Colorado Real Estate Journal - September 2, 2015
By now, we’ve all heard that “sitting is the new smoking.” The latest buzz surrounding wellness in the workplace is that our sedentary lifestyle, coupled with being tethered to our desks, is a hazard to our health. But wait, I’m not sedentary. I exercise and eat healthily. (Plus, wine is good for you, right?) A new Time magazine article reported that a recent review of 43 studies analyzing daily activity relating to cancer rates found that people who reported sitting for more hours of the day had a 24 percent greater risk of developing colon cancer, a 32 percent higher risk of endometrial cancer and a 21 percent higher risk of lung cancer – regardless of how much they exercised. In another study involving a group of men and women who reported exercising the same amount, each additional hour they spent sitting was linked to a drop in their fitness levels. In other words, just sitting at your desk can actually reverse the benefits of exercise. So, now what? As a designer, I’m wired to solve problems. “Can design improve our well-being?” There is an overwhelming amount of evidence showing that well designed offices can boost productivity and most definitely improve health and well-being. A recent study from the World Green Building Council found that a range of factors, from air quality and lighting to views of nature and interior layout, can have a positive impact on health, satisfaction and job performance of office workers. Gensler's 2014 Well-Being & the Workplace research found that employees who report that the air in their office is “always fresh” are 3½ times more likely to report that their work environment is energizing. In addition to air quality, acoustics and lighting, a well-designed office also needs to be used in the right way, so maximizing well-being is as much about changing behaviors as it is about designing physical space. Today, many of our clients are more aware than ever of the importance of a well-being strategy in the workplace. Amenities like on-site fitness areas, shared bicycles and even companywide fitness competitions are now the norm. Another key benefit for many employers is a pet-friendly environment. At The Alliance Center, it’s common to see a furry friend scurrying around the office providing comic relief as well as a reported increase in moral and stress relief. Although humans have evolved to become indoor creatures, we remain hardwired to work better in daylight. We have an inherent need, called biophilia, to stay connected with nature. At The Alliance Center, Gensler created a light-filled space and strong visual connections from one side of the floor plate to the other. Organic patterns, green walls and tactile materials create that strong connection to natural phenomenon. More important now than ever, well-being is good business. Thoughtful design interventions can pay dividends for individuals and for organizations as a whole. Here are a few simple ideas: • Bring the outdoors in: Evidence suggests that employees who work in environments containing plants experience lower levels of stress and demonstrate higher productivity. Studies also indicate that there are numerous benefits to introducing biophilic principles. • Acoustics: Addressing acoustics can positively affect focus and memory, and reduce stress. A Gensler study shows 70 percent of respondents said noise is the greatest distraction in the workplace and 80 percent said productivity would be improved by addressing it. White noise, absorbent materials and careful planning strategies can mitigate visual and audible distractions. • Fresh air: Gensler’s 2014 Well-Being & the Workplace research found that employees who report that the air in their office is “always fresh” are 3½ times more likely to report that their work environment is energizing. • Lighting: Our body functions at its best when subjected to a natural circadian rhythm. Providing for day-lighting, supplemented with controllable artificial lighting creates an environment that results in improved melatonin levels and more effective rest.
• Un-tether! A well-designed workplace is one that not only allows workers to choose where and when they work, depending on the task at hand, but also provides the right balance of collaboration and focus spaces. Most importantly, these spaces shouldn’t interfere with each other. (See Acoustics) • Ergonomics: Ergonomics is not just a correct chair height and good desk posture. It also about creating an environment that fits the worker and the tasks of the workers. Sitto-stand desks provide an opportunity to change posture throughout the day as do stand-up meeting areas and collaboration zones. One size does not fit all. • Access to water and healthy snacks: Fresh water and nutrition are necessary to support a healthy life. Providing convenient access to water stations and healthy food options can lead to improved productivity as well as supporting employee interaction and an active environment. • Promote activity: Optimizing the physical environment to promote activity can have significant health benefits. Taking the stairs is often faster than waiting for the elevator, and it also burns twice as many calories as walking. • Autonomy: Whether it’s temperature, lighting controls or standing vs. sitting, simply being allowed to personalize the experience makes people feel more at ease in a space. • Nudge: Effective design incorporates subtle and sometimes not-so-subtle nudges that suggest the choice that will benefit people the most. The answer is yes, thoughtful design can improve our well-being in the workplace. Companies who implement wellness strategies for their employees may be providing a perk today, but it is quickly becoming the new normal. So get out of those chairs, no one wants to be left sitting!