Looking for ways to increase productivity and improve employee retention? Here’s how to improve employee wellness through office design.

Your employees spend most of their days and even some nights at work. Employees who are mentally, physically, and emotionally run down are not able to perform at their best in the workplace. More and more awareness is being brought to the importance of a well-balanced, healthy lifestyle. There is a growing trend of incorporating wellness opportunities into the workplace. There are many things employers can do to incorporate office designs that promote and improve employee well-being in the workplace. 

Incorporate convenient bike storage

Many employees prefer to bike to work instead of drive or take the bus. Logistics are one of the main reasons employees do not bike to work when they otherwise would be able too. Providing employees with a dry area to securely lock their bike once they arrive at work will make employees feel comfortable about leaving their bike unattended all day. Some businesses, such as the bike manufacturer SRAM go all out for their bike commuters. At SRAM, bikers can take advantage of a fully equipped washing station, indoor bike path straight to their desk, and a bike hook adjacent to their office. The bottom line is that making it as easy for your employees to bike to work as it is to drive to work promotes employee wellness through fitness.

Provide showers and changing rooms

Nobody smells appealing after a workout. It’s just a fact. Lack of facilities to shower is one of the main reasons more employees do not participate in some form of exercise during their lunch break. Employees do not want to spend the second half of the day hot, sticky, and covered in sweat when meeting with clients and collaborating with other employees. Incorporating adequate showers and changing rooms into your office’s design will be an incentive for your employees to exercise on breaks or during lunch. They can then shower and come back to work clean, refreshed, and ready to tackle the second half of the day.

Add an employee gym or exercise class

Exercise is known to release endorphins that make you feel good and increase motivation. Putting in a gym stocked with traditional workout equipment such as treadmills, elliptical, traditional bikes, and strength training tools gives your employees easy access to fit in a good workout during lunch or on a break. 

Depending on the size of your company, holding exercise classes, such as yoga or zumba can be a fun way for your employees to break up the day while promoting a healthy lifestyle throughout your office. Your employees will come back to their office ready to let the creative juices flow.

Elevated break rooms 

Employee wellness is more than just fostering physical fitness. Emotional and mental well-being is just as important. Designate one or more rooms or areas where employees can relax and recharge. The features you can incorporate into a break room are endless. For instance, you can have sofas for power napping, relaxing, or even socializing. Games such as pool can serve as a great way to relieve the stresses of the day. Some employers install saunas, designate places for yoga mats, and even kitchenettes. These type of areas and break rooms are a great way to give your employees the opportunity to let off steam, foster comradery, relax, and recharge.

The importance of fostering employee wellness

Employers who take employee wellness seriously will not only feel good about providing a healthy working environment but will reap the benefits. Employers who incorporate physical, mental and emotional well-being have a higher employee retention rate and attract more highly qualified talent. Your business will also be more profitable because your employees will be more satisfied, creative, and productive.

Antham Construction specializes in office builds, renovations, and designs. The experienced staff understands how to improve employee wellness through office design and are dedicated to making your visions a reality. Contact us today for more information and to schedule a consultation!