Healthy habit design guide: Rethinking the traditional office set-up

A modern office is a place where creativity and productivity thrive. It's also a place where people spend most of their waking hours, so it's essential to create an environment that supports the health and wellness of employees.

That means making changes to the traditional office environment and shaking things up with some modern trends that are proven to benefit the health and wellbeing of your workers.

We want to help you make your office more healthy by sharing some trends that can be implemented today for immediate impact.

For those looking at ways to increase their productivity and improve their health, standing desks are an excellent option. These adjustable workstations allow you to stand and work at any time throughout the day.

In addition, it can be used in conjunction with or to replace sitting, depending on your preference and needs.

They make people more productive while they work because they have less fatigue from being seated all day long; they help prevent back pain, which is common among those sitting all day, and they can help lower blood pressure levels.

It's also a great option if you want to reduce the risk of developing chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer. Using a standing desk also means you burn up to 50 per cent more calories than sitting.

Studies have found that people who work in communal spaces are more creative than those who work alone.

This is because they have access to other people's ideas and knowledge, leading to innovation and creativity. The result? More productivity, better collaboration, and happier employees.

Here's how you can create one in your office:

You can add some more touches that will further improve your communal workspaces, which we will touch on in the next point. But we recommend you introduce a little touch of nature to all of your work environments, not just the communal areas.

It's amazing what a few natural elements can do to improve the health and wellbeing of office workers. For example, plants help enhance air quality by filtering toxins from the air, making them healthier for everyone in this space.

A University of Technology, Sydney study has proven that simple house plants can dramatically impact workers' mood levels, morale, and productivity while also making your office a more friendly and welcoming environment.

Natural light is proven to increase employee happiness, creativity, and performance. It also reduces the risk of depression and other mental illnesses.

That is because natural light has a secret weapon that you won't find coming from incandescent or LED lighting - Vitamin D. The link between natural sunlight and Vitamin D has been the subject of many studies. It can help combat everything from depression to significant ailments like diabetes and chronic pain.

Sitting for long periods can lead to a variety of health problems, including back pain and obesity. Ergonomic furniture encourages movement and is a vital component of an active lifestyle - even in the office.

The right ergonomic furniture can help you get the most out of your day. It's designed to support your body and encourage healthy posture while sitting or standing. At the same time, it has also been engineered to encourage body movement, which is much better for your wellbeing than being static all day.

More and more companies are adopting flexible workplaces to attract top talent, improve employee retention rates, and increase productivity.

Around a third of Australian workers are now locked into flexible arrangements, which are expected to continue rising into the future.

Employees can enjoy the freedom of working from home or on the go while still maintaining their professional image with clients.

In addition, employers benefit by reducing office space costs, attracting a more comprehensive range of candidates, and improving employee morale through increased autonomy in how they work day-to-day.

The health and wellness of your employees is a top priority. It's crucial for the success of your company, as well as their personal lives.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a more productive, happier and more creative work environment than you ever thought possible.