Healthy building, healthy body: how the office environment boosts employee well-being

The environment we work in has an intrinsic impact on our output. From the ability to concentrate to the quality of work produced, for office workers across the world a ‘healthy body’ starts with a ‘healthy building’. So, what can employers do today to make their office environments healthier, happier, and more productive workspaces?

Today, the average office worker in Dubai spends 48 hours per week – or nearly 700 hours per year – in their place of work. This means that the built environment within which we work really matters. In fact, a report from the World Green Building Council has affirmed that office design significantly impacts the health, well-being, and productivity of workers. In contrast, a poorly designed and thought-out office space can be counterproductive to work output, and can even lead to Sick building syndrome.

What is Sick building syndrome?

Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a term used to describe a range of acute health effects which seem to link directly to time spent in buildings (and particularly offices). Symptoms can include headaches, dry skin and rashes, coughing or wheezing, tiredness, and difficulty concentrating. 

No direct causes of SBS have been clearly established, but risk factors can include poor ventilation and a lack of natural light.

Over time, SBS can result in a decline in productivity and performance, lower employee satisfaction, and even absenteeism. And this, in turn, can be detrimental to the profitability and success of a company.

In fact, in the U.S. alone it’s estimated that the annual loss of productivity due to SBS could be as high as $60 billion.

What can be done to combat it?

In recent years, there has been a real focus on not just the environmental impact of office buildings, but also their impact on occupant health. This has led to the rise of ‘healthy’ buildings, which are designed to prioritize the well-being of inhabitants. There are now several organizations - such as Fitwel and the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) - which deliver certification systems for healthier buildings with occupant comfort at their core. 

In the same way that BREEAM and LEED have become industry hallmarks of quality in green buildings, programs such as the WELL Building Standard (WELL) are helping tens of thousands of office workers across more than 100 countries to benefit from healthier working environments.

How can a building’s ‘health’ be measured? 

The exact criteria vary from program to program, but some key commonalities have been proven to increase the ‘health’ of a building and optimize workplace wellness. And, although some are more practical and cost-effective to implement than others, even the smallest changes to your office’s built environment can yield a positive impact on overall happiness and productivity levels. 

Indoor air quality (IAQ)

On average, office workers spend 90% of their day indoors - however, a US study has shown that the level of pollutants in modern office buildings can be two to five times higher than outdoors.

In the long term, investing in quality air conditioning and ventilation systems can significantly improve well-being within your office space. Research has shown that better IAQ can lead to a staggering 131% improvement in crisis-response questions, and 288% improvement in strategy.

Another solution is to bring the outdoors in. This can mean investing in biophilic design, or simply bringing more plant life into the office. Studies have shown that the presence of indoor greenery can have a positive impact on mental well-being - plus, investing in air-purifying plants such as spider and fig plants can also help to improve IAQ.

Fitness and nutrition

A good diet and fitness routine is not only beneficial for an individual’s physical health, but also their mental well-being. Encouraging healthier habits within the office can be a great way to promote preventative care. In addition to inpatient and outpatient services, your corporate healthcare plan should also include measures such as fitness and nutrition plans. It’s also worth considering addinga discounted gym membership to your employees’ benefits package or providing complementary healthy snacks in the office. These measures can both boost the general well-being of your employees and encourage talent retention. Light exposure to daylight is essential to maintain the body’s circadian rhythm. Research has shown that workers who have access to daylight sleep an average of 46 minutes longer per night – and also enjoy a better quality sleep – than those who do not. In contrast, a study from the US has demonstrated that the loss of employee productivity associated with poor sleep can cost much as $1,967 per employee each year.Providing plenty of access to natural light in the workspace is therefore essential for both employee well-being, as well as long-term company success.

Mind

Now more than ever, fostering a working environment which prioritizes the mental health of occupants is crucial - and something as simple as the layout of your office can promote employee well-being and increase productivity.

Studies have shown that small, cluttered working spaces can increase stress levels. Ensuring that your office layout takes into account workstation density, along with ample room for meeting and social spaces, means that your teams have more ways to both collaborate and concentrate. 

However, if adjusting the layout of your office space is not possible, there are still plenty of ways to promote mental well-being amongst your workforce. If your healthcare plan includes an Employee Assistance Program, or the provision of on-site wellness and mental health consultations, be sure to advertise it to your employees.From C-suite to junior-level employees, the provision of a ‘healthy’ workspace benefits everyone - including the company itself. It not only reduces the risk of illness, but can also boost morale and productivity, and even help in recruiting new talent.

To learn more about how GulfCare’s range of tailored corporate healthcare plans can boost the well-being of your employees, get in touch today.