What is Wellbeing at Work?

Workplace well-being can significantly impact employees' physical, mental, and emotional health. A well-designed office environment can improve employee well-being by providing access to natural light, ergonomic furniture, and creating spaces that support focused and collaborative work. Careful office design can play a significant role in shaping overall employee well-being, from providing access to natural light and ergonomic furniture to creating flexible spaces that encourage movement and social interaction.

Workplace well-being has become a crucial part of core business strategies, particularly as companies seek to increase employee productivity and satisfaction through effective office design. The focus has shifted from simply providing a place to work to creating an environment that fosters health, comfort, and efficiency.

Once considered a passing trend, workplace well-being has become crucial, especially with the rise of hybrid work post-COVID. As employees divide their time between home and the office, creating a balanced and healthy workspace is crucial for maintaining morale and productivity.

Wellbeing in the office has both monetary and human value. Research by Mind found that 70% of employees experience poor mental health at some point in their lives; yet for every £1 invested in workplace mental health, there is a return of £5.30. This underscores the importance of prioritizing mental health in the office environment.

While the benefits of investing in mental health are clear, challenges remain. A recent report revealed that 76% of employees experience symptoms of burnout, with stress-related absenteeism increasing by 37%. However, numerous studies show that focusing on workplace well-being improves productivity, morale, and staff retention while reducing sick days.

Five key domains contribute to employee well-being: health, a positive work environment, values and principles, collective/social aspects, and personal growth. Each can be carefully integrated into the office design and development process.

1. Health (Physical and Mental Well-being)
Workplace health encompasses both physical safety and mental well-being. Office design should incorporate ergonomic solutions, such as adjustable desks and chairs with proper lumbar support. Sit-to-stand desks not only reduce physical discomfort but also encourage movement throughout the day. Providing a quiet area or fitness room can help with stress management and mental health, offering employees a private space to relax.

2. Good Working Environment
A good work environment is characterized by ergonomically designed spaces that foster an open and inclusive culture. Office layout and furniture selection should contribute to employee comfort and productivity. Examples include breakout areas with comfortable seating that encourages collaboration and workstations that cater to a variety of work styles—such as shared desks for those who prefer interaction and private spaces for focused, individual work. By incorporating elements such as natural lighting, biophilic design (e.g., adding plants), and high-quality air conditioning, companies can create spaces that actively support employee well-being.

3. Values and Principles
An organization's values are reflected in its commitment to health and well-being. Office design can play a crucial role in demonstrating organizational values, such as inclusion and diversity. For example, designing spaces that are accessible to people with disabilities demonstrates a clear dedication to inclusivity. Selecting furniture, such as wheelchair-friendly desks or adjustable-height collaboration tables, helps promote a welcoming and adaptable workplace. Including gender-neutral restrooms and prayer rooms can also reflect an organization's principles of promoting diversity and respect.

4. Collective and Social Welfare
Spaces that support social interaction and collective well-being are key to promoting an open and emotionally supportive culture. This is reflected in the design of shared spaces such as open lounges, cafeteria areas, and brainstorming centers that make it easy for people to connect. Furniture can also encourage this interaction—modular sofas or flexible seating arrangements allow groups to gather for informal meetings or simply socialize. A well-designed office encourages spontaneous interaction, which can lead to greater innovation, team learning, and emotional support among colleagues.

5. Good Life and Personal Growth
Personal growth is integral to well-being, and a well-designed office can support this by providing opportunities for learning and development. This can be achieved by creating spaces that double as training areas—such as multipurpose rooms equipped with digital whiteboards and flexible furniture that can be adapted for workshops or learning sessions. Having quiet, private areas is also beneficial for personal study or focused work, allowing employees to engage in activities that contribute to their personal development.

Each component plays a crucial role in creating a positive work environment. Employers who focus on these areas tend to see improvements in employee well-being and overall business performance. Furthermore, the CIPD highlights that poor mental health remains a significant challenge, with presenteeism (working while unwell) and leaveism (using time off to work) becoming increasingly common issues. Designing offices with well-being in mind, from supportive furniture to thoughtfully crafted social spaces, can help mitigate these challenges, ensuring that employees feel supported both mentally and physically.

Designing a Workplace that Prioritizes Well-Being

Designing for workplace well-being isn't just an aesthetic thought; it involves careful planning. It's about creating an environment that supports physical, mental, and emotional health, ultimately leading to increased productivity and employee satisfaction. The following section explores strategies that can enhance well-being through thoughtful office design.

1. Choice is the Key
The traditional model of spending eight hours at a dedicated desk is becoming outdated. Modern office design prioritizes a variety of work settings, allowing employees to choose where and how they want to work. These spaces include breakout areas for informal meetings, private areas for focused work, and phone booths for confidential calls.

According to a study by Gensler, providing a variety of work arrangements empowers employees, fostering a sense of autonomy that contributes to mental health and productivity.

While desks are still important, they are no longer the only workspace option. This flexibility not only improves mental well-being by offering autonomy, but also encourages movement and reduces sedentary behavior—a key component of workplace well-being.

2. Implement Sit-Stand Workstations and Standing Meetings
Increased movement is crucial for well-being. Many workplaces now offer sit-stand desks, allowing employees to switch between sitting and standing throughout the day. A few years ago, this solution was expensive, but now it's accessible to all budgets.

Research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that sit-stand workstations encourage movement throughout the day, which has been shown to reduce the risk of health problems and improve employee well-being.

Standing meetings are also gaining popularity as a healthier and more efficient form of collaboration. Office designers often include high-rise workstations to facilitate these meetings.

Standing for 30 minutes every day can significantly improve physical and mental health by reducing blood pressure, cholesterol, and stress levels. We discuss this further in our article on the Rise of Sit-Stand Desks.

3. Let There Be Light
Lighting plays a crucial role in workplace well-being. While natural light is ideal, a well-thought-out lighting strategy is also crucial for different types of activities. For example, a workspace requires around 300 lux, while breakout areas can be lower, at 150-200 lux. Careful lighting design can improve mood, productivity, and overall well-being.

4. Use Color Wisely
Color has a powerful impact on mood. For example, blue and green can create a sense of calm, while bright colors like red and yellow can instill energy. Modern office designs often use bold color palettes, a departure from the subdued hues of the past. Research shows that the right use of color in office design can significantly impact employee mood and performance.

Color can be introduced through furniture, graphics, or even carpeting. Work with your design team to create a color palette that suits your brand and space—don't be afraid to go bold!

5. Bring Nature into the Workplace
We are naturally drawn to nature, and Biophilic Design brings the outdoors into the office. Incorporating natural elements such as plants, natural materials, and greenery can significantly improve well-being by enhancing mood, concentration, and productivity.

The Human Spaces report found that bringing nature into the workplace is an effective way to improve mental health and productivity.

Consider using features like living walls, outdoor views, or natural finishes like wood. Our team has also written a detailed article on Biophilic Office Design, which explores these ideas in more depth.

6. Encourage Physical Activity
Today, more and more companies are providing bicycle storage, changing rooms, and restroom facilities to support an active lifestyle. Providing amenities that facilitate cycling or exercising during lunch can have a significant positive impact on employee well-being.

According to the World Health Organization, encouraging physical activity in the workplace, such as providing bicycle storage or fitness facilities, can have a significant positive impact on employee well-being.

Additionally, adding fun elements such as table tennis or yoga sessions can help employees relax and recharge, ensuring they stay fresh and motivated throughout the day.

7. Flexible Working Hours and Remote Work Options
Providing flexible work hours and remote work options improves work-life balance, reduces stress, and increases employee satisfaction. Hybrid workspaces and the right technology can help facilitate this flexibility, giving employees more control over their schedules and well-being.

A survey by FlexJobs found that providing flexibility in working hours and location allows employees to better balance their work and personal lives, reduces stress, and improves overall well-being.

8. Promote Mental Health Awareness and Support
Mental health resources such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), counseling services, and stress management workshops are crucial for promoting workplace well-being. Creating an environment where mental health is openly discussed can lead to better outcomes for employees and the organization as a whole.

9. Apply Art in the Workplace
Art is no longer just a luxury for large companies—it's a powerful tool for boosting creativity and employee satisfaction. Incorporating art into the workplace can range from traditional framed pieces to murals and graffiti, and there are now options to suit all budgets.

Research by the Business Committee for the Arts found that art can also boost creativity and foster a sense of belonging, making it a valuable addition to office design. It's also been shown that art can increase productivity by up to 32%.

Research shows that artwork contributes to a positive work environment, resulting in happier and more engaged employees. Art has become an essential part of office design, supporting creativity and well-being. Investing in artwork certainly requires a high cost. If your office requires artwork that can be rented and exchanged at any time, OSCAR LIVING now offers artwork rentals to complement your office design.

10. Nutrition and Healthy Eating Initiatives
The role of nutrition in workplace well-being is often overlooked. Providing healthy snacks, hosting wellness discussions about nutrition, or partnering with local vendors to offer discounts on nutritious foods can have a positive impact on employees' energy levels and overall health.

According to a study by the British Journal of Health Psychology, providing access to nutritious snacks and promoting healthy eating can directly contribute to well-being in the workplace.

11. Social Connectivity and Team Engagement
Encouraging team-building activities, social events, and informal spaces for interaction can foster a sense of community in the workplace. Social well-being is an important aspect of overall well-being, helping employees feel more connected and supported.

12. Ergonomic Design Elements
Ergonomic office furniture, such as adjustable chairs, desks, and monitor arms, helps prevent physical strain and increases comfort. An ergonomic workspace reduces the risk of musculoskeletal problems and supports long-term employee health.

To meet your ergonomic office furniture needs, you can contact Oscar Living, an office furniture supply center that provides various types of office chairs, director chairs, manager chairs, meeting tables, and even safes, safes, multi-purpose tables, etc.

Source: K2 Space

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