WELLBEING: A BOTTOM LINE ISSUE

Manchester, 25th April 2014. Evidence which underlines the direct correlation between a worker’s wellbeing and business performance has been revealed. Emma Slaviero, Key Accounts Manager at Steelcase Solutions Manchester, revealed at a lecture held for the Manchester Architects Awards, how work spaces impact an employee’s effectiveness at work and also a company’s bottom line. A two year worldwide research analysis project conducted by Steelcase examined the way wellbeing is defined, and the findings of the project have resulted in a new definition of wellbeing featuring 6 factors relating to 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 a survey 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 Manchester-based architects and designers, Ms Slaviero said: “One of the initial findings of the research was the direct link between physical and mental wellbeing and our working environment. This directly impacts our outlook on life and therefore, our actions.” “It also emerged that if staff feel positive about themselves, the entire organisation reaps the benefits. This is especially true in modern offices as the level of creativity and collaboration required today flourishes in a positive mindset. “The emotional wellbeing of workers has traditionally been overlooked and undervalued in the work place. However, it is now clear that ensuring employees’ wellbeing by creating positive experiences within the working environment increases productivity and staff engagement. “The traditional workspace is designed according to an outdated view of efficiency and does not allow for individual ways of working, or modern tasks. A dynamic and adaptable office allows employees to choose the best setting for the job in hand which is not only a more pleasurable way of working, but encourages a sense of ownership which is empowering and thus reduces stress.” “The research makes clear that a positive state of mind can be actively induced by a healthier and more dynamic workplace. The emotional experience of working in such an environment fosters wellbeing and productivity.”