Sustainability in the workplace: A brighter tomorrow, today

The benefits of considering the environmental impacts of workplace design have a sizable effect on both the employee satisfaction and profit margins of an organisation. Sustainability is therefore a crucial component that differentiates an average office space from one that is designed to be truly future-proof. So, top companies are making sustainability one of their main goals when creating the perfect space for people to work in.

What exactly is a sustainable workplace?

A sustainable workplace is one that balances its people, its profit and the planet to produce success and viability in the long-term. Since 2020, a focus on the wellbeing of employees went from a nice-to-have, to a true business imperative. Employers must connect what they say to what they actually do. A sustainable workplace focuses on both the environmental as well as human well being factors. These then have a significant impact on increasing profits, reducing operational costs while also being sensitive to the planet.

Impacts of a sustainable workplace

There is ample research that proves just how important one’s surroundings are in deciding their mental and physical state. Marketing agencies have been using colours and design principles to affect consumer behaviour for decades. And it has been quite some time that workplace design experts are embracing these tools. The following are some of the numerous ways in which a sustainable approach can change a workplace for the better.

1. Utilising natural elements to boost physical and mental health:
A space that is properly exposed to natural elements such as sunlight and fresh air is bound to elevate the mood of those who work within it. Like Gartner’s Centre of Excellence in Gurgaon delivers on the company’s commitment to its people. The office interior has been designed keeping employees at heart of the design process, with natural daylight streaming in over 60% of the floor area. Automated blinds with sun-tracking contribute to the reduction in glare and enable ample exterior views contributing to elevating physical and mental well-being. In modern working spaces, the integration of nature in office design concepts has also proved to improve the working capacity of the employees.

2. Greener offices, cleaner minds:
Research suggests that having plants in the workplace environment aids in prolonged concentration, calms the eyes and hence the brain, and in some cases, enhances creativity. Therefore, biophilic design and elements have an immense impact on the environment and minds of people working within it. The Beta Lab’s workplace design in Gurgaon meanders through the space while retaining focus on the central tree. The occupant is met with a towering green wall upon arrival. Earthy textures and a warm colour palette along with tapering wooden beams is an extension of the local architecture and community.

There are plants that are placed strategically and help cleanse the air and make the office a healthier place to work at. In addition, there is an aesthetic appeal to the entire surrounding that plays an important role in employee retention, new recruits and to impact clients. Like Ericsson Dubai’s workplace and its strategically placed plant walls and potted plants directly in the line of sight for 75% of the occupants contribute to the well-being of the occupants.

3. Managing electronics:
With the advancement of technology workplace designs have also advanced. Modern office interior designs now also include some facilities that employ cutting edge technology that boosts productivity of employees in the modern working spaces. Motion sensors and automated timers are most popularly used to conserve energy in any form. Facilities such as Gartner CoE, Rubrik Bangalore, NOS Pune integrate daylight controls and occupancy sensors which contribute to more than 10% reduction of the total energy consumption. Apart from these, general prompts to conserve electricity with the help of instructive stickers, quick incentives or discussions, can be implemented on every level. Electronic recycling, or managing electronic waste separately can be encouraged by keeping a separate container to do away with electronic trash of any kind.

4. Hybrid Workplaces:
With the onset of the pandemic, workplaces have evolved into hybrid ones and there has thus been a significant reduction in energy, water, fuel that gets utilised leading to a reduction in operational costs. This has also given a chance to organisations to not restrict recruitment within cities or countries, and has encouraged employees all over the world to explore options without boundaries. Virtual conferences and discussions saves time, effort and increases attendees because of the sheer convenience of not having to commute.

5. Sustainability in the little BIG things:
Energy reduction plays a vital role in sustainability in the workplace. Along with utilisation of natural elements like larger windows for natural lighting to seep in and open spaces for fresh air, conserving energy goes a long way in maintaining a sustainable workplace. Lighting sensors, tap sensors, optimising manual light hours - for instance, lighting only those parts of the workplace that are occupied and in use, etc. are some of the little things that can be initiated for a big impact.

Harnessing solar power with solar panels, recycling and reusing water & paper, discarding wet and dry garbage separately are some of the smaller steps that require bigger initiatives. Through the integration of on-site rooftop solar panels, Gartner CoE is able to offset around 10% of the total energy consumption.
Encouraging healthier snacks in the vending machine, including reusable dishware in the cafeteria, help internalise sustainability in our everyday routine.
That is how healthy food options with nutritional messaging at Rubrik Bangalore and Gartner CoE in the cafeteria promotes occupants to make informed decisions leading to a healthy lifestyle.

6. A sense of satisfaction:
With the modern employee being more conscious about their carbon footprint than ever, a sustainable modern working space makes everyone feel at ease about their own impact on the environment. This results in a happier workforce that is genuinely glad to come to office everyday. A workforce that is contributing to their own, and by extension to the wellness of their planet. Transform your workplace into a happier, healthier and more sustainable one. Get in touch with Space Matrix.