Supporting mental wellbeing for the modern workforce
Our study, The Reluctant Returner, a survey of 3,000 office workers, noted that over 75% of our respondents revealed that they missed the social elements of the workplace and, for many, remote working conditions are less than ideal on a permanent basis. Yet, a staggering 95% of employees would like to see improvements to their physical office space, suggesting that many are unhappy with their current workplace. So, what's the remedy? Unispace Chief Operating Officer, Claire Shepherd gives some insights.
“The link between office design and mental wellbeing is often overlooked, but the fact that almost half of the workforce felt that their mental health improved while working from home, highlights that too many workplaces do not meet the needs of the people that use them. We know that the office - a place that many of us are returning to on a more regular basis - can support mental wellbeing, from the positive collaboration and socialization opportunities our colleagues afford us, to easy access to amenities, and much more.
Small changes can have a huge impact as well, from color schemes, to lighting and representations of nature to acoustics, and room temperatures. But it all starts with truly understanding your colleagues and their needs. Having gone through a difficult period that has tested the resilience of us all, businesses need to consider what more they can do to proactively support the mental wellbeing of their workforce." – Claire Shepherd, Chief Operating Officer, Unispace
Understanding the mental health challenges at work
In a Work Design Magazine article, we share how organizations can leverage strategic design practices to embed mental health and wellness in the workspace.
Company cultures and employee perceptions around mental health have changed. Although employers have started to invest more in mental health initiatives, employees have increased their expectations. Employers need to create sustainable and mentally healthy workplaces or risk negatively impacting their people and business.
A 2021 report by Mind Share Partners shares telling information about the state of mental health in U.S. workplaces.
Using the office to promote mental health and wellness
So, what can organizations do now to create workplace environments that nurture mental health and wellness?
In an era of prioritizing the people and experience, 2019 workspace design isn’t going to cut it. Organizations have an opportunity to rethink the role of the physical office in employee mental health and create an environment that inspires and supports talent.
Check out more of our insights on mental health and design in designwell and on DesignWell365 Podcast.
Learn more about how today's office can support mental wellbeing.