The Sustainable Office: Why Environmentally Friendly Design Attracts and Retains Staff

The concept of sustainability has gained significant attention in recent years, with individuals and businesses alike recognising the importance of preserving our planet’s resources for future generations. The result of that is a growing trend towards environmentally friendly business practices, including design in the workplace.

While sustainable office solutions may seem like a minor factor in the grand scheme of things, they can actually have a significant impact on both the environment and a company’s bottom line by attracting and retaining top talent. Here’s how there’s a direct correlation between a company using sustainable office space and employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity.

Sustainable office design is an approach to creating a workspace that minimises negative impacts on the environment while also promoting employee well-being and overall productivity. This is achieved through various design strategies, such maximising natural light usage, using sustainable materials and furniture, and incorporating nature into the workspace, among others.

The main benefit of a sustainable office is, of course, it’s positive impact on the environment. By reducing energy consumption and waste production, companies can significantly decrease their carbon footprint and contribute to global efforts in combating climate change. But beyond that, a sustainable office also has a direct, positive impact on the people who work in it.

Sustainable office solutions come with a host of benefits, both for employees and employers. Below are the top ones:

For Employees

On the employee side, the benefits of a sustainable office include:

• Exposure to optimum natural light while working through intelligent office design. A study by Cornell University found that optimising natural light exposure resulted in a 51% decrease in eye strain and 63% reduction in headaches, which are common workplace complaints.
• Improved air quality by using eco-friendly materials, leading to healthier employees who are less prone to illnesses such as allergies and respiratory issues.
• Reduced stress through the incorporation of biophilic elements, which have been shown to have a calming effect on employees and promote creativity and productivity.
• Overall higher job satisfaction and employee retention rates, as working in a sustainable environment has been linked to improved morale and a sense of purpose among workers.

For Employers

As for the benefits for employers, they include:

• Increased cost savings through energy efficiency measures and sustainable options such as using LED lighting and installing smart heating and cooling systems
• Enhanced brand reputation and appeal to potential customers who are becoming more conscious of a company’s sustainability efforts
• Improved employee productivity and performance due to a healthier, happier workforce
• Compliance with government regulations regarding environmental impact and reducing carbon emissions, avoiding potential fines or penalties

Not too long ago, the focus of eco-friendly design was primarily on reducing the negative impact of human activities on the environment. However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards incorporating sustainable practices not just for the sake of the community and planet, but also for the well-being and productivity of employees.

The workplace is where many people spend a significant portion of their day, so it’s no surprise that its design can greatly influence their physical and mental health. Here are a few ways in which eco-friendly design can enhance employee wellness and productivity:

• One sustainable practice is to incorporate heavy duty furniture in the office that could endure the pressure of regular intensive use for a longer period of time significantly increasing the furniture life. Such robust furniture is often ergonomically crafted to offer enhanced support for employees, promoting better posture and comfort during work hours.
• Using eco-friendly materials for building construction and design, such as low-VOC paints and natural flooring options, reduces off-gassing of harmful chemicals and creates a healthier indoor environment for employees.
• Implementing smart heating and cooling systems not only reduces energy consumption but also creates a more comfortable indoor temperature for employees, leading to increased focus and productivity.

The overall concept is clear: a healthier workspace leads to happier and more productive employees.

When sustainable office spaces are mentioned, these are the elements they typically include:

• Efficient use of space
• Natural lighting and ventilation
• Energy-efficient appliances and fixtures
• Use of non-toxic, sustainable materials
• Waste reduction and recycling programs
• Incorporation of green spaces and biophilic design elements.

At the core of sustainable office design is the use of environmentally friendly materials. Here are some key considerations when choosing materials for your office:

• Use products made from renewable resources, such as bamboo, cork, or reclaimed wood
• Opt for low-VOC paints and finishes to reduce off-gassing of harmful chemicals into the air
• Consider using carpet tiles instead of wall-to-wall carpet to make replacement and recycling easier
• Use energy-efficient lighting options, such as LED bulbs, which not only save energy but also have a longer lifespan
• Consider the lifecycle of the product, from production to disposal, and choose materials with a minimal environmental impact
• Cut down on paper and plastic by using reusable or recycled materials

Contrary to popular belief, sustainable office solutions can actually help reduce operating costs in the long run, not vice versa. Here’s how:

• Energy-efficient appliances and fixtures can result in significant savings on electricity bills
• Waste reduction and recycling programs can save money on waste disposal fees
• Use of natural lighting and ventilation can reduce the need for artificial lighting and heating/cooling systems, resulting in lower energy costs
• Incorporation of greenery and biophilic design elements has been proven to increase productivity, leading to potential cost savings through increased employee efficiency
• Adding sustainable features to your office can also increase the value of the property, providing a return on investment in the future

Sustainability is a path, not a destination. As such, it’s important to choose a partner for your sustainable office solutions who shares the same values and commitment to ongoing improvement. That way, you can ensure that your efforts are continuous and not just a one-time project.

At Sensa, we’re all about creating office spaces that function seamlessly, while also being environmentally sound for today and tomorrow. From step-by-step guidance on reducing your environmental impact to sourcing sustainable materials and furniture, all you need to do is make the decision to head towards a greener, more efficient office and leave the rest to us. Reach out today.