To stand out in an increasingly competitive business world, corporations have started shifting their focus toward building an efficient and productive workplace. Even though it might sound counter intuitive to productivity, one of the ways companies can ensure top performance is by providing employees with a place to ‘rest’. Of course, rest does not have to literally mean lying down on the floor or dozing off on the desk for a power nap! At work, it essentially means a mental break from redundant work activity to refresh your brain and avoid burnout. If employees don’t take regular breaks, the constant pressure to perform can lead to stress, exhaustion, and a creative block in employees leading to redundant ideas. Office designers play a critical role in providing the right settings to support work and also offer a space for relaxation & recreation. Creativity & innovation requires both, convergent & divergent thinking where people could come together and also work in seclusion. To support these different work modes where employees could switch between work & rest, companies need to offer their employees a range of settings to work in.
Offering a true palette of posture in the office is conducive to employee wellbeing & creativity. Social areas form a critical part of modern workplace furniture mix. Social areas are instinctive spaces encouraging interactions that invite them to sit and create in ways that feel natural. Such interactions promote creative solutions and foster collaborations across teams and departments. They encourage postures that have a relaxed, casual feel. Interactions are bolstered by furniture that allows social areas to become communal through casual seating that support the natural movements of the body.
Here are 5 reasons why organisations should invest on developing social areas at their workplace.
1. Promotes social connections
Perhaps the most apparent characteristic of a social area is that it promotes team cohesion in the workplace. Through their accessibility and relaxed atmosphere, social areas make it easier for people to strike up conversations, and brainstorm together for solutions to shared problems giving them a stronger sense of belonging. The ‘Park Lounge’ is a perfect seating that supports shared or open spaces. It blends high-quality American steel production with the meticulous beauty of Danish craft.
You can view it here https://hni-india.com/product/park-lounge/
2. Promotes creative thinking
The classic Indian posture of sitting cross legged is actually stimulating for the brain to absorb ideas. Relaxed posture allows the mind to wander and imagination to run wild inviting insights and breakthroughs. Sitting relaxed allows our creative juices to flow and is good for our emotional and physical well-being. ‘Rock’ - the angled chair by HNI Allsteel is one such chair that is designed in a way to encourage playful working with its fun rocking motion. You can visit: https://hni-india.com/product/rock/. HNI India is a leading office chair manufacturer in India.
3. Supports new ways of working
With laptops and wireless connectivity, you are no longer confined to the length of the cable but can freely port your work anywhere. Social areas hence become important as they allow a workspace away from workspace, where work can be casual, creative and productive.
4. Encourages flexibility
Unlike the professional protocol involved in a meeting/conference room, a casual, light seating in the social area will make the space quickly accessible to any group for any purpose. The idea here is that this common space could be utilized by any office member or group making it a truly cohesive space. Take ‘Perch’ for instance. The settings it has, automatically creates friendly, open environments where everyone can easily socialize.
You can see more details here: https://hni-india.com/product/perch/
5. Attracts new resource and increases retention
Studies show that 93% of workers in the tech industry were more inclined to remain at a business that created spaces such as social areas or “recharge” rooms for their employees than those that do not. With the modern workplace promoting more remote working, businesses who are taking these extra steps to cater to their employees have the upper hand.
HNI India is one of the leading office furniture manufacturers in the country India and worldwide. To truly explore our range of online office furniture , you must visit the HNI India eStore to check out the lounge options available with us that would instantly transform your home into a sophisticated workplace. We recommend you the below handpicked seating options:
- 1. Surge: A high back with lavish seat depth and armrest, this chair personifies luxury. The sturdy wooden base and buttoned back adds glamour and character. Perfect as a bedroom chair or study room chair.
- 2. Kym: Classic, inviting, nostalgic and curved. With well-proportioned design, curved yet conical back, this chair is sure to give your room a contemporary flavour.
- 3. Forum: Forum’s sleek and smart modular design not only brings flexibility to your home office but also adds flair to your home. Use it as living room couch or as a bedroom chair, Forum is sure to gel in.
For more such options, visit the HNI India eStore today!