There is a recent trend of incorporating wellness trends into building and workplace design. Our society has reached new levels of health challenges, which have precipitated this trend, not limited to stress, work/life imbalance due to constant connection and technology, air and water pollution, lack of exercise, an increasing number of working years, and poor diet. There is also a recent recognition of the impact of the built environment to cognitive development and a neurological connection linking physical and emotional development. We spend more than 90% of our time indoors and our workplaces and institutions can play a big part in improving human health through wellness.
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal suggested that office buildings should look to NASA for inspiration when thinking about ideal human environments. We now have the data and controllability in our environments to design spaces that provide a level of control to maximize the wellness, associated productivity, benefits its occupants, previously only afforded to spaceships.
There is a recent trend of incorporating wellness trends into building and workplace design. Our society has reached new levels of health challenges, which have precipitated this trend, not limited to stress, work/life imbalance due to constant connection and technology, air and water pollution, lack of exercise, an increasing number of working years, and poor diet. There is also a recent recognition of the impact of the built environment to cognitive development and a neurological connection linking physical and emotional development. We spend more than 90% of our time indoors and our workplaces and institutions can play a big part in improving human health through wellness.
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal suggested that office buildings should look to NASA for inspiration when thinking about ideal human environments. We now have the data and controllability in our environments to design spaces that provide a level of control to maximize the wellness, associated productivity, benefits its occupants, previously only afforded to spaceships.
Using data from these studies as well as new advancements in sensor technologies, several rating systems have launched recently to advance health and wellness and improve the quality of life throughout the built environment.
- The WELL Building Standard was launched in October 2014 by Delos to address health issues related to office environments. It outlines strategies for the improvement of air and water quality, nourishment, fitness, the mind, light, and comfort.
- Fitwel was recently released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and administered by the Center for Active Design. Fitwel provides an evidence-based checklist focusing on health in the following categories: increased physical activity, healthy food options, occupant safety, social equity for vulnerable populations, morbidity and absenteeism, community health, and feelings of well-being.
- RESET (Regenerative Ecological, Social & Economic Targets) focuses on the real time measurement of occupant health performance of indoor spaces in real time. The parameters covered the rating system are air, water, and comfort (in development). Each must be monitored and tracked.
Other, more traditional sustainability rating systems like LEED and The Living Building Challenge (LBC) have also incorporated wellness. LEED Version 4 raised the bar on health-related strategies including a shift on healthy building materials and enhanced lighting. LBC has a health and happiness and materials petals focusing on daylight, biophilia, toxic material reduction, and natural ventilation.
Beyond impacts directly related to employee health, employers are realizing productivity improvements of 8-11% from indoor air quality, according to the World Green Building Council. Professional service organization, PwC, reported a 9% reduction in staff turnover, water savings of $2.7 million during the first phase of its wellness program. A similar organization reported a 10% reduction in staff turnover, saving $770,000 in one year1.
The focus on employee wellbeing exemplified by these new rating systems shows that this issue has renewed salience as we go about designing and building our spaces. New technologies are giving us the tools to measure the impact on the inhabitants of those spaces. Many of these strategies and technologies do not layer on significant costs and the data makes it clear that they have significant impacts on health as well as productivity.
Examples of strategies to increase wellness in the built environment:
Lighting:
- Advanced lighting that does not disrupt the natural 24 hour cycle, including circadian rhythms and a focus on providing or simulating daylight wherever possible
- Dimmable lighting that can help people see clearly and also adjust to different needs
- Lighting sensors tied to movement
Culture:
- Availability of Healthy Food Options for snacks and vending machines
- Water purification systems and hydration stations placed strategically that encourage employees to hydrate
- Adjustable surfaces, including desks and other work spaces that allow employees to work at varying heights depending on task
- Laptops for employees to allow them to choose their preferred working spaces and flexible working hours
- Flexible and multipurpose meeting spaces that include varying table heights and seating options
Active Physical Environments:
- Walking paths to encourage activity outside and between offices
- Provide active furniture such as treadmill and walking desks
- Promote walking meetings
- Stairways that encourage their use over elevators (include artwork, enhanced lighting, exposed stairways)
- Trash and recycling in a centralized location versus at each employee desk
- Distinct areas for break rooms to encourage employee relaxation and movement away from the desks and personal spaces
- On-site amenities including exercise and yoga spaces as well as health services
- Provide stretching and relaxation areas and/or gym memberships to employees
Air Quality:
- Healthy building materials including furniture
- Increased air quality through ventilation and enhanced filtration
1 2016. CBRE. “Wellness in the Workplace: Unlocking Future Performance.”