Workplace design goes beyond aesthetics. By creating a ‘well-place’ environment, the workplace will support the physical, mental and social well-being of everyone who interacts with the business. Staff are the main focus of this article, but customers, visitors and other stakeholders can also reap the benefits of energised and motivated staff. This feeds through to the success of the business.
So how can you design a well-place that promotes a healthy, welcoming and efficient environment?
A workplace should provide a safe, clean and calming atmosphere to promote overall wellness.
Physical health is a critical consideration in workplace design. Here are a few key elements:
1. Clean air and ventilation: Workplaces require excellent air quality to ensure that everyone is comfortable and safe. High-quality HVAC systems are essential to provide proper ventilation and filtration. Add natural elements like plants that enhance air quality and contribute to a calming environment.
2. Access to clean water: Hydration is vital for overall health. In workplaces, this means ensuring that water fountains or filtration systems are accessible to staff and visitors.
3. Movement: While many workplaces will not have physical space to provide a dedicated room for exercise, creating areas where staff can stretch or take short walks during their breaks will help with physical well-being. Shower and locker facilities make a big difference to people’s ability to integrate fitness into their daily work lives. A mix of sit/stand desks plus well-designed workflow between office zones helps staff remain energised and productive.
Mental health is just as important as the physical in the design of workplaces.
1.Company programs: Promote and subsidise mental health initiatives. For example, flexible working, mindfulness apps, healthy eating and cooking classes.
2.Fostering a sense of community: A workplace is not just a workplace facility—it’s a place where relationships are built. Design spaces where staff can feel like they belong. Conduct surveys to gain staff feedback. Staff who feel part of a community will be motivated to perform to their best.
3.A strong workplace culture: A well-place creates a strong workplace culture where people feel listened to and supported. Not only does this improve mental health, but it also improves loyalty and retention.
4.Incorporating biophilic design: Biophilic design—bringing nature indoors—is proven to have mental health benefits. Indoor plants, natural wood finishes and large windows or skylights that allow natural light are examples of biophilic elements that help lower stress, improve mood and enhance cognitive function. Smart lighting is an alternative if the workplace does not have access to natural light.
Workplace fit-outs should include:
1.Hand hygiene stations: Throughout the workplace, strategically place hand hygiene stations to encourage regular hand washing.
2.Durable and hygienic materials: Choose durable, non-porous materials for countertops, plus floors and walls that are resistant to bacteria and surfaces that are easy to disinfect.
3.Industry–specific safety: Of course, some industries will have their own safety protocols to incorporate into any new workplace fit-out.
At Evoke Projects, we create well-places that promote the health and well-being of everyone who uses them. Healthy workplaces underpin a healthy and successful business.
Find out more about well-place design and fit-out by calling the Evoke Projects workplace design team on 1300 720 692.
