FM Clinic: Improving wellbeing in the workplace

THE WELLBEING FACILITIES SUPPLIER’S VIEW
JUSTIN SIRES,
CO FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR, FIVE AT HEART

Wellbeing in the workplace is an ever-growing trend, one that requires constant consideration when developing, refurbishing or managing a facility. With so many new wellness trends emerging from state-of-the-art bicycle parking to the less conventional gong baths and sleeping pods, it is essential to create a wellness space that not only looks great but also meets the functional needs of the tenants and the building.

We recently conducted a survey at our Five At Heart product launch where we asked building managers, developers and architects to identify their main concerns from a facilities perspective. Fifty-five per cent of respondents said ‘understanding how to best enhance the operation of a facility’, a further 60 per cent of respondents identified ‘not enough space to deliver planning/certification requirements’ and 51.4 per cent said ‘not enough space to deliver facilities to provide for current tenant demand’ as a major concern.

What this research tells us is that there is a lot of ambiguity around what makes a great facility and equally how to ensure it is utilised to its fullest potential. With building regulations to consider and evolving tenants needs, it is no wonder people are uncertain about the best route to take. My top tips on how to successfully create and optimise wellness facilities include:

Understand the demographic of your building
By analysing information like gender figures and how tenants commute to and from work you are able to use this information to create a facility that not only meets the tenants needs but may encourage further utilisation.

For example, if tenants in the building are very active, consider how you can facilitate their lifestyles by incorporating facilities like bicycle parking, change rooms, shower facilities and perhaps a towel service. You can even take this a step further by analysing what types of bikes people ride and ensure you offer a wide variety of bicycle parking to meet their needs.

Phase your facility plans
Often requirements and utilisation vary which is why we recommend implementing a phased approach to your facility. This not only helps you meet planning requirements but it also ensures maximum facility utilisation.

To illustrate this, let’s take cycling to work in London as an example. Currently only three per cent cycle to work (mode share) yet the ambition is to achieve 20 per cent by 2041 (draft London Plan) but planning requirement is to deliver that percentage now. Our advice is to phase that approach so you meet demand now while using the additional space for other wellness offerings or short term tenant storage and later increasing bike parking or other amenity (such as showers and lockers) as demand requires.

Create space
With so many developers complaining about a lack of space, it is incredibly important to save space where possible, especially in high density areas like London where space is charged at a premium.

There are a number of ways to save and create space but some of our favourite “tricks” include;

• Using dual purpose products like timber fencing that serves to create a secure enclosure but can also hold vertical bicycle parking

• Repurposing underutilised car parking spaces and transforming them into wellness areas or bicycling parking lots that service a far greater audience

• Considering gender neutral spaces

Take a seasonal approach
If your facility allows for seasonal changes, this can really boost the usage of a space. Switching bicycle parking in the colder months for a wellness area where tenants can exercise, meditate or stretch is an excellent way to operationalise your facility and meet the demands of your tenants.

Go the extra mile
Most are aware of the benefits of active travel to work – it increases productivity and engagement and helps tenants build the work/life balance they want to achieve but often going the extra mile makes all the difference. A facility might offer bicycling parking and change room facilities but by further enhancing this service to include an ironing and airing station, a stretching zone, a towel service and bicycling maintenance station, the facility suddenly goes from good to great. Often building managers are put off these added benefits due to viewing them as unnecessary additional costs when in reality, these fairly inexpensive extras can increase utilisation quite considerably. 

CORPORATE OFFICE FM SPECIALIST’S VIEW
JEAN-PATRICK JUDSON, 
ACCOUNT MANAGER, ANABAS

Wellbeing in the workplace was a hot topic throughout 2019 and is most certainly set to continue this year. FM’s can help support clients to create environments that support wellbeing, inspire creativity, make people feel comfortable, and promote the notion of being able to flourish in a safe environment, all of which can help to build resilience, increase focus, productivity and efficiency.

There are a number of ways we can support wellbeing in the workplace and these include;

Air Quality: Be sure to monitor air temperatures, filtration systems and consider the quality of air in the workplace. There are multiple choices including the use of natural sources for air and ventilation and a move towards chemical-free cleaning. The quality of the air we breathe can remove the lethargic feel within the office. Likewise, FMs must also consider where to place centralised bins to combat the issue of odour affecting workers.

Water Sources: Staying hydrated is great for physical, emotional and mental health. Are you providing adequate filtered drinking water for staff and visitors and are they easily accessible and well maintained?

Lighting: Lighting can directly affect mood and energy levels. FMs need to monitor the Flux levels on site, and have the right balance of artificial and natural light to create inviting and productive working environments. In workspaces without natural light, encourage staff to move around and be agile to ensure a positive sense of wellbeing.

Noise Levels: Noise in the workplace can act as a de-motivator. FMs need to ensure there are procedures in place to monitor motorised items. Consider office layout and where staff are placed. Being situated next to a constantly open door, a busy walkway or in earshot of the hand-dryers in the washrooms, is bound to cause disruption, irritation and distraction.

Fitness: Budgets dependent, Facilities may be able to provide exercise facilities. However, if this is not possible, then the FM teams can work with other functions in the organisation to create campaigns that encourage employees to be active and eat healthier.

Comfort: The rise in agile workspaces creates and encourages the opportunity for staff to work in different areas. This provides the chance for the FM function to design the workspace with collaborative areas, enabling open thought and the creation of ideas. Often, a modern and agile workspace will provide comfortable seating options which are ideal for encouraging relaxation during the working day, helping to put workers at ease.

Mind: Imagine dreading coming to your workplace every day especially when faced with dingy decor, dreadful lighting, broken lifts, empty water coolers, toilets out of order and not so much as a smile from Reception. Would you feel productive? Would you be productive? The FM function is responsible for creating an environment in which people can thrive. The most engaged workers are those who have autonomy over where they work to suit their needs as it leads to more satisfaction.

Being aware of the environment and corporate culture will enable processes to be put in place that will positively affect the individuals working within it, and will support positive wellbeing in the workplace.