Do you live and work in a beautiful place? Do you think the charm of your surroundings make a difference to your quality of life? It seems enjoying your space is not only good for your mental wellbeing, but it also contributes to productivity!
An Instagram reel of a guest in the lovely La Motte summer gardens, enjoying her Friday morning “office” made me think about the importance of the space we operate in. The Cape Winelands is undoubtedly one of the most charming places to spend your life and make a living. We might get used to the beauty around us, but subconsciously the greenery, mountain backdrops, views and architecture do put us in a better state of mind. This doesn’t mean that Winelands life is all smooth sailing… The emails, the crises, and the challenges are all alive and well, but according to some interesting reading I found online, living and working in a beautiful space do contribute to both our mental and physical health.
“Beautifully designed spaces open up the way for people to feel engaged, included, and in a space that’s conducive to their feelings of health and positive sense of community.” (Read more) This effect on our mental well-being can result in a calmer attitude and have an effect on our overall health. This is something to consider when we plan our homes, but how about the environment at work? While brand image is often reflected in a company’s design and décor for guest experiences, the behind the scenes work environment does not necessarily reflect the same style. What is all this talk about beautiful working conditions and productivity?
“A positive office environment promotes focus and creativity, leading to increased productivity. When employees feel comfortable and motivated, they are more likely to produce high-quality work efficiently.” (Read more) Other than feeling more content at work and producing better results, a good office environment is also said to have an effect on attracting and retaining talent and it can even become a powerful recruitment tool. Such an office environment does not necessarily imply a laptop in a garden setting with good coffee. While writing a blog at a tiny table surrounded by bird song is a good idea, it might not be the best plan when you are working on your budget or finance sheets. Post Covid, working remotely has become a familiar concept, whether it is from home, the local coffee shop or even a more exotic location. But while this flexibility works well for some, the picture is quite different for those in a production environment or those who must be in the cellar to make wine. In such an environment, the beauty lies in layout, design and lighting ensuring a friendly and productive space. Providing a proper working environment is to the benefit of both the employee and employer. “By connecting individuals with workplaces that prioritize their well-being and growth, you’re forging paths to prosperity for both employees and organizations.” (Read more)
But what if you don’t live and work in what is considered to be a beautiful place? Luckily, natural beauty is not limited to the lush greens of summer vineyards. You can find it in the expanses of the Karoo or the sands of the Sahara. We all have our personal preferences, but regardless of what we deem beautiful, we can make sure that we enjoy the environment we operate in. Adding a human touch can complement natural beauty, but it can also change a dreary environment into something pleasant. With our current renovations, I’ve had a lot of interaction with designers, landscapers and architects. People who seem to effortlessly combine function and form. It is such an inspiration. You can, however, ensure a pleasant and productive environment without professional help if you just do the obvious – declutter, ensure proper lighting and choose colours that appeal to you. (Read more)
Appreciating something beautiful is good for us all – whether it is a glorious sunset or perhaps just a small gesture that you notice in passing. I think we should challenge ourselves to add beauty to our lives to ensure that we are comfortable and at ease in our surroundings and that we optimise on that positive effect for mind, body and productivity. Being mindful of beauty – perhaps this is one to keep for a New Year’s Resolution!
Featured image: Morning meeting at the La Motte Bakery. Architects, Malherbe Rust, were recently acknowledged for their “noteworthy contribution to architecture” in the considered and inspired amendments to La Motte’s Jonkershuis (1752) for the La Motte Artisanal Bakery and Garden Café. Read more.