Optimizing Employee Wellbeing and Productivity with Strategic Furniture Design

Pressure isn't just an ineffective method for boosting productivity and focus in the workplace—it's arguably one of the worst. Fortunately, workplace culture is evolving away from pressure and force-driven productivity models. Replacing these antiquated practices is a new awareness that employee well-being exponentially impacts the quality and quantity of work produced.

The most forward-thinking organizations are looking at every aspect of their workplaces to find the most effective and efficient approaches to nurturing employee well-being. Research studies consistently show that investing in the workplace environment and ergonomics is one of those approaches. With strategic space use and furniture design comes increased creativity, innovation, growth, and employee satisfaction. 

In this blog, we'll explore the furniture choices that best inspire employee wellbeing—and productivity.

The Psychology Behind Office Furniture and Employee Wellbeing

Like an elevated ambiance in a fine dining restaurant takes your entire experience up a few notches, an intentionally curated office environment can do the same. 

Comfortable, high-quality furniture sends a subtle message that employees are valued and cared for within the organization, boosting morale. Workspaces designed for optimal focus and collaboration add to a feeling of professionalism, increasing motivation. Flexible or customized furniture solutions create a sense of prestige and importance. These positive psychological effects inspire a positive mindset and presence in the workplace, fortifying employee well-being and making productive days more probable.

Choosing the Right Furniture Solutions

From empowering collaborations to keeping a range of bodies comfortable in the office, the right furniture solutions can provide your staff with the environment they need to be their best selves at work. 

Choose highly adjustable furniture.

Lumbar support, sit-stand desk options, and unconventional seating options such as fitness ball chairs offer employees more freedom and flexibility in the office. Improved posture and increased movement can boost energy levels and reduce fatigue. For optimal results, ask your employees to test out furniture before you invest. The correct proportions between chairs and desks and overall ergonomics can prevent pain and long-term injuries. 

Choose high-quality materials and construction.

Furniture designed to last will inevitably feel more supportive and substantial in your workplace environment. While materials don't necessarily need to be extremely high-end, breathable fabrics that are sturdy and comfortable will add a touch of luxury to your employee's day. Sturdy desks that withstand daily use without wobbling, scratching easily, or having hardware malfunctions can also create a foundation of ease and stability. Proactively choosing quality furniture ensures that minor yet annoying and deeply distracting issues like a tipping desk or a keyboard tray that shakes aren't disrupting your employee's workflow and productivity. 

Choose furniture that integrates technology seamlessly. 

Small conveniences go a long way toward making your workplace an easy place to be, connect, create, and produce. Look for desks with built-in outlets, USB ports, and cable management systems to save your employees the time and hassle of locating them under the desk in inconvenient locations. 

Harmonizing Furniture with Office Design for a Cohesive Workspace

Furniture and design are two inextricably linked parts of a thriving office environment. With the right design, you'll ensure your space is used efficiently, and with the right furniture to support your space and staff, you'll promote better workflow, communication, and collaboration. Something as simple as organizational furniture that keeps files discreet and clutter behind closed doors can enhance focus and create the physical and mental space needed for top-quality productivity. Here are three strategies to remember as you plan your furniture and workplace design. 

Biophilic Design: The Power of Green Breaks

Bringing the outdoors inside with biophilic design principles can brighten a space's mood and aesthetics while infusing it with nature's deeper benefits. The Global Impact of Biophilic Design in the Interface Workplace has shown that greenery in office spaces increases productivity by 15%. Their research also found that employees reported being significantly happier and more at ease in spaces infused with a touch of nature. Considering nature in your furniture choices and arrangements is another way to leverage biophilia. 

Inspiring brief breaks to gaze at nature encourages employees' relaxation response and strengthens focus. Relocating and strategically angling workspaces to put nature in view could increase productivity by 6%. When elements like green walls, indoor plants, and natural materials are aligned with your brand's aesthetic appeal, employees can better connect with your company culture, vision, and mission—and feel proud to be a part of it.

Collaborative Space Design: A Foundation of Flexibility

With many offices now facing hybrid challenges, ergonomic design that is also incredibly space-efficient is key. Communal areas that support different work rhythms and styles, breakout spaces for focused group meetings, and well-equipped meeting rooms are a great place to start. 

When an office is used in shifts or hosts different employees on different days of the week, supportive furniture that is also modular reduces stress and uncertainty for employees while creating ease in the office environment. In one study, making changes to furniture in an office—such as removing bench seating or cubicles—was proven to increase productivity by 32%. Furniture, equipment, and accessories that support unique needs allow teams to move furniture together to better collaborate or create private pods with movable partitions for solo work.

Supporting employee's mental health and well-being begins with an environment that puts employees first. Investing in comfort and putting your employees at ease is not just a nice-to-have indulgence; it's productivity super-fuel.

Meet with a CDI design consultant to discover furniture solutions that perfect your hybrid workspace.