Study Finds Solutions to Enhance Worker Productivity, Health, and Creativity

What is WELL Building Certification?

Renowned for its focus on employee well-being and satisfaction, this certification offers convincing grounds for employers to reevaluate their work environments in response to the changing demands of the workforce. The WELL Building Standard™ is a programme for businesses to deliver more thoughtful and intentional spaces that enhance human health and well-being. There is no intention in this blog to endorse WELL certifications but to underscore strategies that can positively impact your workplace environment.

The study: The study challenges the conventional open office layout, previously hailed for encouraging collaboration, and suggests that post-COVID-19, unproductive workspaces are no longer tolerated. This highlights the need for companies to reconsider their office designs, moving away from open-plan layouts that might hinder employee productivity.

Key findings from the study: It underlines the importance of visual privacy in improving employee productivity and satisfaction. It queries the traditional open office layout, once praised for promoting collaboration, and suggests that post-COVID-19, the willingness for unproductive workspaces is on the decline. 

The study presents clear evidence of the positive effect of workplace initiatives on employee satisfaction across various characteristics. Compared to non-certified spaces, offices with health and wellness initiatives showed greater levels of satisfaction in the following key areas:

• Natural sunlight: Employees in enhanced spaces reported an 18% increase in satisfaction with the quality of natural light. Exposure to natural light is associated with improved mood and overall well-being.
• Acoustical privacy: A 17% increase in satisfaction with acoustical privacy was observed in these spaces, reducing noise distractions and enhancing focus.
• Connection to the outdoor environment: Enhanced spaces saw a 16% increase in satisfaction with their link to the outdoors, enhancing the overall work experience.
• Lighting quality: These spaces witnessed a 12% improvement in satisfaction with lighting conditions, emphasizing the importance of appropriate lighting for comfort and productivity.
• Thermal comfort: An 11% improvement in satisfaction with thermal conditions was reported, highlighting the significance of maintaining a comfortable temperature for a conducive workspace.
• Indoor air quality and air movement: Enhanced environments experienced a 10% increase in satisfaction with indoor air quality and air movement, contributing to a healthier and more pleasant atmosphere.

These findings have significant implications for employers striving to create workplaces that prioritise employee well-being, enhance productivity, and elevate job satisfaction. Firstly, the study underscores the importance of reassessing workspace layouts. Privacy and personal space are key factors in improving productivity and employee satisfaction.

Moreover, investing in health and wellness initiatives emerges as a powerful tool for employers looking to enhance their workplaces. By creating environments that cater to their employees’ desires, businesses can foster a sense of well-being and job satisfaction, boosting productivity and positively impacting employee retention and recruitment.

The study’s findings offer valuable direction to employers aiming to achieve a harmonious blend of productivity and well-being within the workplace. By reconsidering office layouts, implementing health and wellness initiatives, and adapting to shifting workforce dynamics, businesses can establish high-performance workplaces that support their employees’ physical and mental well-being while increasing all-round job satisfaction and productivity. In an ever-evolving professional environment, these investments are not only attractive but crucial for achieving sustained success and expansion.

This blog is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Facilities Net

Here’s how Aston & James can help you create workspaces that enhance productivity and workplace wellbeing