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How the Scandinavian trend 'hygge' can lower depression and make employees happy
With the average working week in the UK reaching 43.5 hours, we spend most of our time at the office. Given that a third of us Brits dislike our workplace, its no wonder that absenteeism is rising. In stark contrast, Scandinavian countries are often found in the top spot on World Happiness Reports and this is in no small part due to their ethos of hygge.
This philosophy is one of comfort and cosiness and is reflected throughout the Danish interior design through the use of neutral colours and lush greenery. It focuses on embracing cosiness and humans innate need for a sanctuary and connection with their surroundings. This aesthetic is not only limited to homes, it can have significant psychological benefits at work, including allowing employees to feel they have control over their environment and encouraging a creative and thoughtful atmosphere.
Natural elements are a brilliant way to add hygge to the workplace, not only is it very trendy to have parts of the building embellished with plants or installing living walls, it has been proven that including greenery can increase morale and productivity in a workplace environment. Foliage is instantly visually pleasing to visitors and gives the impression of an environmentally conscious business. Furthermore, research has found that an abundance of planting can result in lowered levels of fatigue and anxiety by up to 37% and reduce depression by as much as 58%.
