ADVICE & OPINION
COMMENT
HOME TO OFFICE
As we enter the Autumn, the majority of
workers are keen for their work life to return
largely to the way it was pre-pandemic. In fact,
the BRITA VIVREAU H2O – Home to O ice report
found that over three quarters want to return to
the workplace for at least some of the working
week.
However, it’s important to remember that not all
employees will be feeling comfortable about the
news. The reintroduction of o ice working requires
time and thought to ensure sta feel safe and
happy returning to a more normal way of working,
particularly for those who may have been on
furlough for some time.
BEYOND HYGIENE
While hygiene measures are going to remain top of
the agenda for many businesses for some time, it’s
key that employee wellbeing and mental health is
not overlooked. With poor mental health costing UK
businesses £45 million every year and the demand
for support services being at its highest ever rate,
now is the time to support your team. This has to
go beyond flexible working which has become the
norm – the o ice itself can’t be ignored.
The research we’ve conducted reveals almost
three quarters (73 per cent) of employees would
be more likely to leave their job if their workspaces
aren’t designed with mental health in mind, while
79 per cent agree that a well-designed o ice would
motivate them to accept a job. At a time when many
industries are struggling to recruit, this shows how
crucial the o ice can be in both retaining sta and
attracting talent.
12 SEPTEMBER 2021
If this wasn’t evidence enough, a recent case study
from the International WELL Building Institute,
revealed a company found that by redesigning a
healthier o ice space it reduced sta turnover by
27 per cent and absenteeism was 50 per cent lower
than the previous year, again highlighting just how
much of an impact the o ice can have on morale
and wellbeing.
PUT YOUR PEOPLE FIRST
Although there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for
prompting employee happiness, by taking a peoplefirst
approach, businesses can understand and cater
to their sta ’s particular needs.
Our research highlighted that 82 per cent of
people are looking forward to returning to the
workplace for at least some of the working week
with one in two (52 per cent) revealing they miss
socialising with colleagues, one in five miss having
access to high-quality amenities such as tea, co ee
and filtered water, and 40 per cent are looking
forward to having a dedicated workspace back.
However, this isn’t the case for all and some
employees will be feeling disconnected from their
companies as a result of such a long time apart,
while others may be dreading the thought of the
daily commute. This is why it’s so valuable to have
open conversations with employees to help them
feel heard and valued.
With this in mind, there are some simple but
e ective changes businesses can implement to
make the move back to the o ice more welcoming
and appealing over the coming months, focusing on
areas known to a ect mental health and wellbeing.
» Welcome in nature
Why not introduce plants to boost oxygen levels in the
o
ice? With a multitude of low maintenance options
out there these don’t need to become additional
work. Also consider natural furnishings like bamboo
and cotton instead of synthetic materials and allow
the light to match circadian rhythms.
» Start socialising
Create areas that encourage collaboration and social
interaction, such as break out rooms or lounge areas
that remind people of home. You could even ask
your employees to bring in one item to help fill the
space, creating a talking point as well as a place which
makes your team feel relaxed.
» Get moving
Consider creating a one-way system which
encourages sta
to walk further to get around the
o
ice – this also ties in nicely to any social distancing
measures you may want to keep initially. You could
also highlight local walks and cycle paths to prompt
sta
to enjoy their full lunch break by getting outside.
Providing showers and changing rooms for sta
to
use would also be a welcome introduction by helping
them to use their commute to get active.
» Provide accessible comfort control
Give sta
control over their surroundings with
temperature controls on their desks or by o
ering
natural ventilation, not just air conditioning. Create a
sense of privacy and security too by allocating private
spaces for employees to store belongings and take
personal calls.
» Promote rest and relaxation
Introducing private booths will mean employees
can enter a state of deep focus to allow for greater
concentration on work. Create areas to promote rest
and relaxation, or even encourage meditation and
mindfulness.
» Boost hydration
Providing high quality amenities within o
ices shows
employees that their physical and mental wellbeing
is highly valued and, in turn, can boost productivity
and enthusiasm from your teams. Water dispensers
are one of the many factors which play an important
role in the level of comfort and positivity people feel
within their workplace. By choosing an inclusive
option like BRITA VIVREAU Easy Access Panel, which
caters for all accessibility needs, not only are you
o
ering your sta
top quality facilities but it can also
help your organisation make a positive choice for the
planet as well by eliminating single-use plastics within
the o
ice environment.
From taking inspiration from nature, to creating a
workspace that caters to di erent working styles,
the BRITA VIVREAU H2O – Home to O ice report
o ers practical tips on how businesses can optimise
their workspace and ultimately get the best out of
their workforce. To find out more, you can access
the report at: https://bit.ly/3meihLA
5ebecca Fairfi eld, Head of Key Accounts at B5I7A 9I95EAU shares
some of the key fi ndings of recent research on the return to the oƝ ce,
including top tips for boosting staff morale and wellbeing
/3meihLA
