Drogas en la oficina

Drugs in the office

FM is a dealer who can, legally, help produce 4 of the substances that trigger happiness and enhance people’s emotions. This is done naturally and as part of the work process. Being aware of how these substances are produced can help us to justify why we do so or to account for making certain decisions.

Dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphin are the four best known “drugs” in this category. Let’s examine what effects they have and how we can activate them within the functions of the Facility Management department.

Dopamine

This neurotransmitter is present in various areas of the brain and is key to the organism’s motor functions. Dopamine is important in all nervous responses related to the expression of emotions. It also optimises behaviour and cognition as well as improving memory, concentration, learning and very importantly, our mood.

People have and produce different quantities of dopamine. One needs the right amount, since it is just as bad to have too little as too much. Music, yoga can both stimulate the production of this neurotransmitter, and FM can contribute by making rooms available for this purpose. Food also helps, especially food with antioxidants, so access to fruit and vegetables is a good practice. Nap pods, such as those provided by Facebook or Google, are another option, as sleep is a good way to increase levels of dopamine. Despite being harder to achieve, there are other activities that boost dopamine, such as setting goals, celebrating achievements and completing tasks. Discovering new things or indulging in a treat also have the same effect. Might FM be able to do something regarding the latter like offer free fruit on Fridays?

Oxytocin

Oxytocin is a hormone produced in the hypothalamus which exerts functions in the central nervous system modulating social, sentimental and parental behaviour. Also known as the love hormone, it plays a key role in many aspects of childbirth and naturally occurs both in men and women. It is released during social bonding and when trusting and generous relationships are formed. It significantly reduces anxiety and increases the pain threshold. It is reported to generate positive thoughts and improve social conduct.

Making physical and eye contact with other people triggers production of this hormone, hence remote working may result in deficiency. Oxytocin levels also increase through contact with animals, a fact Uber and Airbnb, which both have pet-friendly office policies, are well aware of. Exposure to nature produces the same effect, whether it is inside or outside one’s workspace. A simpler approach may be to use herbs such as rosemary, parsley, thyme, mint or dill to season food. Meditation also helps and can be encouraged by providing rooms for this purpose. Nevertheless. we are unable to give positive feedback or to listen to people, another two powerful ways to boost oxytocin levels.

Serotonin

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which modulates emotions and mood. It also regulates appetite and body temperature. It is a key component in mechanisms that control anxiety, fear, distress and aggression. Low levels may lead to depression. This hormone plays an important role in the formation and maintenance of bone structure and is implicated in maintaining healthy cardiovascular functions.

In order to produce serotonin, tryptophan (found in foods such as milk, eggs and pulses), omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and magnesium must all be present in the organism. Owing to the close correlation with the hypothalamus, exposure to sunlight plays a key role in the synthesis of serotonin. This aspect can undoubtedly be addressed by FM when designing and distributing workplaces. Other activities are related to charity and good deeds. These may not lie within the responsibility of the support department, but promoting benevolence can be beneficial for everyone. Remembering happy events and strengthening personal bonds, which might be achieved by fostering group work, are other triggers.

Endorphins

Endorphins are also neurotransmitters that act on receptors in our brain, which in turn function as powerful painkillers and stimulate pleasure and well-being. They are eliminated from the organism soon after they are produced, to ensure the body can detect alarm signals.

Playing sport, especially aerobic activities such as running, is regarded as the best way to increase endorphins. FM can help provide facilities such as showers or changing rooms to encourage the practice, and if you are Nike, you can even install your own running track in the office. Drinking good coffee may be another way to activate neurotransmitter receptors, and this can be triggered merely by its aroma. Believe it or not, some companies like Microsoft in Dublin have their own coffee roaster: they roast the coffee beans right next to the workplace, and now we understand one of the potential reasons. Endorphins are also released when we engage in pleasant things such as laughing, dancing, being with friends or performing our favourite hobbies; things we can’t always do in the workplace… or can we?

This post is not intended to be a scientific article. Due to the fact that research is ongoing, there are theories of what different hormones and neurotransmitters can do and discrepancies on how they are released. The purpose of this text is to highlight the key role of Facility Management and explain how it can influence happiness and well-being in a more tangible way.

share on your social networks

Do you want more information about what we do in Consultancy, Training and Research en Facility Management?

Hola, ¿cómo
podemos ayudarte?

Rellena el siguiente formulario y te enviaremos el reglamento interno y código ético:

Hello, ¿how
can we help you?

Participate in the Observatorio FM

You can choose between these 3 options to participate:





How to participate?

Collaborating with the Observatorio FM is a personal and voluntary decision, and there is no contractual obligation or economic retribution for it.

Any interested person can apply to participate as a leader of a new project, or apply as a collaborator in an existing one.

A technical committee will evaluate the subject matter of the proposed projects and the applications of the participants, deciding which ones are carried out and by whom.

Each person decides how much they want to dedicate, depending on their availability or type of project. The aim is for it to be an altruistic activity and not an additional workload.

What does it consist of?

To promote and publish studies that help professionals in the sector and to help others understand our profession and discipline.

The results and deliverables are shared openly, always acknowledging the contributions of all authors and contributors.

The Observatorio FM’s activity will respect the objectivity, ethics, rigour and good practices that govern our Research area.

Contributors have access to the best collaborative tools, sectoral information and contacts, as well as the assistance of expert consultants and researchers at international level.

Research

FM Observatory

FM Observatory is a platform which develops and disseminates Facility Management information. It’s accessible to all those who’d genuinely like to participate. Ethical use and objectivity are essential, and all results must be shared. You decide how long you devote to it and what you want to achieve.

You can participate as:

We will provide:

All contributions will be given credit in completed projects.

Research

Projects

We are part of the European research group and we work in international teams to develop different types of initiatives:

We also work for service providers who require support with decisions linked to:

Research

Standardisation

As accredited experts in the drafting processes of European and International standards on Asset and Facility Management, we are the perfect partner to assist you with:

FMHOUSE is the only Spanish-speaking consulting firm that participates in these processes.

Research

Publications

At FMHOUSE we think that progress made in Facility Management should be shared, so we strive to produce and publish the following material:

The “FM Observatory” is open, should you like to contribute with a publication.

Consultancy

Workplace

Our view of spaces or workplaces from a Facility Management perspective leads to a better understanding of such a need as a service, as it is essential to apply the same logic and methodology.

Generally we offer:

We apply our knowledge and experience to offices, learning spaces, shopping centres and the industrial environment.

Consultancy

Benchmarking

In order to make the right decisions, clear accurate market data as well as facts about the organisation itself is essential. In the Facility Management environment, this is even more critical due to the impact it has on business.

Examples of benchmarks:

These services are requested mainly by end users, but also by service providers.

Consultancy

Customer Experience

Facility Management’s overarching goal is customer satisfaction, whether they are internal or external. Understanding their feelings and needs is the key to offering a good service.

Our support is based on:

We strive to understand and get to know our clients’ customers, in all sectors and types of businesses.

Consultancy

Digital Transformation

The Facility Management world is experiencing a major transition to digital environments. We help our clients understand how it impacts them and assist them throughout the change.

Our areas of support are:

We operate as independent advisers, not as brand vendors.

We advise end-users and service providers.

Consultancy

Service Design

All kinds of companies need to define or improve the way in which it structures supporting activities provided by Facility Management.

Our main products are:

Our proposals are structured according to individual requirements.

We help end customers and also service providers.

In FMHOUSE, we use third party cookies to improve our services. If you continue with navigation, we will consider that you accept our terms of use y nuestra privacy policy y de cookies