Office design important for keeping workers healthy (Denver)

With cutbacks and downsizing putting more demands on workers, experts say companies shouldn’t skimp when it comes to providing a healthy office environment.

They also believe that such amenities as providing purified water, natural lighting, clean air, personalized work spaces and ergonomics will boost productivity.

“As the economy has taken a tumble, employers have reduced their number of employees to just a critical number,” said Craig Halpern, a certified professional ergonomist and a consultant for IMA Financial Group in Denver. “Now is the time to put some extra effort to make sure employees don’t get hurt.”

Recognizing the benefits of a healthy office far outweigh the cost of doing things right, according to Jamie Pedler, managing principal of Slaterpaull Architects in Denver.

“If you have a healthy work environment, there will be less sick days, less going home early because you have a headache from the acoustics or fluorescent lights, and ultimately, the turnover goes down,” he said.

Read the full article in the Denver Business Journal.