Embrace the Hygge: How ‘Cozy’ Can Boost Your Organization

In the relentless pursuit of productivity, we tend to streamline our lives, and our offices with strict and muted color schemes and clean desk policies. This leads many organizations to overlook a powerful tool for boosting employee well-being. And for fostering a thriving work environment in general. Namely, coziness.

While it might seem counterintuitive and right out weird at first, there is method to this madness. By incorporating elements of the Danish concept of “hygge” or the Swedish “mys” into your organization you can experience its transformative, and verry Scandinavian, effects on your company culture.

So what is hygge? And why don’t you use the Swedish term (being a Swede)? Well, before explaining what it is I must first state that the Danes just do it better (sorry Sweden) and the term Hygge goes far beyond the meager concept of “mys” even if they are related.

Back to the subject.

Hygge is more than just a cozy aesthetics and some nice throw pillows, it’s a philosophy that focus on creating a sense of comfort, togetherness and general well-being.

Imagine a workplace that feels warm and inviting, where employees feel comfortable curling up with a cup of tea and a good book during breaks. Picture team meetings held around a crackling fireplace. Doesn’t it sound lovely? And completely absurd.

Hygge in the workplace is not about transplanting cozy settings into our place of work and effectively transforming them into log cabins with an endless supply of blankets and cups of hot chocolate.

It’s about creating warm and inviting environments that makes us feel at ease and cozy. Environments that are fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose by being social and giving employees room to get away from the hustle and bustle to recenter and realign themself.

The examples above are at first glance ludicrous but if we look at them again, we can find a way to adopt them into our offices. Creating warm and inviting workspaces is not that big of a hustle and allowing people to retreat to a reading nook or a nice armchair once in a while will surely help to release a lot of stress.

Meetings should, perhaps, not be held around a crackling fire but it does not have to be centered around a PowerPoint presentation either. Instead find new venues to meet and have the meeting or discussion over a cup of coffee in the break room or in the lobby.

These are just a few ways hygge can be translated into the corporate world.

So how exactly can embracing coziness benefit your organization?

First consider the impact on employee well-being. In today’s fast-paced world, stress and burnout are major concerns in all sectors. Hygge as a concept promote the creation of spaces where employees can de-stress and recharge, to relaxation and a general sense of calm.

This, in turn, leads to increased focus, creativity and overall happiness. And since happy employees are more productive employees this investment pays for itself.

Several studies have shown over the years that that a positive work environment leads to increased motivation, engagement, and productivity. And when employees feel comfortable and at ease, they’re more likely to go the extra mile and contribute their best work.

Furthermore, hygge foster a sense of community and belonging.

By creating a cozy and welcoming environment we encourage interaction and collaboration between colleagues and team meetings become less rigid and more conducive to open communication. This sense of togetherness strengthens the relationships within the team and leading to better teamwork and problem-solving as a group.

Here’s how you can start incorporating hygge into your organization.

Firstly, create a warm and inviting space! Think soft lighting, comfortable furniture and why not add a splash of color and forgo the bleak corporate color scheme. Invest in ergonomic chairs and desks that prioritize comfort. Consider adding plants, artwork and personal touches that reflect your company culture. And don’t declutter all spaces. Just the right amount gives the spaces some added charm and character.

Next up, embrace the power of breaks. Encourage all employees to take regular breaks to recharge. Designate a comfortable break room with cozy seating, board games or a reading nook. Offer complimentary tea, coffee and healthy snacks. The later part is well adopted tradition in every office in Sweden, but the first part is still lacking for most.

Celebrate Togetherness. Host team lunches or potlucks where employees can be allowed to connect outside of work. Organize casual after-work gatherings with board games or movie nights and celebrate birthdays and milestones. All these activities bring people closer together and helps fostering a sense of community.

Focus on Small Details. It’s the little things that makes all the difference. Offer cozy blankets or throws for employees to keep at their desks or supply foldable laptop tables to let people for from the comfort of a couch. Invest in noise-canceling headphones for those who need to focus. Play calming music in common areas. These small touches can make a big difference in creating a sense of comfort.

Hygge isn’t about turning your office into a permanent slumber party. It’s about striking a balance between productivity and well-being.

By creating a comfortable and welcoming environment you’re investing in your employees’ happiness and overall success. Remember, happy employees are more productive, creative and engaged. Leading to a more successful organization in the long run.

So, embrace the hygge. Light some candles, brew some tea and watch your organization thrive in the warm glow of coziness.