How can you design a commercial space that promotes employee well-being?

1 The benefits of well-being

Why should you care about employee well-being in the first place? Well, besides the ethical and moral reasons, there are also clear business benefits to investing in a work culture and space that values well-being. According to various studies and surveys, employee well-being is linked to higher productivity, engagement, creativity, loyalty, and retention. It also reduces absenteeism, turnover, stress, and health care costs. In other words, well-being is good for your people and your bottom line.

2 The elements of well-being

When it comes to employee well-being in a commercial space, there are many factors to consider. Lighting is essential for regulating circadian rhythms, mood, and energy levels, and should be maximized with natural light and supplemented with artificial lighting that mimics the natural spectrum and intensity. Air quality should also be monitored to prevent headaches, fatigue, allergies, and respiratory problems. Ergonomics should be taken into account by providing employees with ergonomic furniture, accessories, and tools that suit their needs. Acoustics should also be addressed by reducing unwanted noise and enhancing desired sound. Lastly, biophilia can have positive effects on psychological and physiological well-being which can be achieved by incorporating natural elements into the space or using biophilic design principles.

4 The balance of well-being

Employee well-being is not a static or universal state. It varies from person to person, and from time to time. It depends on the individual's needs, preferences, goals, and challenges. It also depends on the context, situation, and environment. Therefore, you should not impose a rigid or uniform approach to well-being in your commercial space. You should allow for flexibility, diversity, and choice. You should create spaces that cater to different work styles, moods, and activities. You should also solicit feedback, monitor performance, and evaluate outcomes to ensure that your well-being initiatives are effective and relevant.

5 The future of well-being

Employee well-being is not a trend or a fad. It is a fundamental and evolving human need. It is also a competitive and strategic advantage for businesses that want to attract and retain talent, customers, and partners. As the world of work changes and challenges us, we need to adapt and innovate our commercial spaces to meet and exceed the expectations and demands of well-being. We need to embrace technology, sustainability, and creativity to create spaces that are not only functional and efficient, but also inspiring and meaningful.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?