There is so much more to a place than just space. Workplace design and fit-out company Evoke Projects explains how your business will thrive if your ‘place’ enables people to be their very best selves.
People are the product of their environment. A well-place is an environment designed to enable people to ‘do well’. What makes a great place will be different for each business, but the focus is on place, not space.
By understanding the people in your place, you can create an environment that sets your business up for success. You will optimise well-being, productivity and employee satisfaction. Your well-place will enable all people to do well.
Creating a well-place that is people-centric supports overall physical and mental health, engaging and motivating staff to be their best and most productive selves. A well-place that enables people to do well creates a strong workplace culture with happy staff who feel part of their workplace community. Not only will they stay loyal to your business, but they will also spread the word and you will soon be known as an employer of choice.
The ten core concepts of the Well Building Standard™ are a great place to start:
Consider each of the ten concepts in your workplace design.
Air
Ventilation (natural and mechanical) and HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filtration will ensure the air is clean and safe. Add natural plants throughout the commercial fit-out; they are visually appealing, while absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
Water
Nearly two thirds of the human body is made up of water so healthy drinking water is crucial. The WELL Building Standard covers this as well as moisture management (e.g. condensation, leaks, mould) via drainage, stormwater management and effective protection against water ingress.
Nourishment
In a busy working environment, it can be tempting to eat unhealthy snacks and takeaway lunches. Changing this starts with leadership from the top. Provide fresh fruit so that it is easy to make healthy choices. Create a comfortable and well-equipped breakout space with food preparation areas. Run sessions on nutrition education and mindful eating. Most importantly, practise what you preach!
Light
Natural light is often cited by employees as the biggest contributor to their well-being in the workplace. Sleep, productivity and mood are all affected by light because of the human ‘circadian rhythm’, a 24-hour internal clock.
Incorporate windows and skylights into the workplace design wherever possible. Smart lighting that senses movement and can be set according to the zone and task is the next best thing to natural light.
Movement
A well-place promotes physical activity during the workday. If space permits, on-site exercise facilities are the best choice. Otherwise, shower and locker facilities have a small footprint and will encourage staff to take exercise en route to work or during the day. Providing self-monitoring wearable fitness trackers demonstrates your commitment to staff health and well-being. Active furnishings such as sit-stand workstations or treadmill desks will encourage more movement during the day.
Thermal comfort
Motivation, mood and focus are all influenced by thermal comfort. Although it is impossible to keep everybody happy, thermal zoning, individual room controls and humidity control will assist greatly.
WELL encourages the provision of personal cooling or heating devices and flexible dress codes to support individual thermal preferences.
Sound
Transmission of noise occurs through walls, above walls and through walls. Acoustic panels will help to absorb noise and reverberation. For some businesses, sound masking, such as music, may be appropriate.
Materials
Using natural and sustainable materials in your workplace fit-out will make your staff proud to work for a company that proactively cares for the environment. Bamboo and copper are good for both hygiene and the environment. Wood-effect flooring and faux stone tiles are also effective.
Volatile organic compounds can be present in cleaning products, paint, adhesives, composite wood, flooring, wall panels, insulation and furniture. Choose low-VOC emitting materials during your next office fit-out or refurbishment.
Mind
Healthy minds lead to a productive workplace with motivated staff. This is where the ‘emotional design’ of a workplace becomes important. Think about the emotional journey of your staff during their workday. How can you make your workplace a great place to be—a truly well-place?
Biophilic design is a major contributor to a healthy mind. Nature’s impact on the senses cannot be denied. This is an area in which strong benefits can be obtained with a minor office refurbishment and little cost. Examples include plants, artwork that features nature or painted feature walls with nature-resembling colours such as green, blue and brown.
Community
Feeling part of a community makes human beings feel safe and accepted, improving mental health. There are many ways to create a strong community including communal areas for meetings and breakout time, diversity and inclusion programs plus social clubs and events.
Embracing the concepts within the WELL Building Standard will produce tangible results and benefits to your business. Building a well-place is an evolving journey that you can add to and improve over time.
Make a start today by calling 1300 720 692! The workplace designers at Evoke Projects are experts at creating well-spaces.
