Study after study reports that American workers are under increasing amounts of stress. Whether it’s the pressure to perform well or a culture that promotes the “hustle,” 83% of employed people report feeling stressed in the workplace. It probably comes as no surprise that stress has a negative impact on health, and can even lead to chronic conditions. If you’re thinking about ways to promote employee wellness, don’t forget to include relaxation spaces in your office interior design plan. Interested in learning more about why these spaces are so critical? We share a few of the top reasons here, and provide inspiration for your next project below.
Why Relaxation Spaces Matter
According to the American Institute of Stress, 62% of individuals surveyed experience high levels of stress at work, which is also accompanied by extreme fatigue and feeling out of control. If you want to create a workplace that encourages employee well-being, you’ll need to ensure that there’s a designated area for letting go of stressors. When there’s a space that’s clearly designed for taking some time to kick back and relax, team members will feel comfortable spending time there.
Ideas For Creating Rest Areas
The opportunities for relaxation spaces are nearly endless–just look at companies like Google, which have installed nap pods for employees who need to catch some shut-eye at the office. If you’re interested in finding solutions that fit your brand’s aesthetic, consider the following options:
- Make the most of outdoor spaces. Humans are innately connected with nature, and we would all do well to spend more time outdoors. If your building has a courtyard or other type of outdoor space, this provides an excellent opportunity for upgrading to a relaxation space. Add some comfortable seating and shade, and employees are certain to enjoy this area.
- Add a water feature. The sound of water is soothing, so a water feature is a great way to help team members find their zen. A water feature doesn’t have to break the budget, either. It can be as simple as a small fountain in the courtyard or a relaxation room.
- Create a recreation room. A recreation room is a mainstay of modern office design. These areas are popular across many industries, and for good reason: they provide opportunities for team building as well as de-stressing. If you have a large space that could use a redesign, a recreation or game room will add value in more ways than one. When designing this type of space, aim to offer several different activities so more people can enjoy the fun. Some staples are often a vending machine, board game area, pool table, and an arcade or video game corner.
Relaxation in the workplace can be hard to come by, but it’s crucial for promoting employee well-being. If you’re ready to give the office an upgrade by introducing relaxation spaces, our team would love to help. Whether you have a clear vision of what you’d like to accomplish or you’d like some guidance, our experienced designers are adept at handling projects of all scopes and sizes. To learn more about our office interior design services, please contact us. We’re looking forward to hearing from you and learning more about what you’re envisioning.
