Healthy habits – the role of the office in supporting employee health and wellbeing

The scale of the issue

When we consider that long-term sickness is at its highest ever – with 2.8 million out of work at the beginning of 2024 – it’s clear that current workplace provisions are falling short in supporting health and wellbeing. In the long run, this has the potential to drastically impact business operations from both a financial and resourcing perspective, so it’s within the collective interest that we buck the trend.

Management and leaders will be well aware of the impact of long-term sickness on individual organisations and will often turn to wellbeing teams to execute plans to address this. But the workplace design and build sector can also spearhead physical and cultural changes to create healthier work environments.

The good news is that these changes don’t always require a complete overhaul or significant investment, especially when complemented by effective communication strategies that promote positive behaviour.

The fundamentals of healthy workplaces

Regular movement, natural daylight, access to water, and social interaction are all cornerstones of good health and wellbeing – and each is something that effective office design can aid. It is worth spending time observing how your office’s space is actually used. Are people sat at desks all day, or do they move about? Are there natural congregation points? Are there bottlenecks that prevent people from accessing basic measures like fresh water?

It's not enough to simply provide water stations and leave the rest to the individual. Water stations should be easily accessible without requiring the need to walk far, but other social areas are also important. People need movement and throughout the working day – so creating ‘destination’ areas where conversation and gatherings happen should be encouraged. These can be social spaces, breakout zones, tea and coffee points – whatever works for your business.

Encouraging use of these spaces also fulfils a second important purpose: getting people away from their desks. Taking screen breaks is important for mental and physical health and ensuring that this is actively promoted throughout the organisation is a good way to protect health.

Outside of office layout considerations, access to clean, fresh air is an often-overlooked element of workspace design for healthy workforces. However, when you consider that we spend 80 to 90% of our time indoors, it’s an aspect that can’t be forgotten. Poor air quality can lead to various symptoms, including nausea, headaches, eye strain, and dry skin. Although a costly investment, prioritising air quality through the installation of advanced mechanical and electrical ventilation systems, can improve airflow and lead to healthier, more comfortable working environments.

Encouraging rest and wellness through design

To truly commit to employee health and wellbeing, employers must continuously seek feedback, challenge the status quo, and evolve. Fostering a positive working culture that supports health is crucial. For example, creating designated areas where employees can enjoy their lunch away from their desks sends a clear message that breaks are encouraged and protected. This design approach subtly communicates that the work environment is a place for both downtime and intense focus, helping employees manage personal and professional growth pressures.

Rest areas should be located in quieter, low-traffic parts of the office, featuring comfortable seating, rich textures, and adjustable lighting to help employees relax. A prime example of this approach is at Napier Park, where we introduced a library space with sofa seating, thick carpets, and an indoor fireplace. This hospitality-inspired design fosters comfort and wellness, demonstrating how office design can elicit positive feelings among employees.

However, design can only go so far in supporting health and wellbeing. Employers must ensure that people are making the most of these ‘healthy’ office features, and fully appreciate how they can feel the full benefit of each. To guarantee this, and to ensure that health features are fully maximised, a robust communications plan that can outline the rationale behind each feature’s introduction, and how each will benefit end-users, is key. It is only once this is in place that employers can expect teams to remain engaged in the healthy office space, and will make full use of such initiatives.

The wellbeing-centric office

Working in an adequate environment has always been important, but in the age of hybrid working, it’s non-negotiable. Most businesses run hybrid office set-ups with a focus on collaboration and team-building when employees are on-site. Beyond facilitating socialisation, it’s vital that workplace design also empowers people to look after their health The modern office is a community enabler; now it’s time for it to step up, and protect and promote the health and wellbeing of the employees using the space, too.