A few decades ago, most people would have spent their 9-5 jobs in rigid office layouts in rows of cubicles. This way of working is definitely a thing of the past, especially after the pandemic where flexible working became much more prominent.

Today’s workforce thrives in dynamic environments, and more companies are recognising these changing needs. Part of this change includes the rise of flexible office space options, a switch that not only caters to modern work styles but also plays a significant role in fostering employee wellness.

What is flexible office design?

A flexible office space can be adapted and adjusted to fit different requirements of work. It is characterised by:

1. Furniture that moves: Desks, chairs and partitions can all be shifted around to create hotdesking setups, agile workspaces, private work zones – and everything else in between.

2. Different work settings: A flexible workspace normally includes an open area for collaboration, individual booths for independent work, a room for meetings, and a relaxation area for breaks to fit changing work requirements throughout the day.
3. Technology integration: Importantly, flexible workspaces should have a strong Wi-Fi connection, charging docks for laptops and mobile devices and space for extra screens, keyboards and the like.
4. Biophilic design: The use of nature as a design element (e.g., using plants and natural daylight, creating access to views of nature and natural light) is common in flexible workspaces, too.

The wellbeing connection

Employee wellness is a person’s state of physical, mental, emotional and social health.

Office workers usually spend 8 hours a day at the office, 5 days a week, so this space plays an important role in overall employee wellbeing. The office should be somewhere we feel happy, comfortable, and productive.

With this in mind, most flexible office space designs are created with a focus on how they can contribute to employee wellness. Here are just some of the employee wellness benefits that a flexible workspace can achieve:

• Greater autonomy and control: Flexible workspaces provide staff with the environment where they feel most comfortable, in turn enabling them to concentrate better and reduce stress.
• Ergonomic design: Flexible furniture and workstations can be adjusted to the user’s body, which promotes a healthy posture and minimises physical discomfort while working.
• Enhanced collaboration: Specially designed meeting or conference spaces with lounge chairs and technology resources for multiple people encourage them to work together, boosting staff morale and fostering a sense of community.
• Cutting out distractions: In flexible office spaces where specific ‘quiet zones’ are set up, people can cut out all distractions and truly focus on their tasks.
• Encouraging activity: Rather than sitting at the same desk all day, people can move to different areas of the flexible office space or try out standing desks to keep them active throughout the day.

How to facilitate employee wellness in a flexible space

By promoting a more flexible office layout, employers can prioritise employee wellbeing at every point.

Imagine this: the same spaces where staff members exchange ideas and collaborate can also be transformed to host group yoga sessions, meditation classes, or even fitness workshops. This flexibility allows people to seamlessly integrate employee wellness activities into their workday, fostering a holistic approach to health and self-care.

A well-designed flexible office space can also nudge employees towards healthy choices. A designated snack station stocked with fresh fruits, nuts, and yogurt becomes a constant reminder and a convenient option to fuel the body throughout the day.

The versatility of a flexible space also fosters social interaction and movement. Lunchtime or after-work running or walking clubs can be easily organised, allowing colleagues to get active together. These social activities not only promote physical health but also build team spirit and camaraderie.

Furthermore, fostering a sense of community is crucial for employee wellbeing and can make employees 58% more likely to thrive at work, according to a survey of almost 1,500 participants about their sense of community at work before and since the pandemic. The same common areas that facilitate collaboration can be used for social events like game nights or potlucks. These gatherings provide opportunities for employees to connect outside of work-related tasks, reducing feelings of isolation and building stronger bonds within the team.

Finally, flexible work arrangements can help employees strike a better work-life balance. With flexible hours, people can structure their day around their personal responsibilities – e.g. childcare. It also gives them somewhere to work other than their house, creating a much stronger work-life balance.

The business case for employee wellness

Making these investments is not just the right thing to do, but the smart thing to do. The evidence, if you haven’t noticed, is mounting: a body of research reveals a positive link between employee wellbeing and key business metrics.

For example, when analysing the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies wellness programme over 7 years, researchers reported an ROI of US$1.88-$3.92 for every dollar spent – not bad, right?

Here are some more of the business benefits your business could enjoy if you make the switch to flexible office space:

Low turnover

Healthy employees have fewer reasons to leave their jobs; as a result, they tend to stay in their jobs longer and become more experienced at what they do.

In fact, a Human Resource Executive report found that 77% of employees would consider leaving a company that didn’t focus on their wellbeing.

Lower absenteeism

Healthy employees don’t require as much time to rest and recuperate from illness, giving them greater productivity and a higher level of efficiency.

This lower absenteeism leads to a more consistent workforce, fewer disruptions, and a smoother workflow. Employees who are consistently present can maintain momentum on projects, meet deadlines more reliably, and avoid the need for last-minute scrambling to catch up.

Boosted productivity

When employees know their firm appreciates them, they’re more likely to work harder. A study revealed happy employees are up to 20% more productive than those unhappy ones.

This boost in productivity also has tangible impacts on businesses as highly engaged teams show 23% greater profitability, a Gallup survey showed. So, the initial investment in more flexible work environments could quickly pay itself back.

Increased creativity

When employees experience wellbeing through initiatives that reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance cognitive flexibility, they become a well of creativity.

This translates to a more innovative workplace. A joyful and motivated team is more likely to take risks, collaborate effectively, and approach challenges with fresh perspectives, ultimately giving the company a competitive edge.

According to Gallup, only 29% of employees think they are anticipated to think creatively or innovatively. However, if you can boost your employee engagement through wellness activities, the percentage of creative thinkers in your business will increase rapidly.

Conclusion

Flexible office space is not just a passing trend, it’s the new way to work – and it’s a great thing for employees and employers.

By empowering employees with choices about where and how they work, companies can demonstrably improve employee wellness, resulting in happier, healthier, and more productive labour force. Flexible spaces facilitate this not just through design features, but also by encouraging wellness practices within the workday.
 
As the focus on employee well-being continues to flourish, we can forecast even more companies to move to flexible workspaces and make more of an effort to promote employee wellbeing.