The importance of wellness design in the workplace has never been greater. Companies should think strategically about how to make their workplaces safer, healthier, and more exciting as people prepare to return to the office after more than two years of working from home.
Our workforce has been incredibly resourceful and adaptable to the work-at-home environment and setting up their home workplace during the epidemic. This command of work life, rather than the specific scenario or work mode, will endure long after the pandemic has passed. Choices and options that encourage health and wellness, as well as the locations inside the office that support them, can help to sustain this action.
Workplace modernization offers a one-of-a-kind chance to include health and well-being into the daily work experience and elevate its importance in your workforce strategy. It can be a combination of environment and policy that allows employees to thrive both physically and mentally, benefiting the company's overall goals and success.
So, how can we utilize design to alleviate our anxieties and phobias about germs and crowds and instill a sense of peace and security instead? Here are a few essential design concepts for creating a completely inclusive and friendly workplace that prioritizes wellness:
For mental wellbeing
Spaces designed for physical activities are not new in offices but now, more companies are considering mental wellness of employees. Employees' rest and recovery needs are increasingly being accommodated via policies and working flexibility. As a result, we're seeing more requests for yoga and meditation rooms, as well as other designated quiet spaces.
Light therapy
LED light fixtures can eliminate microorganisms, sanitize surfaces, and boost immunity in the workplace. Indoor lighting with automatic controls for changing lighting levels and color temperatures is also beneficial (cooler tone like blue and white lights help with concentration, while warmer tones like yellow or orange promote relaxation).
Bringing Outdoors In
From green walls and potted plants to corporate gardens and outdoor offices, forward-thinking companies are adopting biophilic design with natural and circadian lighting, natural ventilation, views of nature, and plant life. It also produces a relaxing and stimulating environment that helps to relieve stress and boost creativity. Employees who have been accustomed to working from home may benefit from biophilic elements like these as they transition back to the office!
Acoustic control
Noise is the biggest hindrance for productivity in offices, particularly those with an open layout. Noise is an underappreciated issue that can harm one's health and impair one's ability to perform. Sound-masking systems, carpets, furniture, and ceilings are all meant to absorb sound, keep discussions quiet, and create a productive work atmosphere.
Designed for movement
Movement is essential for your overall health. Standing for half an hour at work each day can help lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and stress levels. This is especially beneficial for individuals who have a weak back or suffer from poor posture. Standing meetings are also becoming more popular as a productive method of cooperation. A flexible workplace layout encourages mobility and engagement throughout the day.
The power of choice
Modern workplaces will also provide a variety of work environments, allowing workers to pick where and how they work. This offers both casual areas for teams to communicate in a secure, socially separated environment and private rooms for individuals to focus and work quietly. Traditional desks will continue to exist, but they will no longer be an employee's only option for working. Providing the power of choice to the people has a multitude of psychological and emotional benefits.
Socialization
One of the most important aspects of well-being is social connectedness. Workplaces that encourage employee interaction build better teams and foster a feeling of community. Employees can have a true feeling of belonging in a well-designed workplace that reflects the business brand and offers opportunities for social interaction. This in-between interaction between individuals is a beneficial development that adds to their overall happiness.
