According to a study by the University of California, Berkeley, workers in open offices are 62% more likely to take sick days than those who work in traditional closed offices. The culprit? Constant interruptions from colleagues. While some level of disruption is unavoidable in any office setting, it’s essential to create a calm business environment where employees can focus on their tasks uninterrupted.
Here are some tips for doing just that.
1) Implement quiet hours or “focus time.”
Many offices have implemented “quiet hours” or “focus time,” during which employees are encouraged to refrain from non-essential conversations. This gives everyone a chance to focus on their work without interruption. It also allows for deeper thinking and concentration, leading to greater creativity and productivity.
Some office environments take this a step further by designating “quiet rooms” or “focus rooms” where employees can go to work uninterrupted. If your office doesn’t have such a space, you can create one by setting up a simple divider or partition. You can also use noise-canceling headphones to help you focus.
2) Create an area for private phone calls and meetings.
While you can’t always control the noise level in your office, you can create an area for private phone calls and meetings. This will help to minimize disruptions and give employees a place to take calls or hold meetings without interrupting the rest of the office.
You may also create a space for employee relaxation. Try to create a calm and relaxing environment in your office so employees can de-stress and recharge. How you decorate this space can affect their relaxation.
Incorporate natural materials in the room to make it feel more relaxing. You can bring in some plants or use natural textures like wood for a rustic feel. Reclaimed barnwood is an excellent option for this. It has a warm and natural feel that can help to create a calm environment. You can contact a reclaimed barnwood supplier to get started.
3) Encourage employees to take breaks.
When employees feel overwhelmed or stressed, it’s essential to encourage them to take breaks. This will help them relax and rejuvenate so they can return to their work refreshed.
There are several ways to encourage employees to take breaks. You can provide break rooms with comfortable furniture and amenities like TVs or games. You can also offer discounts at local restaurants or gyms. This will allow employees to step away from work and relax.
Some employers also encourage employees to take walks or use standing desks. Taking a break from sitting down will help to increase circulation and reduce stress. If you have the budget, you can also provide standing desks for your employees.
4) Encourage communication and collaboration.
While creating a calm environment is important, it’s also essential to encourage communication and collaboration. This will help to create a more cohesive and productive workplace. One way to ensure calm communication is to have regular team meetings. This will allow everyone to stay on the same page and avoid misunderstandings.
It’s also essential to create an open and inclusive environment. Encourage employees to share their ideas and give feedback. This will help to create a more creative and productive workplace. Don’t forget to praise employees when they do something well. This will help to create a positive and motivating work environment.
5) Encourage employees to take care of their mental and physical health.
It’s essential to encourage employees to take care of their mental and physical health. This will help them to stay healthy and productive. There are several ways to promote employee health. You can offer health insurance benefits or on-site health clinics. You can also encourage employees to participate in wellness programs.
Not every employee will be interested in participating in wellness programs. However, you can still encourage them to take care of their health. One way to do this is to offer incentives. For example, you can offer a cash bonus to employees who meet their fitness goals. You can also offer a gift card to employees who get a physical or health check-up.
6) Encourage employees to disconnect from work.
Finally, it would help if you encouraged employees to disconnect from work when they’re not at the office. This will help them to relax and rejuvenate. When employees work outside of office hours, it can lead to burnout.
There are several ways to encourage employees to disconnect from work. You can have a policy that prohibits work emails after hours. You can also encourage employees to take vacation days. This will help them disconnect from work and enjoy well-deserved rest and relaxation.
By following these tips, you can create a calm and productive workplace. Employees will appreciate your efforts to create a positive and healthy work environment. Ask your employees for feedback to see what else you can do to improve the workplace. You can create a calm and productive office environment that everyone will enjoy with a little effort.