By Indhira Desangles
And if I told you that there is an international certification that evaluates the transcendental aspects that are important to the employees of an organization, well yes, that certification is called WELL.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the activities people perform in their personal and professional lives are now carried out indoors. We have observed that several factors affect the health, happiness, and productivity of building occupants, such as prolonged periods of immobility, poor air quality, stress, inadequate food choices, and poor posture. The built environment shapes and influences all of these factors.
Therefore, now that many companies are returning to their workspaces, we want to tell you that a couple of years ago the WELL Building Standard was created, becoming the main standard for buildings, interior spaces and communities that seek to implement, validate and measure features that support and promote human health and well-being, while also becoming a vital tool in buildings worldwide.
Today, more than 190 million square feet of space worldwide have been WELL-accredited, including establishments in the commercial, residential, educational, and hospitality sectors. The World Green Building Council has found that employee absenteeism in WELL-certified buildings has decreased by 19%, and presenteeism has increased by 16%. This demonstrates that WELL-certified buildings have a positive impact on human well-being.
What kind of impact does this certification have on the users of the spaces?
In offices that obtained WELL certifications, employees, according to surveys conducted, found the following:
83% feel more productive
100% said that customers are interested in their new way of working
92% revealed that the new space has created a positive effect on their health and well-being
94% expressed that the new space has a positive impact on their business performance
93% said they can collaborate more easily with others
What aspects does Well consider important for certification?
WELL Building Standard measures building attributes that affect occupant health by looking at seven factors or basic concepts:
Air
The concentrations of some pollution indicators can be 2 to 5 times higher indoors compared to outdoors. WELL sets requirements for buildings that promote clean air and reduce or minimize sources of indoor air pollution.
Water
Health professionals recommend that women consume at least 2.7 liters (11 cups) and men at least 3.7 liters (16 cups) of water from food and beverages each day. Even a 2% dehydration can lead to impaired cognitive performance. WELL promotes safe, clean water through the implementation of proper filtration techniques and regular testing.
Nutrition
Today, due to poor eating habits, more than half of the world's adults are overweight or obese. Poor nutrition is a major contributor to preventable chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. WELL promotes the availability of fresh, healthy foods, limits highly processed ingredients, and supports mindful eating.
Light
Studies have found a link between proximity to windows and productivity, especially when windows offer an opportunity to connect with the outdoors. Inadequate ventilation and lighting affect the body's circadian rhythm, which can lead to chronic illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, and depression. WELL provides lighting guidelines that minimize disruption to the body's circadian system, improve productivity, and support good sleep quality.
Physical fitness
Furthermore, according to the WHO, people who are not sufficiently active have a 20-30% higher risk of mortality compared to those who meet international recommendations. WELL promotes the integration of physical activity into daily life by providing opportunities and support for an active lifestyle and discouraging sedentary behaviors.
Comfort
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders result in more than $2.5 billion in medical and other associated costs, including lost productivity. Designing for ergonomic safety can help prevent the physical stress of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. WELL considers thermal, acoustic, ergonomic, and olfactory comfort to optimize indoor work environments.
Mind
Several environmental factors can have direct impacts on mental health and well-being, including housing, overcrowding, noise, indoor air quality, and light. Mental, neurological, and substance use disorders account for 14% of the global burden of disease, and depression alone is the leading cause of disability worldwide. WELL optimizes cognitive and emotional health through design, technology, and treatment strategies.
