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What is the purpose of the office?
To have or not to have, a physical office space – might be the question many companies ask themselves these days. Our flexible and digital way of working during the past year has changed the way we perceive what can pass as a work space. But, post-pandemic, what is really the purpose of a physical office space?
One thing many of us might have lacked this past isolated year, is the culture of a workplace. Even though many of our digital solutions helps us get the job done, it is hard to recreate the dynamics of teamwork and togetherness via the screen. In many positions it has also been difficult to be creative, while sharing a blank document in Teams. That is where the natural waterhole, the office space, is needed and terribly missed.
ENABLES CREATIVE COLLABORATIONS
Workspaces do not need to have unconventional design in order to spark creativity. Foosball tables and slides may look cool, but it is not vital for team creativity or productivity. A creative workplace increases the ability for collaboration, and promotes innovation. But it is really the people behind it that does the magic.
Warren Bennis, late professor at the University of Southern California, describes in his book “Organizing genius: The secrets of creative collaboration ” six creative, innovative incidents in the U.S. during the 20th century. They all took place in very different physical environments; an abandoned warehouse (Walt Disney), an underground bunker (the Manhattan project) and a garage (Hewlett and Packard). The common denominator was the team and the ability to work creatively together.
Another guru in the world of organizational creativity, is Teresa Amabile’s , professor and director of research at Harvard Business School. She states in an interview :
“My research has found that people often do come up with creative ideas and solve complex problems collaboratively by working with other people, and by having their ideas sparked by other people. That is more likely to happen when people are in environments where they run into each other fairly frequently during the workday and in circumstances where they can stand or sit and talk to each other.”
PHYSICAL PAIN AND POSTURE
Another important aspect, that might not have been top of mind for many of us pre-pandemic, is the ergonomics of the workspace. But after spending almost a year at the kitchen table on a wooden chair, our bodies truly feel the difference. In Sweden, sick leave due to physical and mental ailments has increased sharply throughout the beginning of autumn 2020 (according to corporate health company Previa). A serious development for the work environment that does not seem to stop.
The importance of the right ergonomics in the workplace is something interior design and furniture manufacturing company Kinnarps has known for a long time. For nearly 80 years they have created sustainable interior design solutions bearing ergonomics in mind.
– We think it is important to talk about the whole when it comes to ergonomics, both physically and pschycologically says Henrik Axell, Workplace strategist at Kinnarps. There are many different parts that affect how people feel and perform in the office and it’s important to look at the complete experience of a space. A big challenge is to build in movement, since many of us who work in the office sit for many hours every day - which has a clear negative effect on our health. Another important aspect is acoustics. In an office, there should be room for both pulse and silent focus. Both are needed to create an environment that invites collaboration, creativity and innovation as well as concentration, focus and efficiency.
By creating different zones and places for different activities that are needed in the specific office, you can create a dynamic workplace where people can choose environments according to what they are going to do. A well thought out and planned interior design solution which is designed according to mapped needs and work patterns creates the best prerequisites for the employees to feel well, thrive and perform their work in an optimal way.
"By creating different zones and places for different activities that are needed in the specific office, you can create a dynamic workplace where people can choose environments according to what they are going to do." Henrik Axell, Workplace strategist, Kinnarps
And when you have the right interior design, you also need the right light. But what is the “right” light?
– The "right light" is utterly individual, says Maja Salinder, Customer Experience Developer at Fagerhults Belysning. For me, ergonomic light is about being able to decide over my own light. It must of course be glare-free and comfortable, but above all, I want to be able to decide over my own light for my workspace. Being able to adjust the direction of the light, its colour temperature and the light level is real light ergonomics for me. This flexibiliyty of light, combined with the ergonomics that Henrik describes, is what I would call a truly ergonomic workplace.
"Above all, lighting ergonomics for me is to be able to adjust and control the light as I choose. That's what it is there for - to meet my needs." Maja Salinder, Customer Experience Developer Fagerhult
FREE TIME, IS ME TIME
One important aspect of going to the office is also - coming home from the office. Having a clear distinction between work and free time is important, psychologically, to be able to recuperate and process. Studies suggests that the real secret to increased efficiency at work might actually lie in resting more . Mental breaks increase productivity, replenish attention, solidify memories and encourage creativity. And to be able to rest from work, it is a clear benefit if you do not have your “work desk” next to your plate of tacos in the kitchen.
Our brain is just like any other muscle in the body, and as such it needs rest to recover. When we rest, we have the time to reflect and review, giving you the opportunity to see work habits or structures that aren’t beneficial for you. A rest day is also a good time to celebrate your accomplishments and refresh your sense of purpose so that you return to work with renewed motivation to get things done.
So, in short, the workspace does not need to look like Googles headquarters (even if it seems like a pretty fun place to do your hours), as long as you have the possibility to randomly bump in to your co-workers by the coffee machine. And do not forget to switch the cell phone off on weekends, and let your brain reboot.
TEXT MARIA VÅRENIUS
PHOTO PATRIK SVEDBERG, LISELOTTE VAN DER MEIJS
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Lighting First Aid for the TikTok-generation
When lighting expert Shelley James realized how lockdown affects the wellbeing of kids and teenagers, she was shocked. Now she is joining forces with Fagerhult to improve the light health of the TikTok-generation. Nieces halo and amity are two of the most important people in Dr Shelley James’ life. ”They’re such an inspiration to me”, she laughs.With a PhD from the Royal College of Art and as an international expert on light and well-being (you might have seen her appearing on the award-winning BBC series ”Innovations that Changed the World” and on the webinar series the Neuroscience of Light) Shelley James has in-depth knowledge of how light affects our well-being through life. With her cheerful nieces around she has developed a deep commitment to improve the light health of teenagers. ”The adolescent brain is going through the most amazing process and it cannot be compared to the brain of a grown up. The connections between different parts of the brain are going through profound change, which is key to their health and happiness into adulthood and beyond. This, along with the rapid changes in their physical bodies, means that they need an hour more sleep than a ten year old”, Shelley James explains. ”In fact, the teenager’s circadian rhythm is running two hours late compared to an adult. That means that a 7am wake-up call for an adult feels like 5am for an adolescent. Might be good to know if you have teenagers around…” Img 1 ALARMING SITUATION This said, the access to daylight and high-quality artificial light at the right time of day – with the right colour and in the right amount – is crucial for the health of teenagers always. In times of lockdown Shelley James finds the situation alarming. Homeschooling has resulted in wrecked routines and young people spending their days in their rooms with drawn blinds in front of a computer screen. Many of them do not go outside for long periods, meaning they are not getting any daylight at all. ”When lockdown came, I saw how young people around me were living in dark rooms and working in weak flickering light on the kitchen table. I was shocked by how little they knew about how their bodies and minds were affected by this.” The common denominator between the rise in myopia, obesity, depression and learning difficulties among young people is the lack of good lighting, concludes Shelley James. ”We are already seeing problems with kids not getting enough sleep. When your body clock is not working properly it leads to struggles with obesity, mental health and concentration problems.” SIMPLE SOLUTIONS The good news is, that this can all be easily prevented, if only the teenagers themselves (and okay, their parents and teachers as well) had some basic lighting knowledge. It’s really simple, she says. ”Did you, for example, know that you don’t have to wear glasses just because your parents did? If you spend time outdoors, getting enough daylight when growing up, you can reduce the risk of ending up wearing glasses by up to 40 percent.” Another fun fact that teenagers would benefit from knowing is that you can actually boost your brain with 20 percent higher learning capacity – just by switching of lights and screens and go to bed at the proper hour. ”In 2021, lighting is quite different than in it used to be. I think it’s a wonderful thing that development in the electronics has reduced a lot of the flicker – and tunable light is opening the door to different light colours to improve our well-being”, says Shelley James. To take advantage of all opportunities offered, we have to raise the awareness among teenagers, their parents and scholars. And, maybe most important of all: we have to suggest practical solutions that are easy to understand and act upon. Img 2 THE BIRTH OF LUNA GOLIGHTLY Said and done. After teaming up with some of the leading researchers and manufacturers within the lighting field, Shelley James launched the Luna Project of which Fagerhult is a very proud sponsor. Her idea is to address teenagers directly, helping them to gain insights and take actions to improve their health and wellbeing. And of course she turned to beloved nieces Halo and Amity for advice. ”Teenagers are amazing, thoughtful, lively people with loads of intelligence. They easily absorb this kind of knowledge, but we have to understand that this is the TikTok-generation, and they do not respond to traditional tutorials. They do want information but they don’t want to feel like they are being ‘taught’”, she muses. Based on this insight ”Luna Golightly and the Fireflies” was born. Five short videos the fictional teenage girl Luna Golightly explains how young people can act ”light smart” in order to sleep better, prevent headache, improve their study results and even avoid wearing glasses. The videos are published on social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Of course, you can also find them at the Fagerhult website. Q Shelly INSPIRING KNOWLEDGE FOR ALL AGES The Luna Golightly videos are supplemented with interviews and tutorials with international scientists and lighting specialists explaining the facts behind the films, among others Henrik Clausen, director of Fagerhult Lighting Academy. ”This material works as an introduction to the subject for parents and teachers. The scientist interviews can also be used to introduce different topics and activities if you want to deepen the discussion when teaching or talking with your kids, explains Shelley James, admitting that Luna is a passion project of hers. ”As adults we are the guardians of these young minds – and they are growing up really fast! For all of us that are passionate about light and lighting I think this is a no-brainer. No matter if you’re a lighting specialist, a specifier or a buyer – first and foremost, we are all mothers and fathers, grandparents or uncles – and of course, aunts. It is time for us to remember who we are doing this for. Img 3 SOME FACTS ABOUT DR SHELLEY JAMES DR Shelley James is the founder of Age of Light Innovation.She holds a PhD from the Royal College of Art and is an international expert on light and well-being. Current clients include Glaxo Smithkline, The Royal Society of British Sculptors and Bristol University. She is a passionate advocate for public engagement with science. She is Associate Artist at King’s College London, has an ongoing Residency at the Bristol Eye Hospital and a Visiting Lectureship at the Royal College of Art.![Lifelong learning - a journey throughout life](https://www.fagerhult.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=540,quality=80,fit=crop,onerror=redirect/globalassets/global/_news/2020/lifelong-learning/library-header.jpg)
Lifelong learning - a journey throughout life
Lifelong learning concerns every individual’s opportunity – and responsibility – to continue developing and learning new things throughout life. However, how do we encourage lifelong learning once school is over? They say that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but current research disagrees. Research in lifelong learning has, for almost half a century, studied and examined learning throughout life. One researcher who’s studied the subject in greater detail is Professor Cecilia Bjursell of Jönköping University. – Lifelong learning is a holistic approach to education and learning which recognises learning in several different environments, Bjursell explains. The idea of lifelong learning is based on two principles: on the one hand that an individual continues learning throughout life, and on the other that learning doesn’t only take place within the bounds of formal education. Learning is just as likely to take place at work and in everyday life. School comprises extremely important preparation for lifelong learning. This is where we’re given the tools which enable us to continue our personal development in later life. Lifelong learning is also a hot topic internationally. Lifelong learning is included in the EU strategy for education and training until 2020, which “focuses on lifelong learning and mobility, the quality and efficiency of education, equality, and innovation”. The UN also underlines the importance of not neglecting our personal development. In 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a decision on 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in connection with its work on Agenda 2030. Goal 4 has a clear focus on education, wherein society shall “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”. Img 1 NEW TECHNOLOGY – NEW DEMANDS Historically, we have acquired our education at an early age, and we have then relied on that education throughout our working lives, perhaps with the odd course now and then. Today, we need to change this static view of learning. To develop, and remain a fully fledged member of contemporary society, we need to integrate continuous learning with everyday life. The technological developments seen in society drive our needs, and we need to update our skills to keep up. Consider, for example, learning how to use Zoom or a digital ID. We need to embrace new technologies and learn new things at all ages. – What’s new is that today lifelong learning is so clearly associated with higher education, says Bjursell. Interest in vocational courses is also increasing, a result of the increasing need for education across the board. Furthermore, research has shown that the higher your level of education, the easier it is to benefit from new courses. Q Cecilia EXAMPLES OF EVERYDAY LEARNING The school system already has processes and goals for pupils to follow and fulfil. Those of us who work, however, do not always have the same frames of reference to orient ourselves. Digitalisation and automation are changing all aspects of society in very noticeable ways. Almost all professions, regardless of industry, are undergoing rapid change – as are the expectations on skill sets. Parallel to this, we’re all living longer, and are expected to work longer. Unfortunately, the time we spend on skills development tends to decrease with age. How, then, are we to encourage lifelong learning? Is there anything we can do as individuals to enhance our personal development? You can start by reflecting on how you learn and embrace new knowledge. Is it, for example, by watching videos/tutorials, listening to lectures/podcasts or reading books? Once you’ve identified how you learn best, there are different methods for developing your learning, both at work and in life. You could start by learning about a subject you find interesting, and then build on that. Learning can take place anywhere, but first it must be enabled. – Mentoring and custom courses at the workplace are effective ways of encouraging learning at work, Bjursell explains. However, the person who is most knowledgeable about, say, LEDs, might not be best suited to be a mentor, although this is a skill which can be learned. We shouldn’t be blinkered and focus on just one skill – we need to see the entire breadth of skills which are needed. There’s a need to create an open learning environment at the company which can be developed. One thing you always need to keep in mind when planning a course is to adapt it to those who are taking it. Many of the participants might not have their own office or even their own email, they might have to take the course on their smartphone. Img 2 EXAMPLES OF LIFELONG LEARNING As with all development and change work, it’s a good idea to have both a plan and an objective. Write down what you want to learn, how you want to learn it and the aim of your new knowledge. Then, start on a small scale, expanding things as you go along. Examples of learning at work: GET A MENTORSomeone at your/another workplace who can reflect on the circumstances and events of your working life and profession. SHADOW A COLLEAGUE AT YOUR WORKPLACEAn easy way to learn more about other professions/other departments at your work, offering greater insight into the entire business. FEEDBACK FROM A COACH (COLLEAGUE/MANAGER)Ask one of your colleagues/managers for regular and honest feedback on your performance. JOB SWAP WITH ANOTHER WORKPLACESpeak to colleagues at other workplaces about the possibility of a job swap week. LEARNING IN THE RIGHT LIGHT Lighting and ergonomics are central to making a learning environment suited to everyone – from the very youngest at preschool, through the nearly 240,000 teachers at Swedish preschools, primary schools and secondary schools, to older students studying evening courses at university. All of them have their schools as a workplace, and they need to be able to adjust the lighting to best suit different learning situations. This includes, for example, being able to dim, control and change the colour temperature of the lighting, all of which aim to enhance and facilitate learning. 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