Health and wellbeing - more than a box ticking exercise

Some storage for gym gear, a combined prayer room / lactation room and a sick room. These were the physical elements in the workplace that allowed an organisation to say they had ticked off 'health and wellbeing' for staff. That, and a cafe-type space with good coffee.

This just won't cut it any longer in a COVID-19 world.

Even with stringent cleaning and hygiene practices in place, and a redesigned office with appropriate distancing and more generous densities, it would be naive to think that when people do start to return to the office it will be a case of reaching prior productivity levels. The toll that COVID-19 is taking on people's mental health will remain. The physical workplace needs to work harder than ever to help create a sense of security, and support people's wellbeing.

Imagine the state of mind of the person taking the journey from home to the office after lock-down is eased. They have already had to make a multitude of additional tiny decisions before they reach their desk. Do I leave now, or in an hour when there might be less people around? Do I catch the train or drive? Someone just coughed near me on the train, should I change seats? The barista making my coffee is wearing gloves but I think he just touched his face, should I drink the coffee? I'm early, do I wait for my designated time to catch the lift or do I climb eight flights of stairs? My elderly mum seemed more tired than normal this morning. Should I call her a doctor? The list doesn't end.

Much has been written about the taxing nature of making infinite small decisions. What is known as the 'cognitive load' has increased, and all of this is before people have even begun their official work day.

How will you help them to transition to work once they reach their destination? How can you help ease their anxiety? How will you create both a low-risk environment, AND provide the assurance and confidence that it is. Ironically, the tangible actions and changes that we will see in offices such as temperature checks on arrival, partial occupancy, and specialist cleaners on site will also contribute to people being constantly reminded of the risks of COVID-19. And hence increase anxiety levels.

Supporting people's mental health is critical. Conversations regarding mental health, and checking in with people, have become commonplace. And the expectations people have from their employers is likely to increase too. What was deemed fringe ideas from crazy start ups might even seem quite reasonable. Pets in the office? Why not, if it stops the coronavirus puppies from suffering from separation anxiety and helps calm your people. A transition zone when people enter the office, with green tea, yoga and breathing exercises before moving into their workspace? Perhaps not so wacky after all.

Looking back at almost 20 years of running workplace workshops with organisations across the Asia-Pacific, Europe and the US, common themes emerge. Whether it's the executive, or the most junior person the workplace, time and time again staff mention natural light, greenery and fresh air as top priorities. In a coronavirus world these aspects of wellbeing, and the desirability of working in a 'healthy building' will become even more critical to people. These aren't nice-to-have, they will move to the essential column and require investment.

In unprecedented times when people and businesses are being asked to 'pivot' and live with uncertainty, nothing should be off the table, and health and wellbeing interventions should be broad. Engage with your staff, and invest in the elements that will best support your people.

Organisations that do not prioritise the health and wellbeing of their staff do so at their peril.

Julia Simmons is the founder of Space Matters. She has over 20 years experience helping organisations to think strategically about their workplace.

Email me for more information

Julia.simmons@spacematters.com.au