As a result of improvements in wellness standards, employee productivity increased with values ranging between 10% and 45%, depending on the criterion analyzed, shows the latest study conducte by CBRE with the Twente University in the Netherlands. The purpose of this research was to determine the impact that the optimization of the working conditions in the office space has on the employees.
The study lasted for 7 months and was based on five changes in the working environment and the routine of employees: introduction of plants into the workspace; adjusting the brightness according to the needs of the body (circadian rhythm); ensuring healthy food at work; meditation and relaxation breaks; stimulating physical activity by introducing medical bikes or fitness balls that can temporarily replace office chairs.
Objective research has shown that employee performance has grown as a response to each change. Thus, the introduction of plants into offices has led to improved air quality and reduced stress and increased employee performance by about 10%. Changing brightness increased performance by 12% and healthy nutrition by 45%. Relaxation breaks led to a productivity of 30% higher, and physical activity increased the quality of work by 12%.
"Improving wellness standards is an extremely strong trend in the office space market, which has gained more and more local outlook. The concept of sustainability has migrated from the sphere of property to that of the user, aiming to ensure the most enjoyable experience and to increase the quality of work. The implementation of many of these standards can be done without major investment, and the effects on the tonus and the professional performance of the employees are extremely beneficial", said Mihai Păduroiu, Head of Advisory & Transaction Services of CBRE Romania.
"At the moment we are witnessing on the office building market the transition from a simple workspace to a superior experience that offers easy access to the office, residential and retail areas. Young generations want to be able to walk or cycle to work, and have at their disposal shops and spaces where they can do sports. As some of the findings of our study show, creating an unconventional workspace significantly increases the productivity of employees. I would add that by offering as many facilities as possible, the attraction of good people and their retention become more consistent", explained Mihai Paduroiu.
According to the CBRE consultant, the segment of relaxation, residential and office facilities evolve together, being interconnected. Major office projects are no longer similar to those of 5 or 10 years ago, and developers in the local market have begun to take into account the "experience" they offer employees to tenant companies. More and more office projects include extremely varied facilities ranging from rooftop running trails to bicycle parking facilities and shower, gyms, gardens that include work areas, etc. (source: CBRE)
