Checklist

Wellbeing in office design

Office design considerations

Now that you understand how your staff work and use their current space, you can begin to start designing your new fit out. Your research will also have provided insights into how they feel about their workspace, which is essential in formulating your fit out goals. Your office fit out partner will help shape your workplace wellbeing goals, based on findings from staff surveys.

The cornerstones for your office design should all be based on a combination of research data, staff feedback and business strategy. This will make sure that your office design is culturally in sync with your business and also fit for purpose to achieve your growth targets. Consider the following when developing the brief for your office design:

The working environment

As a first step, you'll need to make sure that your office design accommodates your staff's base physiological needs. Making sure that your staff have the optimum working environment will reduce the time spent worrying about technology, or environmental needs, enabling them to focus on what really matters. You'll want to make their working environment as flexible and productive as possible.

  • Temperature

    Make sure there is flexible climate control in the building, so staff can regulate their own temperature.

  • Technology

    This should facilitate new ways of working and be as seamless as possible. Make sure you have comprehensive WiFi coverage.

  • Furniture

    If you're looking at embracing activity based working, ensure breakout areas can be just as productive as workstations. This is all about giving staff choice of their work environment.

Physical wellbeing

  • On-site gym

    Can you provide exercise facilities to allow staff to de-stress during the day and keep fit and healthy? If your office floorspace doesn't permit this, then you could partner with a local gym to provide staff discounts

  • Cycle scheme

    Can you provide bike parking and change facilities for staff who would prefer to cycle to work?

  • Outside areas

    Putting staff back in touch with nature through outdoor space not only allows them to choose their work setting, but also get access to fresh air and vitamin D.

Mental wellbeing

  • Contemplation zones

    Areas where employees can take time out to think without distraction or to concentrate on intensive tasks.

  • Collaboration areas

    Either formal or informal collaboration zones that can bring staff together for meetings or impromptu catch-ups away from their desk.

  • Plants and artwork

    It's been proven that featuring art and plants in your office design can actually increase concentration and wellbeing throughout the working day. This is also a fun way to either showcase your brand or involve some talented staff artists.

Look and feel

  • Culture

    Your office design can reflect your core values or strategy. It's also a great way to embody your brand in a physical presence.

  • Community

    Create a sense of community and corporate history through an employee picture wall or higlighting your brand's heritage through the design, artworks or murals.

Wellbeing best practice

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