c j pepper
a design consultancyThe Theory
We focus on two specific areas affecting a positive and productive workplace – the quality of the leadership and the condition of the built environment. Good leaders inspire, motivate, create and strive to succeed. They honor people and their physical and mental condition.
The Tools
Today, people are still the greatest drivers of business success even though the tendency is to put profits over people. We help realign the emphasis and focus through values and needs assessments, leadership education and workplace design.
The Design Connection
Our workplace design services are based on many of the principles of established by the International Well-Being Institute for health and well-being. Our principle areas of focus are: layout and design, air quality, workspace lighting, thermal comfort, acoustics.
. . . designing for health and well-being
The Challenge
The “sick building syndrome” is still not a “thing of the past”, but it should be. Today, more than ever, the prevalence of communicative infections, including the common cold, the flu, and now COVID-19, summon the critical need for responsive leadership around the health and wholeness of the work environment. To overlook or discount the conditions that impact building design and performance on workplace well-being is to ignore their effect on absenteeism and productivity.
The Solution
Most solutions can be addressed by making modifications to systems that impact indoor air quality, lighting and comfort. Modifications might include UV air treatment, indoor air quality monitoring, viral-resistant surfaces, self-sanitizing door handles and health monitoring systems, to name a few.
The Value
One way to determine the effectiveness of these workplace modifications is by calculating reductions in sick leave and attrition while discounting other benefits.
Indoor Air Quality
We breathe, on average, over 15,000 liters of air per day. Indoors, that air may consist of pollutants in the form of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), smoke, and off-gassing (a discharge of particulate matter from furniture, sealants, coatings, glues and other substances).
Premature deaths in US due to air pollution
Global deaths due to air pollution
The air we breathe has a significant impact on our health and well-being, short and long-term. Indoor air pollutants and poor environmental controls can contribute to headaches, fatigue, eye irritation and breathing difficulties. Needless to say, these are disruptive responses that affect focus and concentration and, ultimately, productivity and overall health.
The Fix
Involves ventilation and filtration design, VOC reduction, microbe and mold control, cleaning protocols and reduced exposure to hazardous materials.
Given that people spend much of their waking day indoors, insufficient illumination or improper lighting design can effect occupant mood, alertness and overall health. Ideal lighting involves proper exposure to diffuse daylight, careful design of windows and interior lighting.
The Fix
Current lighting codes and guidelines provide illuminance recommendations for different room types and typical activities per room
Lighting
Lighting impacts energy efficiency, thermal comfort, occupant productivity and well-being. It affects internal clocks that synchronize physiological functions, our circadian rhythms. Proper illumination can minimize disruption to the body’s circadian system, enhance productivity, support good sleep quality and provide appropriate visual acuity where needed.