Wellbeing at work is not a new trend. For over a decade the commercial interiors world has been promoting physical wellness through ergonomic solutions, floorplate designs that encourage movement and health conscious spaces. Yet to be ‘well’ means more than being physically well. Emotional wellbeing. Financial wellbeing… mental wellbeing. Total wellness is body AND mind. We have all been impacted by the COVID19 pandemic, and today, more than ever before, mental wellbeing must be considered when we think about the workplace. Here are some great ways to improve mental wellness in your next space. 

Let’s start by acknowledging that we have a great headstart. Any space that promotes physical wellness is already contributing to mental wellbeing. A healthy body is a key ingredient to a healthy mind and many of the benefits from moving throughout the day and taking advantage of ergonomic furniture are just as much about the mind as they are the body… better focus, less stress, more happiness… that sort of thing!  

Let’s also acknowledge that safety and hygiene… which often center on physical wellness… also now have a significant mental component. Return to workplace solutions and policies like air filters, thermal monitors, physical dividers and sanitizers have as much (if not more) of a mental benefit as they do a physical one… allowing employees to feel confident and safe about being back in the workplace after many months away at home.  

And then there are the things that we can add to the workplace that impact our minds, our moods (the chemical makeup and response of our bodies) things like access to natural light, biophilic design that includes plant, water and nature within our spaces, access to outside areas and even accessories like art, rugs, décor and lighting can impact our minds. To that extent, building and air quality, temperature, ambiance and acoustics all factor into our total mental wellbeing.  

Workspaces that support the different ways we work, provide choice, connect us with our colleagues and are easy to use and navigate all contribute to less stress, higher satisfaction and improved mental states.  

And let’s recognize that YES, it is OK to take a moment of respite… to take a break. Did you know refresh and restore is actually a type of working? A healthy, well-rounded workplace includes space that can rejuvenate you without distractions. What rejuvenates you?
 

Emerging trends like a focus on neurodiversity that recognizes and optimizes for difference in mental identity also ensure that mental wellness is achievable for everyone. There are even new technologies, wearables and apps that work to ensure we are bettering our mental health at work. Solutions like Calm, MindDoc, Breather, Headspace and many others offer new and easy ways to recognize, manage and improve our mental states.  

There are so many ways to promote mental wellbeing in the workplace… the most important thing is to recognize its importance so that you and your teams can incorporate the right practices, solutions and strategies to achieve the highest levels of mental wellness in your space!