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Ways to Make Your Office More Relaxing and Fun
We’ve all been there before. You’re sitting at your desk, trying to focus on work, but your mind wanders. The chair is uncomfortable, the noise from your co-workers is driving you crazy, and you can’t seem to get comfortable.
If this sounds familiar, don’t worry—you’re not alone. A study by the American Institute of Stress found that 80% of workers feel stressed out on the job. But it doesn’t have to be this way! You can make a few simple changes to your office environment to help you relax and stay focused on work. Here are some of our favorites:
Get Some Plants
Studies have shown that having plants in the office can improve employees’ moods and increase productivity. Not only do plants help purify the air, but they also provide a much-needed pop of color in an otherwise drab office.
We recommend getting a small potted plant for your desk if you’re unsure where to start. Then, once you see how much better it makes you feel, you can add more plants to the office as a whole.
Bring in Some Natural Light
According to the American Optometric Association, natural light can help reduce eyestrain, headaches, and fatigue. If your office has no windows, try to get a desk near the door so you can get some natural light during the day. You can also try using a light therapy box to mimic the effects of natural light if getting closer to a window isn’t possible.
Invest in a Good Chair 
If you spend most of your day sitting at a desk, it’s essential to have a comfortable chair that supports your back and posture. According to ergonomics experts, an adjustable chair with lumbar support is ideal. If buying a new chair isn’t possible right now, try using a small pillow or rolled-up towel to support your lower back while you sit.
Add Some Personal Touches
Your office should reflect your style—after all, you’ll spend a lot of time there! Adding some photos, paintings, or other decorations will make the space feel more like yours and help you relax while working. Just be sure not to go overboard—you want your office to be inviting, not cluttered.
Make Some Noise
It might sound counterintuitive, but sometimes background noise can help people focus on work. If complete silence makes you antsy, try playing soft music or white noise in the background while you work. Just be considerate of your co-workers and keep the volume reasonable so everyone can concentrate. You can also subscribe to SiriusXM satellite radio for business. This will lighten the mood for everyone at the office.
Invest In Some Team Building Exercises
One of the best ways to reduce stress in the office is to build a strong sense of camaraderie among your co-workers. You can do several fun team-building exercises to foster teamwork and communication. From escape rooms to scavenger hunts, there’s an activity for everyone. And don’t forget the classic team lunch—a great way to bond with your co-workers and de-stress simultaneously.
Create A Next Level Staff Room
Often the staff room is the last place that gets updated in an office. Unfortunately, this can lead to a space where no one wants to spend time. If you want to create a more relaxing environment, consider changing your staff room.
Add some comfortable furniture, incorporate greenery, and ensure plenty of natural light. You might also want to add a television or sound system so employees can unwind with some music or their favorite show. You can also stock the fridge with healthy snacks and drinks so employees have something to look forward to during their break and make sure there is some delicious coffee on hand.
Declutter Your Desk
A cluttered desk can be a significant source of stress. If you’re constantly searching for things or feel like you’re swimming in a sea of paper, it’s time to declutter. Start by removing anything you don’t need—old files, unused office supplies, etc. Then, organize what’s left so everything has its place. Once your desk is decluttered, you’ll be able to focus more on your work and less on the mess.
Incorporate Fun Dress Codes
It’s no secret that most offices have a pretty strict dress code. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun with it. If you want to lighten the mood and make your office more relaxed, try incorporating some fun dress codes from time to time. Whether it’s casual Fridays or themed days like Crazy Hat Day, allowing employees to dress down—or up—can be a great way to reduce stress and inject some fun into the workday.
Make Your Office Smell Good
The sense of smell is closely linked to the importance of memory, so why not make your office smell good? Incorporating some pleasant scents can help you relax and even boost your mood. From essential oils to candles to diffusers, there are several ways to add some good smells to your office. Just be sure to ask your co-workers first—not everyone has the same taste in fragrances.
Consider Adding Your Daycare
If you’re a parent, you know the stress that comes with finding quality child care. And if your office is located in a remote area or doesn’t have any nearby daycares, the search can be even more difficult.
Consider adding your on-site daycare to make your office more relaxed and attract and retain top talent. This will not only take the stress out of finding child care, but it will also give employees the peace of mind of knowing their children are safe and close by. Just make sure that the daycare is soundproof so employees without children can still concentrate.
A relaxing office environment is essential for both your physical and mental health. By making a few simple changes, you can create a space that’s more conducive to concentration and less likely to cause stress. So what are you waiting for? Give these tips a try and see how they work for you!
