Tip 1: The right indoor climate for a healthy workplace
In most offices a summer heatwave seems like a mirage. The air conditioning is set so cold that even on days when temperatures rise above 30 degrees, a sweater is not superfluous. This seems pleasant, but it is not. The ideal temperature in the office is between 21 and 24 degrees. To be more precise: 22 degrees. From Finnish research it turns out that employees are most productive at this temperature. At temperatures above 24 degrees, the productivity of personnel decreases. A difficult factor to take into account is that men and women have different preferences regarding the temperature: there is even talk of a fight over the thermostat. According to researcher Tom Chang women perform best at higher temperatures and men do best at lower temperatures. At an average of 22 degrees.
Tip 2: A good lighting plan is important for a healthy workplace
Employers are obliged to ensure a well-lit workplace. This applies not only to open-plan offices where employees sit behind screens all day, but also to, for example, warehouses and industry. Good lighting prevents accidents in the workplace. It also contributes to employees' well-being. Someone who has to look into the light or otherwise has to make an effort to see properly often develops complaints such as headaches. Neck problems can also arise if an unnatural posture is adopted in order, for example, to look at a computer screen. Also pay close attention to older employees. Later in life the lens of your eyes becomes cloudy, meaning you need more light to see properly. If that light is lacking it takes a lot of energy and older employees are therefore less fit at work.
Tip 3: The right safety measures for a healthy workplace
A healthy workplace is a safe workplace. Every year there are 220.000 workplace accidents plaats. In sixty cases even with a fatal outcome. A figure to pause and reflect on as an employer. Many workplace accidents stem from a violation of the Arbowet. In no less than two-thirds of the cases this was the case. It is therefore incredibly important to all occupational health and safety rules to be complied with in order to guarantee a safe and healthy environment. Enforcing the rules of the Arbowet is not only a duty for the employer, employees themselves are also required to comply with the rules. It is therefore advisable to clearly communicate what the hazards in the workplace are and how you deal with them.
Tip 4: Avoid sitting for hours at a healthy workplace
"Sitting is the new smoking" has by now become a well-known saying. And yet there are still many companies where employees sit behind a desk for eight hours a day. An unhealthy situation that can have a major impact on employees' well-being. It is advisable to alternate sitting as much as possible with standing or moving. A lunch walk alone is not enough: it is important to stand up and move briefly after every 20 minutes. For example, meetings can be held standing or discussions can take place while walking. Also agree that, where possible, employees leave the elevator alone and opt for the stairs.
Tip 5: Ensure the right humidity
Many offices have an internal ventilation system that regulates temperature and humidity. All too often the humidity is not right, and this can lead to complaints. People who wear contact lenses often notice it first: they start to suffer from dry eyes. Throat complaints are also common. As are headaches and irritated mucous membranes. A hygrometer is therefore not superfluous. The ideal humidity is between 40 and 60 percent. Good news for employees with green fingers: plants make a positive contribution to the indoor climate.
