How Can WELL HSR Enhance Your Workplace’s Resilience and Response?
Imagine heading into the office feeling sluggish, with fluorescent lights overhead draining your energy. Distractions abound, the air feels stale, and by lunchtime, your focus is already fading. Now, picture this: you walk into a bright, airy workspace filled with natural light and a fresh vibe. There are quiet nooks for focused work and collaborative areas buzzing with creative energy. The air feels vibrant, and throughout the day, you feel happy and productive.
Here’s a fact: The second scenario isn’t just wishful thinking. The landscape of work is undergoing a seismic shift. Studies show employees in WELL-certified workplaces experience a 6% boost in productivity. That’s a significant jump, thanks to a new perspective on workplace design.
As organizations navigate this evolving landscape, the WELL Health-Safety Rating (HSR) emerges as a critical benchmark. It guides companies in creating environments that prioritize employee well-being and enhance productivity.
Let’s dive deep to understand what the WELL Health-Safety Rating is all about.
WELL HSR: A Badge of Honor for Forward-Thinking Organizations
Developed by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the WELL HSR is a performance-based certification system that evaluates workplaces across ten core concepts: Air, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Mind, Materials, and Innovation. Each concept comprises specific measurable features and policies that contribute to a holistic environment that supports employee health and well-being.
How WELL HSR Optimizes Workplace Performance
Enhanced Employee Well-being
A WELL HSR-rated workplace ensures that health and safety measures are in place, contributing to the physical and mental well-being of employees. This leads to higher job satisfaction, reduced absenteeism, and improved overall productivity.
Corporate ESG Alignment
In today’s conscious consumer and investor landscape, a strong ESG profile is increasingly critical for attracting and retaining top talent, securing investment, and building brand reputation. WELL HSR provides a tangible framework for organizations to translate their ESG aspirations into tangible, measurable actions within the built environment.
Operational Efficiency and Risk Management
Implementing WELL HSR criteria helps organizations streamline their operations and maintenance protocols, reducing risks associated with health hazards. This proactive approach to health and safety can mitigate potential liabilities and enhance operational resilience.
Attraction and Retention of Talent
A commitment to health and safety is a significant factor for employees when choosing an employer. WELL HSR-rated workplaces are more likely to attract and retain top talent, fostering a competitive edge in the market.
Global Impact of WELL HSR-rated Workplaces
With over 1.6 billion square feet across 80+ countries enrolled in WELL, the movement to create people-first spaces for everyone everywhere is rapidly expanding.
Now, let us have a look at the impact of WELL on the leading economies of Southeast Asia.
India
The Indian workforce is projected to reach a staggering 590 million by 2030, making employee wellness a critical factor in attracting and retaining top talent. Moreover, a recent study by the IWBI found that WELL-certified workplaces in India reported a 6% increase in productivity and an 18% decrease in absenteeism compared to non-WELL-certified spaces. This trend is expected to continue as companies recognize the long-term benefits of investing in employee well-being through WELL HSR principles.
Singapore
Singapore’s focus on sustainable urban development is a key driver for WELL HSR adoption in the city-state. Organizations are leveraging the WELL rating to enhance their sustainability credentials and employee satisfaction, aligning perfectly with the Singapore Green Plan 2030. A recent report revealed that 72% of occupiers in Singapore are willing to pay a premium for WELL-certified office space, demonstrating the strong demand for these healthier and more sustainable workplaces.
Malaysia
WELL HSR is influencing corporate real estate strategies in Malaysia, with businesses integrating health and safety into their core values to drive operational excellence. This focus on employee well-being aligns with Malaysia’s Shared Prosperity Vision 2030, a national development strategy by the Economic Planning Unit, Prime Minister’s Department, Malaysia. The vision emphasizes improving the overall well-being of its citizens, with a specific focus on a healthy workforce.
Metro Manila, Philippines
The Philippines is experiencing a growing interest in WELL HSR as businesses recognize the importance of health and safety in maintaining a resilient workforce, especially following recent public health challenges. This focus on employee well-being resonates with the Philippine government’s initiatives to promote occupational safety and health (OSH).
So, what must be your organization’s first steps towards WELL HSR? Explore by understanding the necessary parameters.
WELL HSR Parameters and Actionable Insights
The WELL HSR evaluates several key areas, including:
Cleaning and Sanitization Procedures
Implement rigorous cleaning protocols using non-toxic, eco-friendly products to maintain a healthy indoor environment.
Emergency Preparedness Programs
Develop and regularly update emergency plans, ensuring all employees are well-versed in safety procedures.
Health Service Resources: Provide access to health services and resources, including mental health support, to address the holistic well-being of employees.
Air and Water Quality Management
Invest in high-quality air filtration systems and ensure regular monitoring of air and water quality to prevent contamination and promote health.
Innovation and Maintenance
Regularly update maintenance protocols and invest in innovative solutions to enhance the safety and health standards of the workplace.
All in All
The WELL Health-Safety Rating represents a significant opportunity for organizations to prioritize employee well-being, enhance operational efficiency, and gain a competitive edge. By adopting WELL HSR, businesses not only improve workplace productivity but also align with global ESG standards and attract top talent.
To begin your journey towards a WELL HSR-rated workplace and transform your organization’s performance, connect with Zyeta’s sustainability experts today. Learn more about how we can assist you in achieving WELL HSR certification and creating a healthier, more productive workplace environment.
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As both an Architect and Architectural Journalist, he thrives on building unique content, with words and thoughts--as his brick and mortar. A natural-born explorer, he puts no limits on things he's passionate about diving into, be it cuisines, cultures or books. An avid fiction reader and a chronic over-thinker, he still finds enough time to be happy-go-lucky and easy to approach.