As organizations continue to focus on attracting and retaining employees, workplace health and well-being have become increasingly important considerations in commercial and institutional facility planning and operations.
A new study by Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd. analyzed more than 4,200 occupant surveys from 41 office projects across Japan, assessing employee perceptions of workplace conditions. According to the survey, employees working in WELL certified offices reported a 19 percent increase in overall well-being and a 20 percent increase in work engagement compared with employees in non-certified workplaces.
WELL certified workplaces are designed and operated according to the WELL Building Standard. Administered by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), WELL certification is a performance-based framework that evaluates factors affecting occupant health, including air quality, water, lighting, acoustics, movement and mental well-being.
The study also identified notable differences in employee satisfaction with various factors that are often managed by facility teams. WELL certified offices received higher ratings in:
WELL certified offices also scored higher in areas related to workplace culture and employee experience, including privacy, psychological safety, social connection and opportunities to recharge during the workday.
Panasonic researchers used regression analysis to identify the factors most closely associated with employee well-being and engagement. Opportunities for rest and recovery emerged as the strongest contributor to well-being, accounting for 31 percent of outcomes. Team culture, indoor environment quality and workplace design were also significant factors.
The results suggest that investments in occupant-focused building strategies can contribute to both employee satisfaction and organizational performance.
Elaina Myers is the assistant editor of the facilities market. She has covered various topics from pest management to resilience to sustainability and is the beat writer for special days. She also runs the FacilitiesNet social media accounts.
