We spend about a third of our adult lives at work, so it makes sense that the environment in which we carry out our daily duties can have a significant impact on our mental health. Today, we’re looking at how your office may be affecting your mental health and what you can do to improve things.
Feeling Like You Don’t Belong
One of the biggest factors that will negatively impact anybody’s mental health is the feeling that they don’t belong. This is amplified in the workplace as we spend so much time surrounded by our colleagues.
If you’re feeling a little left out, it could be worth encouraging your employer to improve inclusion and diversity in the workplace. Though this can be a daunting conversation to have, if improvements are made, they will benefit everyone as inclusion allows all staff to feel more at home. Your employer will be able to look forward to improved productivity and higher profits thanks to the fresh ideas and positive attitudes that go hand-in-hand with diversity and inclusion.
Uncomfortable Workspace
Another factor that could be leaving you feeling unhappy or unfulfilled is an uncomfortable workspace. Our physical condition can have a significant impact on our mental health. If your desk isn’t set up to provide support and comfort, you may end up feeling resentful and may even suffer from physical ailments.
Having good lighting, a comfortable chair, top-quality tech, and enough space to get your work done is crucial to feeling good when you’re in the office. Outdated equipment can make a mess of your mental health as it will make completing every job harder. This is a nightmare for your stress levels. The good news is that these issues can easily be rectified by bringing in some ergonomic equipment and updating outdated tech.
Dull Environment
A dull environment can also negatively impact your mental health as humans require a certain amount of stimulation to feel their best. You would be surprised by how much difference a coat of paint can make to a space, and the addition of a coffee machine in the break room will always be appreciated.
On a more personal level, you could consider adding an aromatherapy diffuser to your desk to help inspire productivity and positive vibes. Scents like lemongrass and peppermint are uplifting and energizing, so you could be feeling better after just a few breaths.
Poor Air Quality
Good air quality is more important than ever at the moment, but did you know that it can have an impact on your mental health as well as your physical wellbeing? Stuffy offices that have poor temperature control and do not receive fresh air can make you feel mentally and emotionally drained. So, it’s always a good idea to open a window or find other ways to increase airflow and quality.
Inability To Switch Off
The 24/7 work culture and its impact on our ability to switch off have significantly worsened people’s mental states around the world. Burnout is very real and certainly not something you want to experience. So remember to set boundaries and genuinely leave your work alone for the day once you’ve clocked off. This obviously can’t be done with all professions, but in most cases, the world isn’t going to end if you ignore that email until the morning.
Now that you have a better understanding of how your office could be impacting your mental state – and what you can do to improve things – it’s time to put the tips in this article into action and build a happier, healthier future.