Bring employees back to the office with biophilic design artwork
The future of the workplace is changing. Post pandemic evidence suggests that employees still would like the flexibility of a hybrid working situation at least part of their working week. Additionally, the pandemic has accelerated employee burnout and mental health issues and people are feeling less connected and engaged with organisations.
But the office is still here to stay. Research has revealed that employees want to go to the office at least a few days week as they missed the lack of social interaction, informal meetings, and face to face contact.
The outlook for offices is its not just a place to work. With employees favouring the work from home option the office space must have something more to offer than it used to. They want to choose to go to the office because it provides a work environment where they can be more productive than at home, where they can socialise and cultivate a sense of belonging and collaboration.
Employees also are much more aware of the sustainability practice's of companies according to Forbes a staggering 65% of workers claimed that they would rather work for companies with robust sustainability policies.
Apple for example have created a circular building called Apple Park that envelopes its 12,000 employees in nature, integrating drought resistant trees and plants that are indigenous to the area. The Apple “ring” uses natural ventilation to aid in making it the greenest building in the world, requiring no heating or cooling for nine months of the year.
Sustainability is the future of workplace design and a biophilic office design directly integrates nature elements into the work environment allowing employees to live in harmony with nature.
So how can biophilic design inspire employees?
Nature has a tranquil effect on everyone and makes us feel at peace. But more importantly it has been proven that humans have an inherent connection with nature, and it provides positive benefits for both mind and body.
A good place to start incorporating biophilia design in the workplace is to embrace three principles.
• Adding greenery, one of the easiest ways to introduce biophilic design to your office is through live plants.
• Making better use of daylight, utilizing natural ventilation A new survey by my HR advisory firm Future Workplace called “The Employee Experience” reveals the reality is that employees crave something far more fundamental and essential to human needs. In a research poll of 1,614 North American employees, they found that access to natural light and views of the outdoors are the number one attribute of the workplace environment, outranking stalwarts like onsite cafeterias, fitness centres, and premium perks including on-site childcare
• Nature art – Art is an immediate mood enhancer. It promotes feelings of relaxation, creativity and inspiration.
Viewing art, especially nature art, can support mental wellbeing and reduce stress. Investing in art in the workplace can elevate employee performance, mood, and physical well-being, as well as create a culture within a company and communicate the right message to clients.
It says you care about your working environment and you investing in the wellbeing of your employees.
By providing a place for people to connect to nature inspires them to want to come to the office and if people are happy and healthy, they will ultimately be more productive.
A biophilic design strategy that creates an inspiring atmosphere in the office responds to employee requests for wellbeing and happiness and helps businesses reach their productivity goals. By providing a place for staff to be connected to nature in the indoor environment, biophilic design inspires people to go to the office.