Your Office is a Hostile Environment
NYT – Americans spend over 90 percent of their lives indoors. Until recently, little was known about how this was impacting us. But evidence is now mounting that we are paying a physiological price for spending all those hours cooped up unnaturally within four walls. Levels of the stress hormone cortisol tend to be higher in enclosed spaces like office cubicles that are artificially lit and deprived of outside views. Poor ventilation — which is common in many older office buildings — raises the levels of carbon dioxide, which studies have shown can impair cognitive performance and dampen mood.
If companies want the most out of their employees they should ditch the whole office space dog and pony show. We’ve tested putting people in poorly ventilated rooms for long periods of times, I’m not gonna say its the worst idea out there but closed doors, artificial light and carbon dioxide isn’t something someone with a blank canvas would draw up as an ideal working environment. It sorta evolved naturally into one extreme and I say lets experience the other extreme before we go with a plan that sits somewhere in the middle. What is the other extreme you may ask? The Rain Forests, Mountainside’s , Pine Barrens and Oceans (I left Deserts and Frozen Tundra out for now, more research is needed). Productivity will be sky rocketing! Everyone would have their own tree to work under, the local water source would be the kitchen and lunch would need to be hunted & gathered every day (thus promoting exercise), If you want to eat then you’ll partake. Meetings will be held around the bonfire and all ideas will be voted on and decided in tribal fashion (like Survivor), bad ones burnt on the spot. Everything’s wireless these days so I estimate about 90% of industries will be able to partake. Companies will reap the benefits of decreased office space cost and increased production from the workforce. And just like that I’ve solved : employee motivation, cost reduction, increased employee productivity, increased health, Happiness and Global Warming. Wheres the line for the Nobel Peace Prize? Or does the Invite just come in the mail? Either way works for me.
Ideas aside, all fingers are beginning to point to the modern workplace being a succulent of productivity and positive vibes. Americans spend 90% of their lives inside, I’m not quite sure that’s how it was drawn up in the playbook. Yes, shelter is critical to our safety, well being and extends our life expectancy but so is going outside and playing in some dirt. Lets do what we always do when we need to figure things out: lean on our little cheese loving friends for some answers:
Studies on mice show that the microbiome of a wild mouse is more likely to survive a viral infection when compared to mice raised in a lab. These “wild” mice have proven that living in the elements actually creates a stronger resistance to disease and illness. They have developed a more diverse community of gut bacteria and stronger immune system setting them up for success when adversity hit. Like rodent like human, the more exposure the the elements(nature) we allow ourselves to the better equipped to defend against macrobiotic intruders.
Yep, getting outside and exposing ourselves to the elements will build the immune system and help our bodies operate at a more optimal level. So we’ve looked at both extremes: Office Life Today vs. Remote Primal Outdoor Offices. The middle ground is creating a workplace that has proper ventilation, more natural light and plants throughout. That’s exactly what architects at companies like CookFox are designing, not only will they have a greener eco-footprint but provide a more optimal workplace environment:
“Entering the offices of CookFox architects in Manhattan, you can almost leave the city behind. The horseshoe-shaped work pods are plant-fringed havens, warmly lit by the late afternoon light. Terraces on three sides of the office are planted with native trees, vines and grasses and replete with bee apiaries that are tended by the employees, who are encouraged to work outdoors in season.”
There’s only upside here, Win-Win-Win for all. It matters a whole lot more then you may imagine, in the meantime (before every office has this type of setup) make time to take 15-20 minute’s outside whenever you can. Being cooped up inside all day is not healthy, I know it happens, I’ve been there. Think about what meetings can you can take in motion – walk and talk, get outside, breathe fresh air. You’ll notice the difference and your body will to.
