We have all been there and worked in buildings, where co workers fight over the thermostat. There are often other common complaints in the workplace; such as having an uncomfortable office chair or having the afternoon glare on your computer screen.
According to "well Building standard" there are 7 concepts which factor in the office wellness of a commercial buildings occupants. All building's old and new can be constructed or renovated to maximize occupants wellness. Here are some examples of issues from each concept, to consider.
The 7 Office Wellness Concepts for Commercial Building Occupants
1 Air
Is you building properly ventilating and air circulating correctly? To you you have areas of hot or cold air in your office? Do you have other issues such as Mold, construction pollution, exterior contaminants being walked into your building?
2 Water
We are lucky in Canada as we have one of the cleanest water source in the world. However are your employees drinking enough. The average person needs over 3 liters a day. Do you have enough water coolers?
3 Nourishment
Do you have a vending machine full of sugary, fatty snacks tempting your employees. Does your staff canteen also offer healthy choices?
4 Light
Do your employees complain for glare or not enough light? Do you have old dim florescent tube lighting which needs to be replaced?
5 Fitness
Physical inactivity poses one of the biggest modern risks to the public health. Do your employees take the elevator rather than the stairs? Are they getting out at lunch, or sitting at there desk eating their sandwich?
6 Comfort
Do your employees have issues surrounding comfort such as; thermal comfort,ergonomics (visual & physical), noise?
7 Mind
Mental illnesses can take many forms, just as physical illnesses do. Mental illnesses are still feared and misunderstood by many people. Does your company do enough for the mental state of your employees? Do any of them have stress, travel frequently for business or take long leaves of absences?
These are just a few things to note from the 7 concepts. Unfortunately there are many more factors that can influence your environment. Please feel free to contact me if you have any question or would like assistance resolving any issues you or your team are experiencing.