Safe, healthy, productive and successful:
for all white-collar workers, this depends to a large extent on the design of the workplace in terms of ergonomics, acoustics and lighting. The topic is currently receiving a lot of attention and that’s a good thing! Because with the “right” workplace, you can specifically counteract stress and thus illness. Many people still think of large production halls or dangerous construction sites when they hear the term “occupational safety”. But even and especially in the office, long-term damage to health can occur – even though there is no hammering or sawing!
Satellite Office offers more than 5000 workstations in Germany and Switzerland. Anita Gödiker, CEO of Satellite Office, furnished every one of them herself. For over twenty years, workplace design has been “her” subject. Two years ago, it launched the pureSilent-Line – a line that takes occupational safety very seriously. Because only those who work “healthily” can be successful in the long term. The pureSilent-Line focuses on quiet workplaces created by sufficient space and sophisticated interior design. Acoustics also play a central role here. “It has to be quiet to work, says Anita Gödiker. Because only those who can concentrate can bring results”.
This is how you recognize an office that protects you and their work:
1. the size of the office: Legislation prescribes 8 -10 sq. m. per workstation for individual offices from one to six VDU workstations. In open-plan offices, with a floor area of 400 square meters or more, each person must even have 12-15 square meters available.
2. daylight: yes! Because daylight is much healthier than artificial light. Whether the light comes through windows, skylights, or translucent bricks, at least 2-4% of the light should come from natural sources. If the office does not have daylight, there must be access to a break room with daylight.
3. noise: noise pollution triggers stress! Therefore, the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends a value between 30-45 dB(A) – yes, depending on the type of desk work. This is much quieter than a normal call, which is 55 dB(A).
4. equipment: Of central importance here is the office chair. This must provide enough space, be adjustable in height, rotate and not bump anywhere. The upper edge of the screen should be at eye level or slightly below.
5. possibility of movement: Height-adjustable desks are ideal, because they allow you to change positions several times an hour, you can work sitting and standing. But enough space for short breaks are also absolutely recommended. Every walk counts into your own health.
Let’s close with a quote from the anti-hero of office work, Bernd Stromberg from the TV series of the same name: “Sometimes the best thing about my job is that the chair turns.” We hope this is NOT how you feel!
Stay healthy, take care of yourself!
