Solutions

If we are going to sit in the office all day, then at least our working environment needs to be right – for the sake of our mental and physical wellbeing.

Of course, few of us have the chance to change the whole office around, but sometimes a few simple adjustments can improve matters a little.

Fresh air is the elixir of life

We perceive room temperatures as most pleasant at 21 to 23 degrees Celsius – though draughts and the temperature of the walls also play a role. If the walls are warm we feel comfortable even in cooler rooms, while cold walls leave us shivering even when a room is actually warm. Draughts should be avoided, or there is a good chance that we can look forward to a stiff neck or a cold the next day.

This does not mean, of course, that fresh air should be kept out; if the air in a room contains too much carbon dioxide, this can soon lead to tiredness, concentration difficulties and headaches. Apart from that, it is not pleasant when your workmates wish they could stop breathing altogether on entering your room…

So rooms need regular airing. Do not leave the window ajar; open it wide (in the winter this is best done when you have to leave the room for a while anyway) then close it again later. This stops draughts and keeps your heating costs down.

Another important comfort factor is humidity, which should be between 40 and 70 percent. In most offices the air is far too dry, increasing dustiness and electrostatic discharges, drying out your mucous membranes and skin, and even irritating your eyes – and our eyes are already under a great deal of stress from working at a monitor.

A little green goes a long way

Green is the colour of hope. Green is soothing. This is one reason why plants improve the office environment. They also give a room a natural atmosphere, raising motivation. Moreover, green plants produce oxygen and play a valuable part in raising humidity.

But not every plant has the same effect: choose ones which need a lot of watering and still have a fast metabolism even in the winter. (A cactus does not help raise the humidity.) Your local florist's will be sure to help.

Let the sunshine in

Fresh air is important – but so is plenty of light. Don’t sit in the shade; it will make you feel depressed. Let as much natural light into your office as possible – but make sure it doesn’t dazzle you. Position your desk at right angles to the window so that you can glance out every now and then, but can still see if someone enters the room, and there are no reflections on your monitor.

Artificial light should be pleasant, not too bright. Soft, yellow light (full-spectrum lamps) is the gentlest on the eyes, as it comes closest to natural sunlight. Never just sit in the light of your desk lamp; keep the entire office well-lit so that your eyes do not constantly have to adjust from darkness to light. Indirect ceiling lighting is best, as it does not dazzle you.

Image source: Getty Images