Would you want to work in a space that you feel is detrimental to your mental and / or physical wellbeing? We suspect the overwhelming answer is ‘no’.
As the nature of work has evolved, so too has the concept of the workspace. One of the most crucial aspects to creating a productive and happy work environment is ensuring that it is conducive to employee, and organisational, wellbeing.
What is wellbeing in the workplace?
Wellbeing in the workplace is about optimising both mental and physical health, giving your staff a more well-rounded and happier lifestyle. Workplace benefits that are considerate of your employees wants and needs will help improve their wellbeing. Being close to healthcare services and gyms encourage an active lifestyle, and improving the focus on mental health through on-site support are all excellent examples of workplace benefits conducive to improved wellbeing.
In terms of the workplace itself, it’s important to provide options – whether it be a single desk, small office or space to room a head office. Options like flexible co-working spaces help to reduce the rigid structure of an office and encourage employees to engage with a diverse group of people working on any number of different projects.
Providing a bright space with plenty of natural light has a significant impact on employees’ sense of wellbeing. Giving them access to outdoor areas with plenty of greenery where they can take a break or work in a different environment is also crucial.
The importance of wellbeing in the workplace
Investing in wellbeing in the workplace sends a powerful message about your values and ethics. Connecting with other people is a sure-fire way to improve mental wellbeing, and the workplace is one of the most common spaces for people to interact with one another.
Furthermore, if your employees are building a connection with each other, that improves organisational resilience and collaboration – it helps people build up a sense of belonging, and helps companies develop an attractive culture. A workplace culture that fosters staff loyalty and high morale is likely to keep staff for longer.
This creates a space that welcomes open dialogue, which is essential as it’s important that you understand how to effectively look after your employees’ health and use strategies that they find useful.
In short, staff who feel valued and listened to are more likely to be engaged in the goals of your organisation, therefore helping you attract and retain top talent.
Why wellbeing is important to your employees
Beyond improving organisational resilience, it’s also important to acknowledge that work plays an essential part in our lives – for many it’s not just a source of income. Achieving a healthy work-life balance can help give us a sense of purpose, helping us feel part of something and providing the opportunity to socialise and build friendships in and out of the workplace.
A supportive and inclusive workplace makes people feel comfortable and can help to reduce stress, as well as supporting people struggling with their mental health.
Beyond mental health, encouraging employees to be aware of their physical health is a big aspect of wellbeing at work. Taking five minutes to look away from a screen and walking around the office, or a short stroll to the local shop, gives people a moment to refresh themselves and gets their body moving.
Cycle to work schemes and the provision of bike racks at work are a great way of encouraging physical activity. Furthermore, cycling to work reduces individual and organisational carbon footprints.
How to improve health and wellbeing in the workplace
So, what are the next steps you need to take to improve wellbeing at your workplace? Firstly, finding the right office space that works for you and your organisation is crucial – we have several centres across the country that offer a range of facilities that could be ideal for you.
Listen to what your employees would find useful and take a look at the benefits your company offers – no matter how recently they were updated – to see if they align with your employees’ desires.
Finding the right office space that is conducive to wellbeing at work is vital for companies to get the most of employees, and for employees to achieve a desirable work-life balance.
Finally, don’t rush creating a wellbeing strategy – it takes time, and they only work if the wellbeing initiatives are represented from the top down. So, ensuring all your leadership team are onboard with the strategy will help establish it company-wide.
Find your new office space
If you’re looking for new office space, get in touch with us at sales@ethicalproperty.co.uk, call us on 0330 016 3440, or visit www.ethicalproperty.co.uk/contact-us.