Working design

WORK AND BUSINESS

WORKING DESIGN A well-designed workplace can make you happier and more productive

By Saida Macintosh A growing cultural shift within organizations has been on employee wellbeing initiatives, including creating a welcoming work environment. Research has indicated that a welcoming work environment can affect your business’ ROI in a positive way, bolster team morale and enhance overall productivity.

Have you been thinking of turning an uninspiring workspace into something that wows visitors, and motivates current and prospective employees? Here are a few tips to help you move from the traditional office space to one that’s a strategic tool for productivity, collaboration and growth. being emulated by companies across Canada and the United States. Shira Rosenburg, owner of DOS Design Group in Coquitlam, cautions not to simply copy what other companies are doing, however. “What makes an office environment productive, collaborative and proficient is different for every company,” she says.

Some things to consider when planning your workspace are disruption elements, such as noise barriers, as well as physical barriers. “Don’t just grab onto the latest craze you see on the internet. Talk to your employees. Take their work into consideration,” she says.

Know your employees Your employees spend 40 hours a week in the office, so creating a positive working atmosphere can increase creativity and innovation, improve employee retention and overall happiness, as well as increase energy and proficiency — all of which is saving the company time and money in the long run.

Companies like Facebook, Hubspot and Google have very positive workplace cultures that are

Light it up The right office lighting can keep employees alert and focused, while a poorly lit room can lead to tiredness, headaches and eye discomfort.

Bright lights easily elevate a person’s mood, giving them a sense of motivation. In an article published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, it was noted that a dimly lit office or too many artificial lights tend to make employees sluggish, tired and can

LEFT: An office renovation by Highlands Master Builders.

RIGHT: Andrew Macintosh, president, Highlands Master Builders in Coquitlam.

affect cortisol levels, making it difficult to manage stress, and can increase or lead to mood disorders. Andrew Macintosh, president of Highlands Master Builders, based in Coquitlam, points out why fluorescent lights are a no-no. “Fluorescent tubes naturally flicker in such a way that has been proven to cause migraines, dizziness, eye strain and emit UV radiation outside the safe range for our eyes, which can actually cause long-term, permanent damage,” he says.

“Natural light is best. Letting plenty of natural light shine into a workspace is a proven way to increase productivity, not to mention your overall mood and wellbeing. This helps to maintain an overall positive mindset throughout the day. Unfortunately, that may not be an option for all workspaces.”

The alternative, Macintosh explains, is smart LED lighting, “We advise our clients to invest in automatic LED fixtures. This kind of light feels gentler and is designed to adjust automatically for a more natural feeling.”

Invest in ergonomics Employees spend a lot of time working at their desks, so investing in quality furniture drastically improves comfort, interaction, collaboration and productivity. Research compiled by the Mayo Clinic suggests that there is a significant increased risk of obesity, high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels that can be attributed to prolonged sitting. By offering employees options in workstations, they can switch up how and where they work throughout the day. This can combat fatigue and burnout and help with mental and creative clarity.

Some things to consider when choosing to upgrade your office furniture include: • Ergonomic furniture is an awesome way to improve productivity. By designing a workspace that allows for good posture, less exertion and fatigue, better heights and reaches, the workstation becomes more efficient. Adjustable desks give employees the option to be more active.

• Computer monitors are best at or just below eye level. Also, make sure that the eye is around 24 to 36 inches away from the computer screen.

• Ergonomic chairs are a great way to help employees minimize back problems, as well as general aches and pains. Chair posture should be slightly reclined. This can help reduce the amount of pressure on your spine and also helps to reduce lower back pain.

Space to collaborate Presently, many newly renovated offices have implemented breakout spaces. These areas are designed to give employees an alternative space to work away from their desks. It’s been an attractive selling point when recruiting Millennials and Gen-Zs. Being creative with your office floor plan can maximize collaboration and give employees the option to choose how they work. Knocking down wall barriers offer a sense of visual connectivity that inspires collaboration. “For those who want to collaborate in a quieter space,” Macintosh explains, “there are some really cool architectural building solutions for office furniture that our fabricators are working on. For instance, we can build breakout areas with coffers that give you acoustic privacy. It’s a great low-cost solution to an open office.” n

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2960 Christmas Way Coquitlam, BC V3C 4E6

Monday to Friday 9am - 9pm Saturday 9am - 6pm Sundays & Holidays 11am - 5pm SALES: 604-409-8606 SERVICES: 604-265-7841 PARTS: 604-359-5997 coquitlamchrysler coqchrysler coquitlamchrysler

MEET COQUITLAM CHRYSLER’S KELLY LUM

Besides its great selection of vehicles, what makes Coquitlam Chrysler the local go-to car dealership is its people. People like Kelly Lum, who has been a sales manager since 1995 — that’s almost 25 years!

Lum has a big smile for all who visit the dealership on the corner of Lougheed Hwy and Christmas Way.

“The most enjoyable part of my job is helping people as the car world keeps evolving,” he says. “We need to be just as informed as years ago when vehicles were not so sophisticated.”

Helping people comes naturally to Lum, who is also a local Rotarian, regularly supporting the service club’s community projects. “We believe in service above self,” says Lum, who has also been married for 36 years.

Lum, whose favourite things outside of work include travel, golf and family gatherings, adds: “When considering Coquitlam Chrysler for a new or preowned vehicle, know that there is an effort among all employees — whether entry-level or owner — to maintain the customer’s confidence in choosing us as the dealership of choice.”