FOCUS ON WORKPLACE WELLBEING

The connection between employee wellbeing and increased productivity is strongly supported by research conducted by international bodies and business professionals. The term wellbeing encapsulates wellness beyond physical encompassing a holistic picture that incorporates; physical, emotional, financial, social, career, community, and purpose. Businesses that invest in creating places where employees feel valued and supported across multiple wellbeing pillars, can produce immense returns.

Creating healthy workplaces that inspire

The incorporation of nature into architecture, otherwise known as biophilic design, not only creates a beautiful interior environment but also improves one’s health and wellbeing. Having plants in your office can improve the air quality by almost 75% as plants are known to filter out harmful organic compounds, such as formaldehyde and benzene, that are found in paint, carpet, and furniture of most buildings. These toxic chemicals can irritate the membranes in your nose and mouth, increasing your risk of falling sick.

Plants and nature can also have a strong impact on employee mental wellbeing. Studies show that people who are strongly connected to nature experience lower levels of stress and anxiety. For those working full-time jobs in an office, getting outside every day can be difficult thus offices that bring nature inside will have happier employees and greater business success.

Above increasing the number of plants in your office, water features with the sound of running water can have a calming and cooling effect, especially if used in areas dedicated to breaks and relaxation.

Looking at art and sculptures can offer employees a mental break which reduces boredom and increases inspiration and mental wellbeing. A study found that, when compared to workers in an office without art and nature, employees in offices that did have these additions worked 15% faster.

Commute-worthy workplaces

The significance of town planning and office design in driving the success of a business area is a factor that’s often underestimated. It goes beyond the mere aspects of functionality and aesthetics. Effective planning and design can truly make or break the distinction between a bustling commercial hub and a quiet one.

When it comes to devising a robust office design, convenience and accessibility are paramount. Having nearby cafes and restaurants not only serves as perfect locations for lunch breaks and meetings but also adds to the overall vibrancy of a business district. Furthermore, integrating fitness facilities into the workspace promotes a healthier lifestyle, both physically and mentally. And for those balancing work and family, an adjacent childminding centre can be a game-changer.

According to a 2023 survey on office occupancy conducted by CBRE, employees rank proximity to public transportation and accessibility to amenities as highly desirable when considering a place of employment.

CBRE 2023 Office Occupancy Survey

“​​Tenants want to be in premium buildings, with exceptional amenities, underpinned by strong sustainability credentials in desirable and well-connected locations,” said the report.

Looking ahead, as population density climbs and business districts sprawl beyond the traditional city centre, we can anticipate a shift toward diversification and mixed-use developments. Victoria’s forward-thinking approach hinges on the ‘20-minute neighbourhood‘ concept, envisioning a scenario where daily essentials are within a leisurely 20-minute stroll. Based on this concept, Beulah designed STH BNK around a 5-minute city plan, incorporating retail, wellness and hospitality, all within the development. Implementing this concept within our workplaces and surrounding areas would pave the way for a more comprehensive and enjoyable office lifestyle, subsequently enhancing wellbeing and bolstering productivity.

Inspiring collaboration + conversation

Finding the balance between private and public workplaces is not always easy. It is widely known that teamwork and collaboration on projects produces effective results, however, it is also undeniable that sometimes we need a quiet place to work alone. These design principles can best be seen in the design of modern libraries which incorporate both open and private spaces as well as modular furniture which can adapt to a user’s needs. Collaborative spaces of the future can mimic relaxed environments such as living rooms which foster more casual and creative conversations, leading to new and innovative ideas.

With the rate at which modern technology is evolving, it is easy to believe that much of the office technology we use today will become obsolete. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) will further push the boundaries of what is possible with international and cross-borders collaboration. These modern offices will be designed to work for you and streamline everyday processes. In such a competitive world, businesses that are willing to invest in these upgrades, which improve employee satisfaction and better facilitate ‘work from anywhere’ policies, are more likely to attract exceptional workers and leaders.

Workplaces of the future are not based entirely on the future of technology, but instead, they focus on improving the environment in which we work and holistically support an employee’s wellbeing. What changes would you like to see in your workplaces?