Insights

Poor mental health accounts for more than half of all work-related illnesses. In 2023, reports revealed that 51% of long-term sick leave results from stress, depression, or anxiety. As a business owner, it’s crucial to understand that mental well-being isn’t just an individual concern but a business imperative that impacts productivity, absenteeism, and the ability to retain top talent.

To foster a healthy and motivated workforce, choosing office spaces that support employees’ mental health is essential. 9% of professionals have experienced thoughts of suicide or self-harm. By investing in a workspace that prioritises well-being, you can significantly reduce the risk of work-related mental health issues.

For Suicide Awareness Month, we’re highlighting the office amenities that are increasingly essential to improving mental health in the workplace.

Fitness and Wellness Studios

Fitness and wellness rooms contribute to both physical and mental health, relieving stress and increasing productivity. Regular physical exercise releases endorphins, triggering a positive feeling in your mental state. They boost morale and motivation, not to mention allow the employee to connect with others to enhance their relationships around them. Wellness and fitness rooms attract top talent, boost job satisfaction, and reduce long-term healthcare costs, creating a healthier and more engaged environment.

Biophilic Design

We all know that adding some plants and greenery to your life is a ‘natural’ remedy to feeling better about yourself. Biophilic design can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance cognitive function.  By integrating nature in a built-up environment, you provide a constant connection to stress-reducing stimuli, promoting a more relaxed and productive environment.

Flood of Natural Lighting

Similar to biophilic design, natural lighting enhances cognitive function. Exposure to natural light in the daytime helps you sleep better at night and maintains a more consistent, better mood, as it releases serotonin. Natural lighting stimulates the brain, making you feel more alert and awake during the day.

Quiet Areas

The hustle and bustle of a busy office can be motivating in certain spurts of the workday but working in peace enables clear thinking, allowing analytical decision-making. This type of mindfulness at work is key to maintaining good relationships with fellow employees and reduces overwhelm and social burnout after a day in the office. The benefit for the business includes well-thought-out decision-making and a happier employee rate.

Outside Areas

Outside areas, similar to quiet areas allow a breather away from the stresses of work. Being able to remove yourself from the office environment maintains a constant level of engagement at work throughout the day.

Organic On-Site Cafes

Offering a selection of healthy snacks and lunches for members is a great way to ensure that everyone is looking after their health. Sticking to nutrient-rich foods improves your ability to focus and means you will have fewer mood swings. Eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds reduces inflammation and alters neurotransmitters to reduce symptoms of depression. Workplaces offering an array of health-induced snacks care about the impact that it has on the physical and mental health of the employee.

Ergonomic Furniture

Most flexible offices have filled their offices with considerate furniture. Being at a desk for 8 hours a day, it is important to be as comfortable as possible. From adjustable chairs and desks to keyboard and mouse support materials. Offering intuitive furniture and more freedom of movement through things like sit-stand desks and agile work settings is an effective way to lower the amount of time staff spend seated. Nurturing physical health aspects like this will then naturally improve mental well-being in the workplace and foster healthier, more positive employee well-being.

Pet-Friendly Spaces

A furry friend brings a smile to the majority of people. Having an office dog can manage stress levels throughout the day and boost overall office morale. Having a four-legged friend reduces loneliness and instantly brings a positive and friendly atmosphere.

Bike storage

Having abundant bike storage for your company actively encourages cycling to work. Many companies that offer bike storage also promote cycle-to-work schemes. Cycling to work is a perfect way to ensure daily exercise which releases endorphins to reduce stress.

Prayer and meditation rooms

Prayer and meditation rooms allow for religious or spiritual employees to connect in a deeper sense while at work, with themselves, others, and their godly/spiritual figures. This can act as a great stress relief as prayer rooms are a reliant place for salvation and therefore promote mental well-being.

Investing in these amenities not only supports your employees’ mental health but also brings significant benefits to your organisation:

• Lower rates of work-related mental health issues
• Retention of top talent
• Reduced absenteeism and increased productivity
• A positive, supportive workplace culture

Now is the time to act. Choose office providers that prioritise mental well-being and create an environment where your employees can thrive. By investing in these initiatives, you’ll foster a healthier, more productive workforce and strengthen your company’s future.

Start by assessing your workplace today. Are you offering the amenities that promote mental wellness, such as fitness spaces, biophilic design, and quiet areas? Does your office culture support open conversations about mental health?

Take the next step: Choose office providers that prioritise employee well-being over profit. By fostering a supportive, healthy environment, you can reduce the risk of work-related mental health issues, retain top talent, and create a workplace where everyone can thrive.

Written by Olivia Hunt