior management team, we focus on placing all disciplines from Receptionists & Administrators right up to Senior Manager / Director level positions within the Thames Valley area & beyond and have an excellent reputation gaining a high majority of our business through word of mouth. Why? We are very passionate about making a difference…it’s that simple

If you would like to know more about Ocean visit our website at www.dipintheocean.co.uk or reply to this e-mail and take@dipintheocean.co.uk
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