GHP December 2015

ghp December 2015 | 11 health & social care Why employees need a special space away from the desk to restore psyche Over time there has been a growing appetite for a space other the work desk. Recent research has found that UK adults spending almost an entire day a week of their working life online, this kind of work life can have detrimental effects on a workforce. In order to keep staff invigorated and boost collaboration, business leaders in the pharmaceutical industry need to create more break-out spaces.. The figures show, as according to the latest Office of National Statistics (ONS), the average adult spends more than 20 hours online a week, which includes time spent on the internet at work. Therefore, break- out spaces are vital way for businesses to help give staff a rest from the glare of their computer screen. These areas can be described simply as a separate space, away from the normal work arena, where you can relax, eat, brainstorm, or even hold meetings. A break from the computer screen is not to be underes- timated; it comes with many benefits such as helping firms comply with health and safety rules. Firms may be under the impression that such spaces are a luxury which they cannot afford. However, deci- sion makers must consider the benefits and positive impact on the culture of the office before ruling out creating such an area. Forward-thinking pharmaceutical companies were quick to realise the importance of creating break-out spaces in the office. To some businesses however, it may seem like a fad and ‘agility’ and ‘flexible working’ are interpreted as just industry buzz words. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Organisations are increasingly seeing the huge benefit these spaces can yield. It improves employee engagement and over satisfaction by giving a space for staff to discuss the business with one another comfortably, creating better cross-functional relations and partnerships. By embracing technology, decision makers can now simply use data to re-arrange their workspace. Having tangible data means that firms can make full use of their office space, which is vital when real estate is so costly. But having data goes further, it gives business- es the power and information to drive change in their workplace, efficiently and effectively. Creating well-planned and well- thought out breakout spaces can make it easier for staff to work together, which in turn drives collaboration. The connectivity which these areas create, through innovative technol- ogy, also means that that a more engaged workforce is created, helping them pull together as a team towards business goals. Debra Ward, Managing Director for EMEA at Condeco Software