Workplace Quiet Spaces
What is a space for regeneration?
- A space for regeneration is a room where employees can 'de-stress' and re-energize themselves and return to work more productive.
- It is a place to think and reflect, to replenish when stressed or exhausted, to regroup and pause when feeling overwhelmed.
- It is a quiet space where one can take a break from noise, distractions and technology.
Some workplaces call this room a quiet space, a calm oasis, a sanctuary, or a retreat. It could be a place to read or use headphones for inspiration or relaxation before returning to work. At times it may be a place for meditation/prayer, or a safe place to grieve. This room could also be a place where an employee could take a break if they are not feeling well.
A space for regeneration is energetically quiet, which means it is appropriately lit, appropriately decorated and free from clutter.
Benefits to Employer
- More productive and higher functioning workforce - more focused, higher energy, clearer thinking, more creative
- Lower sickness/down time
- Higher employee retention
- Save thousands of dollars in management and training
- Be seen as a progressive and innovative employer
- Higher caliber customer experience
- work more effectively, able to sustain focus and energy
- are capable of being more patient and compassionate with frustrated callers, and problem solve more creatively and efficiently
- Benefits for employees are benefits for the employer: A win-win situation
Benefits to Employee
- Lower stress levels;
- Work more effectively, able to sustain focus and energy
- More patient and compassionate with frustrated callers
- Problem solve more creatively and efficiently
- More calming and creative space to work
- Higher level of job satisfaction
- Personalized support for individual's needs
- Feel valued as a person
- no longer have to openly vent tears and frustration in the washroom and suffer the embarrassment of others
- no longer have to escape to their vehicle for a private moment
- no longer leave work early because there is no where to lie down when one is hit by a migraine or overwhelmed by stress
Employer investment
The employer will need to provide the following:
- A tour to familiarize Grace with the workplace. GRACE will include a free one-hour consultation in her initial visit to explore possibilities for the placement of a quiet space.
- Someone on site to champion this project and oversee the use of the room, perhaps someone in Human Relations or Occupational Health and Safety. Initially they may need to distribute information to make employees aware of the space and encourage them to report on their experience.
- GRACE'S fee; Grace has an hourly consultation fee as well as a package fee for designing, sourcing all materials, overseeing the creation of the room as well as limited ongoing management depending on your location. GRACE'S hourly fee is $90. /hour plus HST. Travel is extra, @. 35/km, depending on the site location. Package fee to be discussed.
- Décor: the cost and extent of preparations will vary depending on the current use and condition of the space. The actual completed quiet space is simple, and the cost modest depending on the particular environment and budget. The space may require adjustments to wall colour, lighting, window treatment and flooring. The room should have good air quality. Furnishings could be as simple as an area rug with large and small cushions. In other cases a couch and/or relaxing chairs are preferable.
- Extras: Contemplative tools can encourage an even greater depth of relaxation and renewal: For example: inspirational art, a Tibetan singing bowl, a fountain, motivational books/cards and a hardwired CD player with headphones for relaxation or visualization exercises.