Wellness office, what is it?
The balance between work and personal life is one of the maxims of offices known as wellness spaces. These are workplaces that not only support work performance, but also seek to create a good environment that helps improve the quality of life of employees . These are some of the characteristics that define this type of workplace, in which the well-being of workers takes precedence over everything else.- Ergonomic design . Wellness offices are equipped with ergonomic furniture that adapts to the specific needs of workers. The aim is to promote a correct posture during the working day, and thus avoid future ailments or injuries with ergonomic chairs, adjustable tables and other ergonomic accessories.
- Wellness areas . Common areas where employees can take breaks and actively recover with stretching and wellness-enhancing devices.
- Adequate lighting and ventilation , providing a healthy environment for the body and mind.
- Healthy food offered in the cafeteria or dining area.
- Wellness programs , such as exercise sessions, yoga classes, anti-stress workshops, among others.
- Work flexibility . Remote work and flexible schedules, which allow workers to achieve a proper and real work-life balance.
- Incorporate green spaces in the office, natural elements that help reduce stress.
- Promoting mental health by providing resources and support to those who may need them.
The evolution of design with wellness buildings
Awareness of the need for wellness and sustainability in the workplace has grown exponentially over the past few years. In parallel, the concept of wellness buildings has also undergone a significant evolution. In this sense, the evolution of design has focused on the creation of spaces that promote the health and well-being of employees , improving their quality of life and productivity. These represent some of the key stages of this evolution.- Sustainability . Implementation of strategies to reduce energy consumption, use eco-friendly materials and optimize the use of natural resources.
- People-centred design . The health and comfort of the people who live there. Considering aspects such as air quality, natural lighting, thermal comfort and acoustics.
- Integration of smart technology . Energy management systems, indoor environmental monitoring or mobile applications, with the aim of improving the occupant experience and optimising building performance.
- Integration of nature . Vertical gardens, interior patios or large windows to the outside. The aim is to achieve a greater connection with the natural environment.
- Certifications and quality standards . To assess buildings that meet specific sustainability and well-being criteria. For example, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or the WELL building Standard Certification .
>> You may be interested in knowing: Do you know what sick building syndrome is?
Transformation towards the wellness office
The transformation to a wellness office can involve some challenges. It involves implementing changes at the organizational and corporate culture level. These are some of the challenges that employees will have to adapt to.- Increased awareness of health and well-being . Employees and employers will need to actively participate in new initiatives to promote greater well-being.
- Changes in the design of the workspace . New work areas and elements will have to be adapted, as well as wellness programs.
- Periodic evaluation of wellness programs and the effectiveness of the transformation process. Employees must collaborate in providing data to make possible adjustments and improvements.
- Support from management and senior management . They should actively support the transformation process, showing their commitment to employee well-being.
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