Why is a focus on workplace wellbeing so crucial for your business?
With sickness absence rates soaring by 55% since 2019, the effects of stress, burnout, and mental health pressures are becoming increasingly apparent. It's clear that integrating well-being initiatives into the very fabric of an organisation isn’t just a nice-to-have but a strategic necessity. The question then arises—how can businesses create an environment that fosters mental, physical, and emotional health, allowing both individuals and organisations to thrive?
Understanding the Rise in Absenteeism
The dramatic increase in sickness-related absences highlights a growing crisis within workplaces. Stress and burnout are major contributors, often stemming from high-pressure environments, lack of support, and inadequate work-life balance. These factors not only affect employee health but also significantly impact productivity and company performance.
The Strategic Importance of Wellbeing Initiatives
To combat these challenges, wellbeing initiatives must permeate every aspect of an organisation. This includes embedding them into the company culture, leadership practices, and of course the physical workspace. This integration ensures that wellbeing becomes a core component of daily business operations rather than an afterthought.
When it comes to the physical workplace, we have a deep understanding of the benefits of designing functional, beautiful workplaces where employees thrive.
Here are just some of the ways we are designing workplaces with a focus on employee wellbeing:
- Giving employees choice and control over how and where they work.
Not everyone works productively and happily in the same environment. Giving people choice by creating ‘zones’ will mean they can move around to work in a space that suits them in that moment. Noisy or quiet, open plan area or small private booths.. choice will enable everyone to work at their best.
- Device free zones
Allowing individuals to switch off from technology is so important for ‘down-time’ and time away from environmental stresses, reducing eye strain and allowing focus without distraction. Device free zones allow employees to take a ‘proper’ break, eat their lunch or read a book without the lure of the screen.
- Collaboration areas
Communal and collaboration zones encourage time away from desks in an area of socialisation. Breakout areas, relaxed and informal seating, games rooms and well- equipped kitchen facilities are all areas where employees can gather, brainstorm and foster all-important relationships.
- Maximising natural light and integrating biophilic elements.
Bringing the outside in through plants, a natural colour pallet, and increased natural light has proven to decrease employee stress levels, boosting mood, improving air quality, lessening eye strain and increasing energy levels.
How GTA Interior Can Help
We specialise in transforming workplaces into environments that support health and wellbeing. We understand that each workplace is unique, which is why we offer tailored solutions that align with your brand and culture. From workplace analysis to innovative design and fit-out, our team provides expert guidance and exceptional service throughout the entire project. If you're ready to transform your workspace into a hub of wellbeing and for information on how we can support your business, please contact us.
