Employee wellbeing is a key issue that companies are striving to address to ensure that their employees remain happy and motivated at work. After all, a happy workforce is a productive workforce. We'll take you through how to incorporate wellbeing practices into your office design or fit out project.

The guide identifies what should be considered in advance of any office design project. Starting with why you want to focus on wellbeing in the workplace, moving through to how to begin implementing change and how you can evaluate the effects.

What is workplace wellbeing?

Workplace wellbeing covers both your physical and mental state. Physical wellbeing covers biophilic elements, such as access to natural daylight and temperature control - essentially, things that have a direct impact on your body. Equally important is support for mental wellbeing, through providing adequate breakout areas to relax, or have an informal catch up with a colleague. Supporting both physical and mental wellbeing through office design can help create a healthy, productive workforce.

Office design and wellbeing

According to The World Green Building Council report on Health, Wellbeing & Productivity in Offices, there is clear evidence that office design impacts productivity output and staff morale. Small changes to individuals can have a cumulative effect on productivity and, in turn, your bottom line.

Wellbeing is a critical element in any office design strategy, and we firmly believe that your fit out should revolve around your staff; making them both happy and productive.

Where to start with wellbeing?

Before undertaking a new wellbeing initiative, it's important to understand your own motivations. Understanding exactly what you want to achieve out of investing in wellbeing will allow you to effectively measure the results, and also ensure that you address the issue with the most effective initiatives or changes.

Why are you investing in wellbeing?

    • To increase staff satisfaction
    • To increase staff morale
    • To improve staff retention
    • To increase productivity
    • To reduce absenteeism
    • To foster better relationships between staff and management
    • To increase open communications
    • To lower costs
    • To work towards a more sustainable workforce

Once you've decided on your goals from investing in wellbeing, it's time to think about engaging the right people to start this change.