The office workspace designed in a biophilic style can infuse the fresh vitality of nature into your working environment. Consequently, it enhances work morale, reduces stress, and increases productivity. Biophilic offices are not only beneficial for company employees but also create a very positive impression on partners and clients. Let’s explore 7 simple ways to incorporate Biophilic elements into your workspace with Tiktak Coworking Space in the article below.
What is Biophilic Office Design?
Biophilic office design originates from the term “biophilia,” first used by psychologist Erich Fromm in 1973. According to an article introducing the perspective and explanation of NTK Oliver Heath – the founder of Oliver Heath Design on Biophilic Design: “The main principle behind biophilia is quite simple: connecting humans with nature to improve the quality of life. Architects can integrate nature into their designs. Biophilic Design is not just about bringing greenery into space but also about recreating the sensation of nature within the home, connecting not only visually but also sensory, auditory, gustatory, and olfactory senses to the natural environment. All of this helps heal humans and return them to their true nature as creatures that need an ecosystem.”
Simply put, biophilic office design creates a workspace that connects with nature in the modern urban environment, aiming to provide health and wellness benefits to employees.
Benefits of Biophilic Office Design
Improves Work Productivity
A study conducted in the UK titled “Relative Benefits of Green Office Spaces vs. Basic Office Spaces” shows that individuals exposed to more greenery and nature have a 15% higher productivity rate compared to those with less exposure.
Enhances Employee Focus and Creativity
Elements in biophilic office design such as greenery, natural materials, and water bodies increase oxygen levels in the workspace, thereby reducing mental fatigue and significantly enhancing employee focus and creativity. Factors like artwork, decor, and open spaces contribute to creative development.
Boosts Employee Well-being
All the aforementioned factors contribute to enhancing employee well-being, ensuring both mental and physical health are prioritized and maintained.
Improves Employee Retention Rates
As employee welfare increases, retention rates also improve. This is a primary concern for many employees. Additionally, it helps businesses save costs on recruitment and training of new employees. Biophilic office design can attract employees and provide them with a favorite workplace, making them less likely to leave.
7 Suggestions for Biophilic Office Design
- Incorporate Greenery: Adding plants, living walls, or even small potted plants, if space is limited, are excellent choices for eco-friendly office interior design. They not only provide a green ambiance but also improve air quality and reduce noise levels.
- Utilize Natural Light and Views: Maximizing natural light in your workspace can improve employee mood and energy. Large windows to welcome daylight not only save on electricity costs but also increase employee productivity. Natural views, such as outdoor green spaces, water bodies, or even the sky, are ideal.
- Use Natural Materials in Design and Decor: Using natural materials like wood, stone, and fibers in your biophilic office interior design creates a closer connection to nature. Natural materials are essential in creating a tranquil environment, reducing the artificial feel in the workspace.
- Design Spaces with Water Elements: The gentle sound of flowing water can mask distracting noises in the office environment. Incorporating water features such as fountains, ponds, or simply a fish tank can create a focal point in your creative office design, attracting attention and soothing the environment.
- Design Open Spaces: The art of architectural design allows for the creation of open spaces within a small office by using color, decor, and layout effectively. Working in an open space makes employees feel comfortable, relaxed, energized, and creative.
- Create Soft Shapes and Patterns: One interesting characteristic of nature is its random, diverse shapes that don’t adhere to a specific pattern, creating a soft and comfortable feel for the eyes. Apply this characteristic to biophilic office design by designing office structures and using furniture with non-linear shapes, along with incorporating patterns that breathe a natural essence.
- Maintain Optimal Temperature: Air quality and temperature greatly affect employee work morale. Ensure employees can control the temperature in their work areas to remain in the best state for work. Temperature comfort also helps employees feel closer to nature, reducing the sense of artificiality present in our daily workspace.
The benefits of the biophilic office design trend are significant and continuously researched. Sustainable biophilic workspaces can greatly improve both physical and mental health, increase productivity, and enhance employee satisfaction with the business. Don’t overlook the simple suggestions above to apply directly to your office, just like how Tiktak Coworking Space is catering to its customers./.