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What is a WELL Accredited Office and How Can You Benefit From it?

Written by Adaani Denny | Apr 3, 2023 11:00:14 AM

Are you looking for ways to make your office environment healthier and happier?

A WELL accredited office may be the answer. The WELL Building Standard is a performance-based system that guides architects, builders, designers, facility managers and property owners in improving their built environment to create spaces that promote physical health and emotional wellbeing. It’s based on seven years of rigorous research into what benefits people inside buildings. In this blog post, we will be explaining how creating a WELL accredited office can lead to higher employee productivity, better process efficiency and enhanced customer engagement.

Introducing WELL Accreditation and its importance to the modern office

As businesses start to prioritize employee wellness more than ever before, the WELL accreditation has emerged as a critical certification to demonstrate a company's commitment to creating a healthy office environment.

The WELL Building Standard considers everything from air quality and water purity to lighting, acoustics, and the availability of healthy food options.

 

Earning the WELL accreditation is no easy feat, and it requires immense dedication and effort from a company's leadership team. But the benefits are undeniable - studies have shown that workplaces with WELL Certification have higher employee satisfaction, better productivity, and lower absenteeism rates. In other words, investing in a WELL accreditation is not just good for employees; it's also good for a company's bottom line.

In the modern office, there is an increasing focus on creating an environment that supports the health and well-being of employees. Introducing WELL accreditation – a certification program that evaluates buildings based on their impact on human health and well-being.

Achieving WELL accreditation demonstrates a commitment to providing a healthy and productive workspace that supports employees’ physical, mental, and emotional health. This certification goes beyond traditional sustainability credentials, addressing aspects such as air quality, lighting, temperature, and ergonomics. As more companies recognize the importance of employee well-being, WELL accreditation provides a valuable tool for attracting and retaining talent, improving productivity, and prompting a healthier environment for all.

A deeper dive into what makes a WELL Accredited Office

Achieving WELL accreditation for an office space requires more than just ticking boxes. It is a comprehensive certification that covers various aspects of a building’s design and performance, such as air quality, lighting, and acoustics. However, what sets WELL apart from other sustainability standards is its focus on human health and well-being. By promoting healthy behaviours like physical activity and stress reduction, WELL aims to improve employee productivity, retention, and satisfaction.

To obtain a WELL-certified office, businesses must take a holistic approach to workplace design and management, considering every detail that can affect their employees’ health and wellness.

Ultimately, a WELL accredited office is more than just a badge of honour; it is a statement of a company’s commitment to creating a healthy and supportive work environment.

Benefits of having a WELL Accredited Office

Having a Well Accredited office can provide numerous benefits for both employees and employers. This certification signifies that a building has met strict standards for air and water quality, lighting, fitness amenities, and other health-related factors.

A WELL Accredited can help promote productivity and wellness among employees, as it may reduce sickness, absenteeism, and turnover rates. For employers, a WELL certification may lead to improved brand image, increased tenant satisfaction, and sustainability initiatives.

It is also important to note that WELL certifications are recognized globally, making it an attractive option for companies with multiple locations.

Overall, a WELL accredited office is a valuable investment that can have significant impacts on health and well-being of a company’s most important asset – its employees.

As businesses continue to prioritize sustainability and employee well-being, the WELL certification has become a standard for office spaces. A WELL accredited office offers numerous benefits, including improved indoor air quality, access to natural light, noise reduction, and ergonomic design. These features create a healthier and more comfortable workplace that can enhance employee productivity and satisfaction. Additionally, a WELL certified office has a positive impact on the environment by reducing energy consumption and promoting sustainable practices.

The process of becoming WELL Certified

The process of becoming WELL certified is a thorough and rigorous one that requires a deep understanding of building design, operations, and management.

WELL certification is the premier standard for buildings that prioritize human health and wellness, and achieving this certification is a significant achievement for any building project.

To become WELL certified, buildings must undergo a comprehensive review and testing process that covers aspects such as air quality, water quality, lighting, acoustics, and access to nature, among others. It requires a committed team of professionals with diverse backgrounds, including architects, engineers, building owners, and tenants. The result is a healthier, more productive, and sustainable environment for building occupants, which ultimately benefits everyone involved.

Becoming WELL certified is a rigorous process that does take time and dedication.

However, the benefits of achieving this certification are immense, we find that not only for the company, but for the health and well-being of the entire community. By becoming WELL certified, individuals and companies alike can demonstrate their commitment to promoting a healthier, more sustainable future.

Tips for Creating a Healthy Workspace

In today’s fast-paced working environment, it is crucial to maintain a healthy workspace. A cluttered and disorganised office can lead to decreased productivity and an increase in stress levels, affecting both physical and mental health.

  • To create a healthy workspace, one can start by decluttering their desk and organising their work tools in a way that reduces physical strain.
  • Employing ergonomic office furniture, such as chairs and desks, can also contribute to a healthier work environment and prevent long-term injuries.
  • Additionally, bringing natural elements such as plants into the workspace can promote better air quality and calm one’s mind.
  • A healthy workspace is essential for both physical and mental wellbeing.
  • We believe that for companies, it is important to ensure that your workspace to ensure that your workspace is designed with comfortable seating, proper lighting, and adequate space.
  • Consider incorporating plants and natural elements into your workspace to improve air quality and reduce stress levels. It’s also important to take regular breaks and stand up/stretch throughout the day to avoid prolonged sitting which can lead to health problems.
  • And, make it a priority to maintain a tidy workspace to reduce clutter and increase productivity.

By implementing these simple tips, you can create a workspace that promotes health, wellness, and increased productivity.

Examples of WELL Accredited Offices from Around the World

In today’s global marketplace, it’s essential for businesses to establish themselves as leaders by obtaining accreditations that demonstrate their commitment to excellence.

 

Some examples of WELL accredited offices from around the world include the United States Green Building Council, which offers Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for buildings that meet high environmental standards.

Another prominent accreditation is the ISO 9001 Quality Management System certification, which is recognized globally and indicates a company’s dedication to delivering consistent, high-quality products and services. We believe that by obtaining these types of accreditations, organisations can establish credibility and trust with their customers while also positioning themselves as leaders in their respective industries.

Offices around the world are gaining more recognition for their WELL accredited achievements.

Some of the top examples include the JLL office in London, which holds a BREEAM Outstanding certification for its sustainable practises, and the Deloitte office in Amsterdam, which has been awarded a WELL Gold certification for its commitment to the health and wellbeing of its employees. 

Additionally, the photo above shows the new designs for the Microsoft office in Redmond, Washington which has earned LEED Platinum certification for its energy efficiency and resource conservation efforts.

These impressive accolades exhibit not only the commitment of these companies to sustainability, but also their dedication to creating a healthy and productive office environment for their employees. We find as more companies to sustainability, but also their dedication to creating a healthy and productive office environment for their employees.

As more companies strive to achieve these standards, we can expect to see a positive impact on both the business world and the environment.

In conclusion, the WELL Accreditation is a great way to make any office a healthier environment for all employees. It strives to maintain a positive physical, mental, and emotional well-being to create a productive workspace that values health and safety over production. With easy standards to meet, any office building can easily become WELL Accredited by implementing measures like a proper air quality control and access to natural light, as well as providing healthy food options. By following these steps, offices can reap the rewards of increased moral among workers and improved efficiency.

That said, achieving certification in this realm requires considerable resources and time commitment from management -particularly in terms of operational changes such as billing system integration or making structural modifications.

As we look around the world, we see just how beneficial this kind pf accreditation can be – not only does it lead to happier, healthier employees, but it has countless other positives too.

With continued effort and dedication, any company has the potential to become certified by The International WELL Building Institute.