There are certain factors that everyone knows affect workplace productivity but did you know that employees sitting closer to windows are more likely to go to work?
Being happy at work is not just about the people, the job and the money. The data gathered by Leesman, the world’s largest independent assessor of workplace effectiveness, indicates that the physical work environment also plays a part in boosting overall employee satisfaction levels. Having surveyed 250,000 employees worldwide, 85.1% state that the design of the workplace is important; yet only 56.7% of people feel the design of their workplace enables them to work productively.
Working without natural light
A key workplace failure is the appropriate provision of natural light. Of the quarter of a million employees in 69 countries surveyed by Leesman’s benchmarking tool, 75.8% state that natural light is important to them, yet only 56.9% are satisfied with the offering in their workplace. Research from the International WELL Building Institute, Human Spaces and the World Green Building Council has also demonstrated the importance of natural light in employee engagement and productivity.When working in the confines of an office, an element of daylight is essential for employee well-being, engagement and productivity. A workplace infused with daylight provides a view of the outside which can act as a buffer against the negative impact of job stress and positively impact general well-being. The research from Human Spaces demonstrated that proximity to natural elements, such as greenery and sunlight, was associated with a 15% increase in improved well-being and creativity, and 6% higher productivity.
Making light work
Through building design, daylight can be maximised in a number of ways:- Through building orientation
- Window design, configuration and glazing
- Strategic use of overhangs, interior design and furnishings
Many companies now place meeting rooms and cellular offices towards the middle of a building to allow natural light to flood the main office space where most people will be working.
Workplace well-being has taken center stage in the world of work. As awareness around well-being grows so too has the awareness around daylight and its role in improving employee satisfaction levels. There is a correlation between workplace well-being and the amount of natural light in a workplace. But maximising the power of daylight requires thought and planning before the benefits can be reaped.