FOUR TIPS TO CREATE A WELL-CENTRIC WORKPLACE

As employers continue to shift their plans about bringing workers back to the workplace, one thing is certain: employee health and well-being must be a priority. Companies can take steps toward this by incorporating principles of the WELL Building Standard into interior design. The standard, developed by the International Well Building Institute, is a roadmap for creating human-centered spaces that enhance health and wellbeing.

Recently, HAT Collective design leaders Samantha Priar and Courtney Harrison received their WELL AP certification. Here, Samantha and Courtney share four tips for creating a well-centric workplace.

1. TAKE A HOLISTIC APPROACH

“Consider the space’s inhabitants and the building’s use, as well as the materials chosen,” says Samantha. “Compare and contrast design firms versus call centers. Customer service and call center offices tend to be designed to maximize the number of occupants in a given area. Because the volume of occupants is higher in call centers compared to a design firm, the affects of lighting, window size, heating and indoor air quality will all be different.”

Samantha and Courtney state that in workspaces where there are more occupants, acoustics is an important consideration. For example, sound masking is usually a high priority in call centers to reduce noise for the occupant and to offer some privacy during their workday. Design firms, on the other hand, tend to lean to more collaborative spaces where group discussions can be fostered and ideas can be shared.

“Some materials that might be used in a call center could be PET felt dividers in between workers to absorb sound and to create a visual barrier. A PET felt divider is a recycled product that can be recycled again and then reused for even a third life. Alternatively, dry erase work surfaces, like those available with our M Nesting mobile workstation, are a great resource when having collaborative brainstorming moments. It’s an ideal solution for design firms where collaboration and mobility is needed,” says Courtney.

2. FOCUS ON ERGONOMICS

Samantha notes that, “Having control over one’s workspace can boost performance and increase job satisfaction. Why should a 5-foot two-inch person have the same desk as a six-foot four-inch person?”

“Having control over one’s workspace can boost performance and increase job satisfaction. Why should a 5-foot two-inch person have the same desk as a six-foot four-inch person?”

Adjustable-height desks, versatile chairs and movable computer monitors vs. predetermined and fixed office furniture give employees control over their surroundings to improve their workday experience. A workplace study done by the architectural firm Gensler found that “the power of choice and autonomy drove employee happiness, motivation and performance.”

Additionally, from a physical perspective, ergonomic furnishings reduce stress on the vascular and musculoskeletal systems. For instance, correctly positioning a computer monitor using an adjustable arm helps to reduce eye strain and improve posture.

3. INCORPORATE BIOPHILIA

Samantha and Courtney agree that using plants and nature in design isn’t new. But it has become more intentional as studies have shown that even hospital patients improve more quickly when they have a view of nature from their beds. They both say employers should consider using living green walls and plants in workspace design. These can help replenish oxygen, which in turn can boost mood and increase productivity. Additionally, some plants can help remove harmful VOCs from the air.

Daylight not only helps us see better, but it affects our circadian rhythms and sleep health.

“Specify operable glass walls, large windows and clerestories to introduce views and bring in natural light and circulate fresh air,” says Courtney. “Daylight not only helps us see better, but it affects our circadian rhythms and sleep health. The quality of light helps the body wake, get energized or know when to relax and feel sleepy. Incorporating natural light improves work function, decreases stress, and improves concentration.”

4. DESIGN FOR HUMAN INTERACTION AND MIND NOURISHMENT

“Now more than ever it is so important for us as humans to seek nourishment for our bodies and our minds,” says Courtney. “Many of us, for the most part, have been home sitting for almost two years due to Covid. Without sharing a common space where we can easily connect with our colleagues, we loose that important mental nourishment we all need to fully thrive in our jobs.”

Courtney and Samantha say this means creating purposeful, coworker destinations will be key. One suggestion is to carefully map workspace geography to get people moving and to spur workplace interactions throughout the day. Some examples can be locating a tea/coffee station near a lobby, or placing trash bins in central locations. Bumping into teammates at these locations can spur unexpected yet highly beneficial conversations.

In open office environments, make common areas accessible by incorporating mobile, height-adjustable desks. When people can easily “grab-and-go” a desk, it means meetings can happen quickly and almost anywhere. Colleagues can connect face-to-face, share ideas, celebrate achievements and work through challenges. Moreover, they can use a workspace solution adapted to their own sitting or standing preference. Height-adjustable workstations, like our Quad or Tripod, are also great for “pop up” meetings and small-team collaborative sessions. When utilizing these kinds of products, unlike with video conferencing, people are more engaged, and the interactions that much richer.

One of the main factors people want when returning to the workplace is human connectivity. The ability to meet in-person with products that support productivity and spark interaction offers benefits that can never be fully achieved with remote workplace technologies. A thoughtfully designed workspace, which fosters human interaction and mental nourishment, will be essential moving forward.

BENEFITS ALL AROUND

While back-to-work plans for employees may continue to change, there’s no reason not to implement design steps to foster better health and wellness for employees.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to create a well-centric workplace for your organization, or you’d like to schedule a complementary workspace design consultation, contact the HAT Collective Design Team at design@HATCollective.com