Here's how organisations today are striving to make their work atmosphere a little less hectic and a lot more engaging.

The typical nine-to-five schedule in offices can be quite unnerving and exhausting for the employees. Even though they are being paid for it, the hectic time-table adversely affects one's concentration and hinders the employee from giving his/her hundred per cent during office hours. As a result, many companies are striving today to provide a more relaxing atmosphere at the workplace so as to aid employees in retaining their energy and providing maximum productivity. For the smooth functioning of any office, it is essential that every employee stays awake and alert at all times.

Namit Bajoria, director, Kutchina, elaborates on the adverse effects of the exhausting schedule, "To many who don't possess the skills to work under challenging conditions, life can get really miserable in office, adversely affecting one's concentration levels, thus resulting in mental fatigue. In such a scenario, people tend to lose focus of their professional objectives. A healthy work atmosphere is essential to maintain the output levels of employees."

But what are the factors that make jobs so tiring and what can employees do to fight these factors? Sarat Binani, MD, Himalaya Optical, answers, "Habits like staying up late the previous night, consuming alcohol, or mental stress in the personal life in addition to work pressure can make the workplace tiring. Moreover, not sharing a good rapport with one's boss or colleagues can cause mental strain, which adds to the weariness of the employee. Tiredness and monotony at work can be handled with a little effective thinking and by implementing small ways of recuperating one's self. Some of the ideas are:

1) Practice deep breathing to relax the mind and body;

2) Take brief tea/coffee breaks over little chit-chat;

3) Take a small walk; use the staircase to maintain sufficient body movement throughout the day;

4) Music can be another important way of relaxing the mind;

5) Most importantly, maintain a positive approach towards work and colleagues. It is the key to a positive environment at the workplace.

Harinder Singh, head strategic and HR, Vigneshwara Developers Pvt. Ltd., tells us what companies can do to help their employees in their efforts, "The obvious solution to this problem is planning around the mental energy cycle by breaking the work day into multiple segments. The traditional office setting doesn't accommodate this because there are a few available recharge activities. Some companies have tried to make the work environment more accommodating by offering meals, fitness centers, and special areas for relaxation. Although these amenities are certainly an improvement, they're expensive for employers and only partially satisfy employees."

When an employee becomes mentally fatigued, they can go off the clock and engage in recharge activities that are personally productive like exercise or relaxation. When the energy returns, the employee can start working again at a high level, effectively cutting out the low productivity period of the cycle. Employers don't pay for unproductive time and employees get to work in a more natural pattern that adjusts to their personal lives.

By following the above tips and solutions, employees can certainly note a positive difference in their working efficiency and work in a better manner.

- Palak Bhatia