Eight requirements for a healthy workplace
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The healthy workplace has become a significant focus for those who develop, manage and occupy the space. Woods Bagot has identified eight requirements for a work environment to maintain physical and psychological health.
The once-separate tasks of conceiving and maintaining a workplace strategy and a wellbeing strategy are converging, with corporate real estate professionals and designers now tasked with providing an environment that promotes maximum physical, mental and social health.
But what are the factors that must be included in the workplace to ensure good health? Steve Hargis, Woods Bagot’s global consulting leader and an expert in design strategy for real estate and business, outlines eight requirements for a work environment to maintain both physical and psychological health:
- Shelter – This is a basic human requirement; a safe, reliable roof over our heads that supports our functional needs while inspiring and motivating us.
- Health – A toxic-free environment with good health and safety practices, including an active priority around the inclusion of physical exercise in the daily work routine, healthy food options and close attention to ergonomic factors.
- Comfort – Variable work environments allowing a significant amount of user choice and control in the areas of work location, temperature, lighting, ventilation, acoustics, ergonomics and furnishings.
- Productivity – Tailored, effective, efficient and functional spatial designs, technology tools and organisational models to maximise individual and team outputs.
- Identity – An organisational culture built around respect for the individual, creating a sense of belonging, ensuring engagement with meaningful work and giving appropriate recognition and rewards.
- Justice – A fair and just work environment with an identifiable structure, clear methods for advancement, appropriate levels of compensation and benefits commensurate with the industry.
- Community – An organisational focus on building a strong sense of community, brand and belonging within teams, across the business and external to the organisation.
- Spirituality – Appropriate space and time, which we all need, to regroup and re-centre ourselves to conform to personal priorities and spiritual needs, which can help combat stress.
To devise a truly healthy workplace, not one of these aspects can be left out of the mix. As guardians of the physical places that people spend much of their time in, businesses embarking upon this journey must assist in combatting health problems such as those related to sitting for long periods. They must also consider the mental and social health of their employees, creating a workplace with a positive culture based on trust.
Woods Bagot worked closely with NAB to create a workplace at 700 Bourke Street in Melbourne that promotes the health and wellbeing of its team. The NAB building includes a wellness centre, bicycle storage and end-of-trip facilities to ensure a healthy body as well as a healthy mind. In addition, a flexible work environment focuses on the power of teamwork and collaboration.
To find out more about Woods Bagot, visit www.woodsbagot.com