Are you meeting the ever-growing need to prioritise Mental Health?
It’s Mental Health awareness week and in the world of Healthy Workplaces and Homes; MIND is one of the core concepts that we consider to be fundamental to not only healthy spaces, but healthy communities as well.
So let’s look at what we mean when we talk about how the mind, mental health and to some extent emotional health can be affected by our spaces and environment.
When I am working with businesses or individuals, addressing the mental health stressors below has a massive impact on wellbeing but also on productivity, employee retention and lowering absenteeism. It’s a win-win for employers and employees and I believe companies should be implementing health strategies not only in the workplace but also helping those who prefer to work from home, or adopt a hybrid work model, to optimise their residential space for maximum productivity as well.
Its estimated that 8.3 million people in the UK are on anti-depressants and more than 18 million work days are lost per year to Mental Health issues. So we need to ALL tackle this problem and fast!
Here are the strategies we look at first when putting together wellbeing programmes for businesses and individuals. It’s not an exhaustive list because we have other creative and more bespoke approaches up our sleeve but here are some top issues and
- Poor Air Quality: Exposure to pollutants like VOCs can reduce cognitive performance by up to 50%. Strategy: Implement air purifiers and enhance ventilation. Regularly include indoor plants that improve air quality.
- Inadequate Lighting: Lack of natural light can increase the risk of depression. Studies show that proper lighting can improve mood and energy levels by 20%. Strategy: Design spaces to maximise natural light and use biodynamic lighting systems that adjust to the time of day.
- Noise Pollution: High noise levels are linked to a 34% increase in the risk of developing mental health conditions. Strategy: Utilise soundproofing materials, establish quiet zones, and offer noise-canceling headphones to mitigate noise stress.
- Clutter: Cluttered environments can raise stress levels significantly, affecting focus. Strategy: Encourage regular decluttering and use smart, integrative storage solutions that adapt to both home and work needs.
- Ergonomics: Improper ergonomics contribute to physical and psychological stress, leading to over 2 million lost work days annually. Strategy: Invest in adjustable and ergonomic furniture and promote movement with standing desks and ergonomic tools.
- Lack of Personal Space: Crowded spaces can heighten stress, especially in high-pressure environments. Strategy: Create adaptable spaces that can be customised for privacy or collaboration as needed.
- Technostress: Overuse of digital tools is linked with increased anxiety and sleep disorders. Strategy: Foster policies for digital detox and mandatory breaks to reduce reliance and stress from constant connectivity.
- Aesthetic and Integrative Design: Uninspiring environments reduce productivity and wellbeing. Strategy: Use principles of integrative design to create stimulating and aesthetically pleasing environments that reflect natural elements and personal values.
- Workplace Family Support and Stress Treatment: Stress and addiction can decrease life expectancy by up to 10 years. Strategy: Provide support programs for stress and addiction recovery, and implement family-friendly policies to support work-life balance.
- Organisational Transparency: Lack of transparency can lead to mistrust and anxiety among employees. Strategy: Foster a culture of openness and transparency, regularly sharing company plans and updates to ensure all team members feel valued and secure.
Email me at hello@charlielemmer.com or message me on Linkedin if you’re interested in having our team create a bespoke wellness programme to help YOU and/or YOUR COMPANY achieve your health and wellbeing objectives!
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