What is the Well certificate for offices and how do I obtain it?

Companies are increasingly involved in the health and well-being of their workers , especially those that have offices as work spaces. This is because offices are closed spaces that require ergonomic and healthy strategies, activities and solutions that allow creating a comfortable environment. The physical, mental and social well-being of workers is the key. To this end, there are standards of excellence such as the WELL certification or WELL Building Standard , which takes into account certain indicators that need to be met to obtain optimal results in the construction of healthy companies and buildings.

The WELL Certification: Standard dedicated to people's well-being and health

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) , “health is not the absence of disease, but a state of social, mental and physical well-being.” With this perspective, the WELL certification was created . This certification takes into account the relationship that exists between buildings and the workspace with its occupants, that is, workers, collaborators and even clients. The purpose, as the word wellness indicates, is to make decisions that favor a healthy life and a higher level of well-being in buildings. It is worth mentioning that people spend more than 90% of our time in closed spaces. A percentage that clearly indicates that the spaces where we work have a direct influence on our well-being, health and productivity.

The 10 indicators measured by the Well Certificate (WELL V2)

The WELL V2 certification takes into account those factors that have an impact on people's health and comfort. These factors are grouped into the following 10 indicators:

1. Air: optimizing indoor air quality by using strategies that renew it and eliminate polluting elements.
2. Water: monitoring of the sources that supply the building with water, including their chlorine percentage, turbidity and composition.
3. Natural lighting: focuses on aluminosity and making the most of natural light sources.
4. Acoustics : the interference of outside noise is checked and work is done to ensure acoustic insulation.
5. Thermal comfort: temperature and humidity control in closed spaces such as offices. To achieve this, analyses are carried out to identify the health and well-being of the occupants located inside.
6. Movement: the elements that allow and facilitate the mobility of the occupants are studied. For example, with the use of ergonomic furniture in work spaces.
7. Materials: analysis of the materials used in the different rooms of the office, also checking the levels of emission of contaminants they involve.
8. Nutrition: the existence or promotion of healthy eating in the workplace is measured .
9. Mind: measures the implementation of activities and programs that can promote mental health. For example, by providing spaces for rest or meditation.
10. Community: actions and activities implemented to promote coexistence among workers are considered.

How to obtain the WELLNESS Certification?

Obtaining this certification requires compliance with a series of guidelines and obtaining approval from a direct observation by an accredited professional, a Performance Testing Agent. This observation is called Performance verification , which is carried out over two consecutive days. In Spain, Performance Testing Agent accreditation is carried out by the Technological Institute of Galicia. The procedure for obtaining a WELL certificate is as follows:

• Record the process and payment of fees.
• Implementation of WELL strategies.
• Development of company policies that enable objectives to be achieved.
• Submit the required documentation.
• Visual inspection and on-site verification performed by the Performance Testing Agent.
• Creation of the final report if you successfully obtain the WELL certificate.
• Renewal every three years.

WELL Certified Offices: Adding Value to Your Business

In companies, labor costs are considered one of the most significant aspects to consider. Therefore, it is vitally important to promote a healthy and comfortable environment that promotes greater satisfaction and maximum performance. Having a WELL certificate in offices means ensuring the well-being of the people who work there by using WELL strategies and indicators. In turn, this means that it is easier for employees, clients and investors to be attracted and retained in the company. A healthy work environment promotes greater productivity, a key factor in promoting return on investment and achieving the performance necessary to lead the sector.

Companies and office buildings in Spain with the Wellness Certificate

There are many buildings and business parks in countries such as the United States, London and Paris that already have the Well certificate. In Spain, in cities such as Barcelona and Madrid, this trend is already beginning to consolidate in the construction of new office buildings and in the redesign of many companies, such as:

• The Ponent and Levante towers of the BcnFira District.
• Cloudworks Gran Via 645 in Barcelona.
• Intu headquarters, the healthiest office building in Madrid .
• The Actiu Technology Park in Alicante.
• The KREAN headquarters in Mondragón (Gipuzkoa).

At Ergonomika we have all the solutions to provide companies with the ergonomic furniture necessary to meet the quality standards of the Well Certificate. We can help you create and design wellness corners that will make the difference compared to other companies, buildings or business parks that have not yet made the transition to what really matters: creating healthy companies and offices where their workers, clients and collaborators feel comfortable and happy.