Especially in the last two years, we have all witnessed how important health and well-being is. During the times when we were confined to our homes and deprived of socializing opportunities, we followed various ways, from sports to yoga, breath exercises to meditation, to feel better and stay healthy. Now that we are partially returning to the offices, what can companies do to maintain this state of well-being?

In our second survey focused on 'Work Life and Well-Being' this year, where we observed the effects of the pandemic on work models and habits, we noted that well-being will be decisive in the new normal of working life. After two years of working from home, employees are returning to the office with different expectations. They now prioritize the healthy and well-being conditions they got used to in home offices to be provided in the office environments as well.

We have previously discussed the effects of colors on employees' motivation and productivity in our blogs. To make offices airy, comfortable, and cozy, the harmony of colors and textures, more usage of plants in the environment, creating spaces that allow more light with large windows, and areas that increase communication and interaction among employees are necessary. For employees, offices are no longer just a work environment. As our research results show, employees see offices both as a place for socializing and as spaces where they can share experiences that make them feel good with their colleagues.

Physical health alone is not enough

The negative effects of workplace stress on employees are well-known to everyone. Reducing this stress to benefit employees' mental health, creating calmer office designs that increase productivity and creativity, will yield positive results for both companies and employees. Colors that increase concentration, ergonomic and comfortable office furniture that contributes to productivity, and common areas where employees enjoy working together will be much more inspiring.

With the new normal -the hybrid working model-, employees now spend only a few days a week in the office. Making the most of these few days is critical in terms of shaping company culture. Company culture can only continue if all employees internalize it and pass it on to new employees in the best way. Therefore, while employees use those few days to nurture personal relationships, companies need to utilize them for new employees to adapt to the old ones, for generating new ideas, and to ensure the continuity of company culture without interruption.

Socialization and productivity go hand in hand

Ergonomic workstations such as supportive chairs, height-adjustable office desks, and office desks suitable for collaboration allow employees to move comfortably and facilitate teamwork. Thus, employees can continue to produce while socializing, which they have longed for the last two years and need for their mental health.

Understanding and accommodating the evolving and constantly changing needs of employees depending on conditions is a matter that companies must pay attention to. Physical health and well-being should be the top priority for both employees and companies. Designing offices according to the needs of employees will positively reflect on work results, with strong communication between teams and motivated and energetic employees.