Workplace Wellness: How the Workplace is Solving the Stress Epidemic

How the Right Workplace Environment Helps Solve a $300 Billion Problem

Companies are facing an expensive problem. Workplace stress is harming employee health, hurting engagement, and costing as much as $300 billion per year in lost productivity. This workplace stress epidemic is caused by more than an overflowing in-box or tight project deadline– it’s an employee’s perception of having little control but lots of demands.

An effective workplace environment flips this equation, empowering employees to personalize their environment to meet their daily needs. This personalization positively impacts a company’s bottom line. Employees who are satisfied with their work environments are 16% more productive, 18% more likely to stay, and 30% more attracted to their company over competitors.

As a broker, you can help companies better understand the essential workplace features that combat stress and empower productive, engaged employees. These are four key elements that maximize workplace ROI and drive business success:

1. On-demand climate control
What to look for in a workplace:
Workplaces with on-demand environmental controls, such as Irvine Company’s Comfort Control App, let employees customize temperature and lighting with the tap of a finger.

How this drives business success:
A workplace with comfortable temperatures, lighting and good ventilation can reduce absenteeism up to four days a year, saving companies $2,650 per salaried employee. For companies with 100 people, that’s more than a quarter million dollars in savings.

2. Abundant natural light
What to look for in a workplace:
Consider how natural light is distributed in the workspace. Light shelves, for example, can reflect natural light into the office core and frosted glass walls offer privacy without inhibiting light diffusion. Control matters: employees should also be able to dim natural light or supplement with task lighting as needed.

How this drives business success:
Exposure to natural light positively impacts mood and alertness while reducing the fatigue, eyestrain and headaches associated with artificial light.

3. Space to take a break
What to look for in a workplace:

An inviting workplace offers dedicated space to reset and reconnect with coworkers outside the traditional office environment. Depending on company culture and employee needs, this space could be a game room, a shaded outdoor patio with a grill and TV, or a lounge space with a quiet water feature and comfortable, casual furniture.

How this drives business success:
Employees who take regular breaks are better able to process information, make strategic decisions, and respond to crises– the exact skills needed to be productive in today’s knowledge economy.

4. Activities tailored to different needs
What to look for in a workplace:
Since every employee experiences stress differently, there’s no single activity that helps everyone relax. A workplace with a variety of options – a midday yoga class, a weekly farmer’s market, on-demand fitness classes and walking trails – provide diverse opportunities for employees to clear their minds and connect with coworkers.

How this drives business success:
A perceived lack of control is a major contributor to workplace stress. When employees are empowered with decision making, this boosts their sense of autonomy, reducing stress and strengthening engagement.