WELLBEING: A BOTTOM LINE ISSUE

Evidence which underlines the direct correlation between a worker’s wellbeing and business performance has been revealed.

Beatriz Arantes, a psychologist and Senior Steelcase researcher, told a seminar how work spaces impact an individual’s effectiveness at work and also a company’s bottom.

Ms Arantes, who was involved in a two year worldwide research analysis project, which examined the way wellbeing is defined. The findings of the project have resulted on a new definition of wellbeing and features 6 factors which should be involved in the design of a healthy work environment.

This new definition necessitates a holistic approach to wellbeing, uncovering that the mind, body and environment are intrinsically linked. Organisations and companies must now consider the physical, psychological and cognitive needs of workers.

According to research conducted by Steelcase, employees thriving in their workplace have 41% lower health-related costs compared with those who are struggling and 62% lower costs compared with those who are suffering.

Furthermore, recent global research has shown: • 30% of European workers say they are exposed to stress. • 27 million working days are lost to work-related illness or injury. • £15 million is spent per year on mental health ‘presenteeism’ in the UK alone. • 41% drop in health care costs for employers whose workers enjoy thriving sense of wellbeing. • 72% of workers report for work despite being unwell. • Workers in open plan offices take 63% more sick days than those working in personal offices. • 80% of infectious diseases are transmitted by touch.

Speaking to an audience of leading Facilities Managers , Ms Arantes said: “One of the first results of the research was that the key to our physical and mental wellbeing was the emotional experience, which can be influenced by our surroundings, our actions, our way of perceiving the world.”

“The second major revelation was that wellbeing was not just a benefit for the individual: it is completely within the interest of organizations, given the fact that the work that is demanded of workers today. Creative, collaborative work is only possible when employees are in a positive state of mind.

“Emotions have traditionally been excluded and divorced from the workplace. However, it is within the best interest of organizations to support the wellbeing of workers, and the way to do so is to create positive emotional experiences at work.

“To foster wellbeing, employees need to have a variety of work settings that they can choose from,” notes Arantes “Traditionally workplaces have been designed for efficiency, and sometimes take a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. But that doesn’t offer employees the ability to choose the right kind of setting for the work they need to do. When they have choices, employees have a sense of control that helps them feel more empowered, engaged and less stressed.”

According to the research, if companies intentionally design the emotional experience of the environment to favor a positive state of mind, their workers can benefit from a healthier, more productive workplace.”