As work continues to evolve, it’s crucial to understand the new paradigms shaping our workplaces. Welcome back to our Unworking Weekly mini-series, inspired by new book “Unworking: The Reinvention of the Modern Office” by Philip Ross & Jeremy Myerson.
Over the past ten weeks, we have explored the themes of each chapter, offering insights into the book’s vision for the future of work and the workplace. Offices have been integral to society for the past century, influencing everything from city architecture to daily routines. However, the pandemic triggered a re-evaluation of the office’s role, promoting a shift away from outdated practices. As we enter the eleventh week of our series, we explore Chapter 11, continuing our journey through the evolving landscape of work.
This week’s blog focuses on Chapter 11: Well-being. In this chapter, we explore how employee well-being has become a central focus in workplace design, management, and culture. As businesses continue to shift towards more human-centric environments, fostering well-being is no longer seen as a mere benefit but as a fundamental requirement for sustainable success.
Well-being in the Workplace
Well-being, in the context of work and the workplace, refers to the physical, mental, and emotional health of employees. It encompasses everything from creating a supportive, comfortable environment to encouraging work-life balance and mental health initiatives. A well-being-focused workplace aims to promote not just productivity but also the holistic health of its employees, enhancing engagement, creativity, and satisfaction.
Mental Health and Emotional Well-being Support
The well-being of employees goes beyond physical comfort; it deeply involves their mental and emotional health. Offering resources such as counselling services, mental health days, and stress management programs have become standard in workplaces prioritising well-being. Companies are now integrating these resources into their culture rather than treating them as secondary benefits.
A good example of this is EY (Ernst & Young), which has prioritised mental health by implementing an extensive range of programs, including mindfulness training, mental health first aiders, and anonymous access to therapists through digital platforms. This focus on emotional well-being helps foster a healthier, more engaged workforce, reducing burnout and improving overall productivity.
Work-Life Balance and Flexibility
The boundaries between work and personal life have become increasingly blurred, particularly in the realm of remote work. Companies that focus on well-being are adopting flexible work policies that promote a healthier balance, allowing employees to manage their work responsibilities alongside personal commitments. These policies include remote work options, flexible hours, and generous parental leave policies, ensuring employees have the time to recharge and stay connected to their personal lives.
A leading example of this is Spotify. The company has embraced a “Work from Anywhere” policy, allowing employees the freedom to choose where they work, fostering an environment of trust and flexibility. This policy has proven to be successful in promoting well-being while maintaining high levels of productivity and employee satisfaction.
Physical Well-being and Ergonomics
Physical well-being encompasses everything from ergonomic design to physical fitness. Well-being-oriented offices now integrate features that promote movement, ergonomic furniture, and spaces designed to reduce stress and strain on the body. Additionally, many companies offer wellness programs that encourage exercise, healthy eating, and regular movement throughout the day.
A company doing this really well is LinkedIn, which provides employees with ergonomic workstations, wellness rooms, and on-site fitness centers. LinkedIn also encourages physical activity through walking meetings, regular fitness challenges, and promoting the importance of breaks. These initiatives demonstrate LinkedIn’s commitment to creating a physically supportive environment that prioritizes well-being.
This chapter highlights the importance of designing workplaces that support well-being in all its dimensions—physical, mental, and emotional. As companies rethink their office spaces, they’re shifting towards creating environments where employees feel supported, healthy, and empowered to perform their best work. The focus on well-being is not just about improving individual health but about driving long-term organisational success.
Readers can dive deeper into the exploration of well-being in workplace design and its impact on the future of work in Unworking: The Reinvention of the Modern Office by Philip Ross and Jeremy Myerson. By understanding the importance of well-being in the workplace, we can adapt and innovate to create spaces that support health, happiness, and productivity.
Grab your copy of Unworking from Amazon here.
