Wellbeing
The whole wellness movement was one that we embraced early as it aligned with much of our own experience of what made people happy in the offices we created.
We built the first ‘Well’ certified office in the UK in 2018. The Porter Building in Slough was designed and built to offer qualitative characteristics that would benefit body and mind. It achieved the International Well Building Institute’s ‘Gold Standard’ rating.
Healthy and happy people are more productive, more focused, have higher motivation and are more loyal (and take fewer sick days). So, what’s not to like?
After all, we spend more than a third of our adult lives at work, so making that time enjoyable is clearly going to have a positive impact on our health and morale.
There’s a simple reason why business now places so much importance on wellbeing, it’s good for people, but it’s also good for profits.
So, what makes a ‘Well’ building?
We’re a social species that enjoy interacting with others, so shared amenity spaces within the office offer opportunities to relax and re-set.
Greater ceiling heights increase airflow and natural light, both of which enhance mood and alertness. Prominent, well designed staircases, cycle parking (inc. showers and lockers) and organised classes encourage physical activity throughout the day and promote fitness.
Ok, lots of activity is great, but people actually work better in quiet spaces, so better acoustic control is helpful to reduce distraction, which in turn raises productivity and reduces stress.
Water stations and healthy food options improve awareness of nutrition and the inclusion of green spaces and biophilic design elements increase mindfulness and provide a sense of calm to the whole environment.
Respiratory health has never been so important, but 100% non-recycled fresh air, delivered though central ventilation systems incorporating NOx filtration, can ensure we all breathe easily.
The Porter Building in Slough, first ‘Well’ certified office in the UK in 2018.