As the modern workplace continues to evolve, employee health and wellness have become essential considerations for organisations aiming to retain talent and maintain productivity. And no, it’s not just a ping pong table and free fruit in the office.
Smart facilities management is the foundation of healthy workspaces; integrating technologies and innovative strategies to ensure employees are happy, healthy, and productive.
We know that a happy workforce is a productive workforce — so, what role does facilities management play in promoting employee wellbeing?
1. Access to health and wellness amenities
Access to wellness amenities is becoming increasingly important as employees seek a more holistic approach to health at work. More and more workplaces now offer access to on-site fitness centres, meditation / quiet rooms and outdoor spaces with greenery — all of which promote physical and mental wellbeing.
Facilities management plays a crucial role by ensuring that these spaces are welcoming, inviting, safe and clean – great spaces don’t just happen, they are brought to life by the people looking after them.
These amenities not only enhance overall wellbeing but also help build a sense of community within the workplace.
Additionally, as companies face challenges with return-to-work policies, providing such amenities can be a key factor in attracting hybrid workers back to the office — ultimately making the office a place where people are happy to spend the majority of their days.
2. Sit, stand or walk – it’s up to you!
Did you know that the average desk-based office worker spends 82% of their working hours sitting down? Long hours at desks and repetitive tasks can cause physical strain and discomfort, leading to an increased risk of musculoskeletal issues, heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and even depression.
To combat this, ergonomic design has become a priority in workplace wellness.
From adjustable sit-stand desks to ergonomic chairs, smart facilities management is leveraging design to create adaptable, healthy environments. Personalised workstations help reduce fatigue, injury risk, and improve overall satisfaction, resulting in higher employee retention.
Encouraging employees to implement walking meetings and regular stretching is a great way to get the blood pumping.
3. Clean air = healthier employees
Coughs, colds, and persistent sneezing are synonymous with any office environment, but what if we could reduce these pesky symptoms with smart facilities management?
Air quality significantly impacts employee health, affecting everything from respiratory health to cognitive function.
Poor indoor air quality has even been linked to increased absenteeism, decreased productivity, and health issues like asthma and allergies. With the rise of smart technologies, facilities management can now use advanced air quality sensors to monitor levels of pollutants, CO2, humidity, and temperature in real-time.
Airofresh — ServiceFM’s trusted infection control technology — destroys airborne allergens, viruses, pathogens, fungi, mould, bacteria and gases.
From healthcare to education, retail and corporate sectors, Airofresh helps to keep staff, clients, and visitors safe, healthy, and protected at work.
4. Lighting and temperature — it’s more important than you think!
Ice-cold meeting rooms and blaring white lights… Sound familiar? Proper lighting and temperature are essential for both comfort and productivity, especially in office spaces.
Smart facilities management equips automated lighting systems that adjust based on natural light and occupancy, and HVAC systems that personalise temperature control based on individual preferences.
Thoughtful lighting that combines natural and artificial light can regulate circadian rhythms, reduce eye strain, enhance mood, and increase productivity.
Smart lighting tech can also help reduce utility costs, with many workplaces ditching fluorescent light bulbs for energy-efficient LEDs and automated lighting sensors that detect occupancy.
Workplace wellness is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity. From air quality monitoring to ergonomic workspaces and wellness amenities, the future of workplace wellness relies on the integration of smart facilities management solutions to boost employee health, happiness, and productivity.
