Employee burnout is on the rise. As much as 42% of the global workforce reports feeling burned out—a two-year high. Some countries and regions have even higher rates than the global average, with 50% of the workforce in Australia reporting burnout.(1) Now more than ever, it is critical to incorporate well-being in the workplace to combat this challenge and support employees to perform at their best. A recent study by Gensler demonstrated that a physical workplace that comprises effective, productive workspaces and considers employee well-being can: increase engagement build stronger feelings of commitment to the organization support stronger team bonds promote a sense of belonging (2) Attractive, productive workspaces can be planned and designed, but how does one build and sustain well-being in the workplace? Here are five actionable ways to promote well-being in the workplace: 1. Create a Dialogue Around Mental Health Mental health is often a taboo topic of conversation in the workplace, but it is important to set the tone that these conversations can be had openly. Managers can model this behavior by being open about their own anxieties and stressors in the workplace—make it clear that employees can engage in this type of dialogue if they are comfortable. Don’t simply leave matters of company policy, like health benefits, leave policies, and other resources offered by the organization to Human Resources. Leaders should familiarize themselves with these offerings so they can more directly support their colleagues as needed. Taking action and being proactive goes a long way in reducing stigma and building employees up to perform their best. 2. Offer Employees Choice A range of different space types can help employees be their most productive selves in the workplace. They will likely even move between several different spaces in a single workday. Incorporating neighborhoods, free-address, hoteling, or hot-desking in your workplace policies and space planning help create options for employees when they need them. Employees with the ability to choose where they work can pick what best suits their personal and work needs and offers variety that keeps their day-to-day from feeling stale. 3. Incorporate Well Spaces and Resources Help employees lessen the stressors of their everyday lives by creating access to spaces and resources that support wellness and balance. Consider providing access to non-working spaces that support the whole person, such as meditation spaces, child-friendly spaces where employees can work and supervise children, tech-free areas that encourage respite, and green spaces that inspire a connection with nature. These types of spaces encourage a more sustainable work-life balance and can help stave off feelings of burnout. 4. Provide Access to Wellness Services Employees can benefit from services and resources related to their mental and physical health. Consider providing access to professional help or wellness services, such as yoga classes, active breaks, or even relaxing activities such as meditation. Employee wellness programs can help employees find balance beyond the workplace, and group activities help break up the workday and promote team bonding. 5. Make Flexibility Standard Organizations can incorporate flexible work as part of an overall workplace well-being initiative. Flexible work arrangements can include hybrid working schedules, remote work, flexible hours, compressing days (working a longer day but taking days off during the week), or job sharing. It’s important to not only implement flexible work policies, but to also make flexibility a key component of organizational culture. Leaders should encourage employees to take advantage of these policies—and utilize them themselves. By doing so, employees will feel empowered to make choices that support work-life balance, leading to better performance, increased engagement, and improved well-being. Combating burnout and promoting well-being in the workplace is a goal that requires companies to act quickly and thoughtfully. A good place to start is by optimizing your spaces with space planning and reservation software. A carefully planned workplace—and room booking tools that make spaces accessible—sets a strong foundation for a positive work experience. Learn more about how well-planned workspaces can support a positive workplace experience. (1) Future Forum Pulse Winter Snapshot, February 2023. Slack, MLT, MillerKnoll, BCG. https://futureforum.com/research/future-forum-pulse-winter-2022-2023-snapshot/ (2) Gensler – Global Workplace Survey Comparison 2023 (https://www.gensler.com/gri/global-workplace-survey-comparison-2023) Share