Creating a Better Work Environment

There are several areas listed below addressing making a better workplace. After all, sometimes we spend more time at work than anywhere else, so whether you are an owner, a manager, or an employee, you should make it a safe, productive place.                                                                                                     American society often finds workers at their place of work for long hours and working on weekends. Building a better place to work varies because there are so many factors to consider. The size of the business and the scope of what it does (selling, manufacturing, creating, etc.) all impact the workplace:

• how large is the space, office or building?
• are there several locations?
• how many employees work at a given location?
• do customers visit the location?
• what types of industry regulations apply to the facility and to the work it does?

Improve Productivity by Reducing Stress

Under normal conditions, the human body is in an energetically balanced state that is capable of maintaining the physiological functions of the body and can adjust to any change in the environment. Western medical research has shown that when the human body is under stress for extended periods of time, the nervous system becomes highly active and the person becomes unable to focus on a single item, breathing becomes restricted, the muscles become tense and movement begins to slow down. Stress is the combination of psychological, physiological and behavioral reactions. Stress affects individuals in different ways. Some develop stress related illnesses, some suffer anxiety, have panic attacks, muscular tension, and hyperventilation, and others respond with obsessive or compulsive thoughts and behavior.
Surveys and Research Reports over the past two decades reveal that:

• 43% of all adults suffer adverse health effects due to stress
• 75 - 90% of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress-related complaints or disorders
• An estimated 1 million workers are absent on an average workday because of stress related complaints

So how can stress be removed or reduced in the workplace? Start with the environment: inspect your building and evaluate the temperature, lighting and music to make sure they provide comfort and a good environment to which to work. Next, inspect the work area. Is it clean and maintained? How is it furnished and decorated? The equipment and furnishings should be ergonomic in design to provide support and comfort for the worker. It may seem next to impossible to find time to relieve stress at work, but a few well-spent minutes at regularly scheduled breaks can dramatically increase your productivity, work enjoyment and overall health. Some companies offer a 'quiet room' where employees are allowed to remove themselves from their work area and take time to relax and refocus.                                                                                                                Many quiet rooms are furnished with mood lighting, quiet music or sounds of nature playing to help the employee to relax. Comfortable floor pads or massage recliners are nice amenities that encourage a brief period of meditation or quiet time. Some companies provide a walking path for their staff and workers to get outside and benefit from a calm work out in nature. Picnic and break areas, and walking areas with flowers and shrubs are wonderful benefits for enjoyment. Maintenance can be minimal to the employer. More elaborate areas include running water flowing into a pond. Benches placed along the paths allow those interested to sit and enjoy. Not every business has the resources or space to provide these distinctive break enhancement options. But every business can offer two simple methods that will remove stress and improve the productivity of every person when they take their breaks.