To guard against too much stress, workers should be aware there are different ways they can de-stress their workspace. To ensure a healthy work environment, workers must learn how to handle the distractions that can keep them from doing their job and know how to maximize their workspace potential. Cindy Mohr, assistant professor of clothing, textiles and interior design at K-State, said there are various ways design comes into play to reduce stress at work. What color a workspace is, the type of artificial light used and the flexibility of office furniture all play a part in making up a good work environment. From a design aspect, she said, soft or neutral colors should be used inside work stations as opposed to bright colors.
Artificial light is another important aspect.
For years, she said, the consensus was to light all corners of the office, something that is not always necessary. Mohr said one of the biggest improvements came about in the 1970s and 1980s with the introduction of systems furniture. Commercial designers have replaced the traditional work desk with workspaces that are more flexible for companies and their workers. Office chairs and desks now come with adjustable work surfaces. This is due in part to the emergence in recent years of repetitive stress injuries.