In fact, the research from Exeter University showed such employees are healthier and 32 per cent more productive.
Dr Craig Knight conducted studies which show that employees who personalize their office space are more relaxed and get more work done. The studies also showed that those who operate in ‘lean’ workspace, over which they have no control, are more stressed out and less productive.
Such lean space can make workers up to 15 per cent less effective, Dr Knight’s research found.
Over 2,000 office workers were involved in Dr Knight’s research.
“Space has a massive impact on our comfort, contentment and identity. When people feel uncomfortable in their surroundings, they are less engaged,” said Dr Knight.
“We consistently found that employees working in environments enriched with plants or artwork, and those who were empowered to realise something of their own identity in their workspaces, felt physically more comfortable at work, identified more with their employers, were more productive and felt more positive about their jobs.”
Dr Knight’s comments came as he embarks on a lecture tour of Australia. He will be having discussions with business owners in Brisbane, Melbourne, Canberra, Perth, Adelaide and Sydney.
Ray Borg, Regional Director of interior plantscaping business Ambius said: “Business owners and managers focused on cutting costs often reduce what are seen as discretionary items such as planting and pictures.
“However, this research suggests business productivity could be hindered as a result.”
Letting employees have input on their work environments allows them to feel more engaged and can have added benefits such as better air quality, Borg added.
Editor’s notes: Many flexible office space workspace providers are fully aware of the effect a workplace environment can have on both the productivity and well-being of its clients.
Many UK workspace providers fully embraced the results that studies such as those done by the University of Exeter, as well as many others, as well as their own research.
In towns and cities across the UK, there are thousands of workspaces with deliberately abundant natural light, biophilia, artwork and many other well-being-enhancing features in the working environments. As well as this, many of the buildings that these spaces are within are equipped with meditation rooms, libraries, cafes serving mindfully selected food and drink, bicycle storage areas and showers, and many other amenities that improve the quality of clients’ working life.