Physical and mental health is an important component of employee satisfaction and productivity. Industry research shows that working in a WELL Certified space can improve overall occupant satisfaction by nearly 30% and improve overall well-being scores by 26%. (1)
When planning interior spaces, selecting options that promote occupant wellness and employee well-being are proven to increase satisfaction and productivity. Employers and designers can consider each element and determine how to best support the needs of people who will be using the space.
Environmental Elements
Evaluate the furniture, equipment, and materials in the space.
- Choose responsibly sourced wood
- Choose healthy materials
- Limit VOCs
- Use non-toxic cleaning and pest control products
Air & Water Quality
Proper ventilation, HVAC systems, and access to the outdoors are essential.
- Monitor air quality
- Test water quality and provide access to clean drinking water
- Provide natural light for as many people as possible
- Provide operable windows
Human Factors
Address the physical and emotional needs of occupants.
- Provide Nutritional food options
- Provide Acoustical separation between quiet and loud zones
- Create human delight through art and music
- Offer ergonomic desk and seating options
- Have Community/restorative space away from the workspace
- Incorporate nature-based design elements
Lighting
Lighting should enable work and support natural body rhythms.
- Use all LED lighting
- Implement a circadian lighting design
- Avoid glare at workstations
Employee wellness is a leading topic amongst employers and organizations of all sizes. Taking steps to implement or upgrade these wellness factors when opportunity strikes can improve employee outcomes. Occupants will notice and appreciate furniture upgrades, added plants, or height-adjustable desks. Over time, these small changes will add up to big improvements and make WELL Certification a very achievable goal.
Learn more about WELL Certification by visiting the International WELL Building Institute website.
(1) Ildiri, N., Bazille, H., Lou, Y., Hinkelman, K., Gray, W. A., & Zuo, W. (2022). Impact of WELL certification on occupant satisfaction and perceived health, well-being, and productivity: A multi-office pre-versus post-occupancy evaluation. Building and Environment, 224, 109539.
