What are Healthy Workplace Spaces and Their Benefits — Wellness Design Consultants

Introduction to Healthy Coworking Spaces

Healthy coworking spaces are essential for promoting workplace health and wellbeing. These environments are designed to be supportive, fostering collaboration, creativity, and productivity among their members. By prioritizing health, these spaces can help prevent ill health and encourage healthy behaviors, such as regular physical activity, healthy eating, and good mental wellbeing.

One of the key benefits of a healthy coworking space is its ability to address common health issues that can affect workers. Poor mental health, substance misuse, and musculoskeletal conditions are prevalent in many workplaces, but a well-designed coworking space can help mitigate these problems. For instance, ergonomic furniture can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal conditions, while access to fitness facilities and healthy food options can promote physical activity and healthy eating.

Human resources teams play a crucial role in creating and maintaining a healthy coworking space. By providing resources and support for employees, HR can help foster a culture of health and wellbeing. This might include offering workshops on stress management, providing access to mental health resources, or organizing regular physical activity sessions. By prioritizing workplace health, HR teams can help create a healthy workforce that is more productive, engaged, and satisfied.

In summary, healthy coworking spaces are not just about providing a place to work; they are about creating an environment that supports the overall health and wellbeing of their members. By addressing common health issues and promoting healthy behaviors, these spaces can help create a more productive and positive work environment.

arsenal business club, montenegro - interiors by biofilico

what are the benefits of healthy workplaces and coworking space designs?

Co-working spaces are essentially shared office environments for businesses that provide freelancers, small business owners and independent operators with a professional place to work, collaborate, and network.

Typically the. benefits of coworking space compared to conventional office space are the efforts of the community managers, access to coffee shops for remote workers, private office (in the same space but away from the main hotdesk area) for an additional cost.

One of the advantages of coworking spaces compared to a traditional office is that they typically provide at the very least a combination of communal spaces, private office space means, flexible office spaces, hot desks flexible workspace, meeting rooms, event spaces, kitchens, reception and so on.

As an office interior design firm specialized in sustainability and wellbeing however, an optimized coworking spaces offer can be so much more than that - shower facilities, social space, fitness studio, natural light, acoustic phone booths, standing desk space and other wellness oriented facilities.

What is the meaning of co-working space design?

Co-working spaces are essentially shared office environments for businesses that provide freelancers, small business owners and independent operators with a professional place to work, collaborate, and network.

Typically the. benefits of coworking space compared to conventional office space are the efforts of the community managers, access to coffee shops for remote workers, private office (in the same space but away from the main hotdesk area) for an additional cost.

One of the advantages of coworking spaces compared to a traditional office is that they typically provide at the very least a combination of communal spaces, private office space means, flexible office spaces, hot desks flexible workspace, meeting rooms, event spaces, kitchens, reception and so on.

As an office interior design firm specialized in sustainability and wellbeing however, an optimized coworking spaces offer can be so much more than that - shower facilities, social space, fitness studio, natural light, acoustic phone booths, standing desk space and other wellness oriented facilities.

What explains the trend in flexible work spaces?

Co-working spaces are designed to give digital nomads, entrepreneurs, freelancers and simply those who do not have an office to go to the opportunity to access the same resources as larger companies without having to pay for and commit to expensive office space. They also provide a sense of community as workers come together to share ideas and resources.

This type of working environment can be beneficial for those who need flexibility in their work schedule or who want an alternative to working from home.

Additionally, co-working and coworking spaces can be great for networking purposes as it allows people from different industries to come together and form relationships. Imagine a co-share office with gym on-site where co-workers with a shared interest in fitness can connect, for example. This explains why coworking spaces are such a hot sector right now!

ozana business club interior design by biofilico

What is the difference between a business Centre or shared office space and a coworking space?

The main difference between a business centre or shared office space and a coworking space is the level of flexibility they offer but then there is a less tangible difference in terms of the atmosphere and vibe they each represent.

Business centres are typically more structured, with fixed leases and terms of agreement, they also have a more formal atmosphere.

Shared office spaces are also usually very structured too but with shorter term agreements than business centres, again though this is essentially a classic office vibe, a long way from the fresh approach of a coworking space.

This is often not the place to go looking for office interior design plans with great office interior design, proper lighting and creative layouts by sustainable office interior design companies.

Flexible contracts

Generally coworking spaces are more flexible in terms of membership length and cost. They also provide a far wider range of amenities than business centres or shared office spaces, from the obligatory communal kitchens, break out areas, conference rooms, coffee stations, rooftop lounges, games rooms, and even gyms.

Community aspect

Additionally, coworking spaces deliberately encourage interaction and collaboration between members via an events program, wellness activities, run clubs and social events, which can all be beneficial for those looking to develop new relationships or simply feel part of a community every day when they go to work. Team leaders play a crucial role in fostering a healthy and collaborative community within these spaces, ensuring that members feel supported and engaged.

A well designed office for co-working can literally be the key to a new city, as it was for company founder Matt Morley when he moved to Lisbon, Portugal in 2017 with nothing but a couple of suitcases and an AirBnB reservation… everything that came afterwards was in some way thanks to the crew at Second Home Lisboa coworking. Is one space proves the importance of office interior design on worker wellbeing, it is this biophilic gem!

innovation centre coworking interiors by biofilico

What is workspace design in the context of the current coworking trend?

Workspace design is the process of creating a creative indoor environment that meets the functional and aesthetic needs of its occupants, whilst aligning with the distinct set of values and personality of the coworking brand in question.

design for your target audience

As experts in designing coworking spaces for a range of different target audiences, from high-net worths to low budget start-ups, we take into account a range of factors such as ergonomics, lighting, acoustics, and interior aesthetics. Identifying priority areas in the design process is crucial to cater to the needs of different target audiences effectively.

Our aim is to maximize productivity and comfort whilst delivering the interior design and fit-out on time and on budget.

The goal is to create an environment for professionals that encourages collaboration, creativity, and productivity while still providing a pleasant atmosphere for workers. Factors such as zoning, acoustics, workflow management, and team dynamics should all be taken into account when designing a workspace.

What are the principles for designing a healthy coworking office space?

The principles for designing a healthy coworking office space include creating an ergonomic workspace that encourages movement, with abundant natural light and suitable ventilation rates for indoor air quality that all contribute to occupant wellbeing.

Acoustics

We also look for ways to reduce noise pollution between different zones, and create distinct quiet zones using acoustic panels, privacy booths and other sound absorbing materials to facilitate deep work and focus.

This is especially important for those n the creative industries and business owners looking to get $$$$ done!

Biophilic design

Natural elements such as plants and outdoor spaces both help to create a calm atmosphere and reduce anxiety levels, when done correctly. This is a fundamental concept behind the use of biophilic design in our coworking spaces and offices, see more on this subject below.

Other design considerations

Additionally, it is important to ensure that the space is designed with safety in mind, with adequate ventilation, fire safety measures in place, and clear emergency exit routes. Finally, workspaces should be designed with flexibility in mind to accommodate changing needs of occupants throughout the working day.

ozana business club interiors by biofilico

How do you plan a coworking space design?

When planning a co-working space design, it is important to consider the needs of the occupants, the goals of the organization, and the available budget.

The layout should be designed to maximize space utilization and encourage collaboration between members.

ergonomics

Additionally, it is important to consider ergonomics and comfort when selecting furniture and equipment. It is also important to factor in natural elements such as light and air quality as well as soundproofing elements where necessary.

Finally, it is important to ensure that safety measures are in place such as adequate ventilation and fire safety measures.

What is an example of healthy co-work space design by Biofilico?

Our previous project the Ozana Business Club in Porto Montenegro is a business members club that caters to the needs of local professionals and entrepreneurs with an interest in the dynamic community around Porto Montenegro (where Biofilico's founder Matt Morley was a Director from 2010-2019).

Ozana Business Club, Porto Montenegro

The club offers a range of amenities and services that are designed to help members succeed in their respective fields, it was all designed by our in house design team with local assistance in the fit-out and project delivery, as well as signage production.

The club provides access to the latest technology, such as high-speed internet, office space, and meeting rooms.

Members can also benefit from networking opportunities with other business professionals in the area.

Additionally, the club offers exclusive access to networking events, and seminars that provide valuable advice on topics such as finance, marketing, and management.

With its many facilities and impressive list of amenities, the Ozana Business Club provides an ideal environment for business owners to grow their businesses.

Innovation Centre, Porto Montenegro

Another past project of ours, the Innovation Centre Porto Montenegro coworking space is a unique, collaborative environment that provides entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small business owners with the opportunity to work in an inspiring and creative atmosphere.

By being part of the coworking community, individuals have access to a network of like-minded people who can help them grow their businesses and reach their goals.

The space also offers amenities such as high-speed internet, meeting rooms, office supplies, and comfortable seating areas.

On top of that, members can attend workshops and events that will help them further develop their skills or learn more about the industry they are in.

The Innovation Centre is more than just some meeting rooms and a shared workspace though; it is a hub for creativity and innovative ideas.

Our biophilic recharge room for EcoWorld Ballymore in London

examples of co-working offices with workplace wellness design and healthy interiors

One clear example here is WeWork, which has a ‘Wellness Spaces’ program, essentially a coshare office with gym or yoga space concept. Not every coworking space has its own private gym facilities as space is often at a premium but a few of the best do have an onsite gym, or perhaps a ground floor cafe serving cognitive enhancing nootropic drinks.

These wellness spaces are designed to promote physical and mental health through various features like ergonomic furniture, natural lighting, and abundant greenery. Additionally, the company offers healthy snacks and beverages at its locations as well as access to fitness classes. In the East Midlands, workplace wellness initiatives have been implemented, resulting in an average of 5.6 sick days taken by employees in this area in 2021.

Other co-working office brands that prioritize workplace wellness design include the Knotel workclubs Soho Works that both leverage elements of hospitality and slick interior design to help them stand out from the crowd.

These brands create a healthy work environment with features such as standing desks, air purification systems, and natural materials like wood or stone in their interior design. They also provide access to yoga classes, meditation rooms, and healthy snacks in their lobbies or common areas.

By providing these amenities and creating a healthier workspace for employees, these co-working office brands are helping to reduce stress levels and create more productive work environments.

benefits of healthy indoor environment and wellbeing interior design in coworking spaces?

A healthy indoor environment and wellbeing interior design in a coworking space can have numerous benefits for both employers and employees. For employers, it can lead to improved productivity and creativity, as well as reduced absenteeism due to better air quality.

For employees, it can mean improved mental health, physical comfort, and increased motivation. It can also lead to increased collaboration among staff members as the space is designed to foster better communication.

Additionally, a healthy indoor environment in a coworking space can help reduce stress levels by providing natural light, calming colors and materials, ergonomic furniture, noise-reduction features, and a comfortable temperature.

Finally, such an environment can create an atmosphere of trust between coworkers which helps build strong working relationships.

research studies

Our biophilic recharge room for EcoWorld Ballymore in London

While some of these benefits can appear intangible, a coworking space does provide a unique testing ground for such experiments in workplace wellness research studies as the members are often young, open-minded and tech-savvy.

The number of research studies undertaken thus far though remains conspicuously low.

One of our own previous attempts to pin down some of these benefits was a biophilic space we created for real estate developer EcoWorld Ballymore in London's Canary Wharf district.

Over 100 respondents were invited into our waterfront recharge room one cold January and asked to spend 30-60 minutes surrounded by air-purifying plants, birdsong, candles and natural aromatherapy, we aked them to respond to a questionnaire before and after.

The results show that such spaces can have an immediate, positive impact on mood, stress levels, anxiety and feelings of nature-connectedness, as well as productivity and concentration.

See more on our recharge rooms here.

what studies exist proving the benefits for productivity and concentration from working in a biophilic office environment?

Studies conducted by the Harvard Business Review have shown that biophilic office environments increase employee productivity and focus.

The study showed that when employees were exposed to natural elements such as plants, natural light, and other natural elements, their productivity increased by 6%.

Furthermore, employees reported feeling more relaxed and concentrated during their workday when working in an office with biophilic elements.

Another study from the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that employees who worked in a biophilic office environment reported lower stress levels than those who did not.

These findings suggest that incorporating biophilic elements into an office environment can have a positive impact on employee productivity and concentration levels.

See our dedicated webpage covering a wide range of such research studies here.

what other case studies exist for integrating biophilic design principles in a coworking office space?

One such example of biophilic design being integrated in a coworking office space is the design of the WeWork office in London. The designers embraced numerous biophilic design principles, such as natural light, natural materials, and plants. The lobby area was filled with greenery to create a connection between the indoors and outdoors.

There were also plenty of plants placed around the workspace to help improve air quality and provide a sense of calmness. The designers also made use of natural materials like wood and stone to bring an organic feel to the office space. These materials were used throughout the entire workspace, from walls to furniture.

Large windows allowed plenty of natural light into the shared workspace, which helped reduce lighting costs while providing occupants with views of the city and nature outside. Overall, this coworking office space serves as an inspiring example for how biophilic design principles can be successfully implemented in an office setting.

how do Second Home coworking offices use biophilic design?

Second Home coworking offices are designed with biophilic design principles in mind. This means that natural elements are incorporated into the workspace to create a calming atmosphere. Natural light is used as much as possible and plants are strategically placed throughout the office.

Natural materials such as wood, stone, and other organic elements are used in the decor to bring a sense of the outdoors inside. The idea is to create a workspace that feels like an extension of nature, rather than a cold and sterile environment.

Second Home also utilizes green walls and terrariums filled with lush, vibrant foliage to add an extra layer of comfort for its members. These elements work together to create a space that invokes feelings of tranquility and productivity, allowing members to reach their full potential. They may not have private gym facilities but they do include fitness classes and other group activities instead.

What are the main services provided by flexible workplace providers for improved mental wellbeing of its members?

A creative workspace with concern for worker wellbeing can offer workshops on topics such as stress management and mindfulness that can help workers reduce stress levels. Coworking offices can also provide mental health resources such as free counseling sessions or discounted therapy fees for workers who need extra support.