More than a year into the pandemic, employees are now leaving their home offices to return to their physical workspaces. Things are slowly coming back to normal in some states, and employers are finding ways to recreate a sense of normalcy in the office environment.
The return-to-office trend means good news for business leaders who have been struggling to support the remote work arrangement. But the idea of returning to the physical office has met different negative reactions from employees who have grown to love the flexibility and autonomy offered by remote work. That’s why it’s hard to blame them for why they’re hesitant to give up the joys of working from home.
Employers today are finding ways to encourage employees to return to the office. Most of them are assigning wellness areas where people can relax, destress, socialize, and feel at home within their office spaces. Meanwhile, others are setting up return-to-office programs to welcome employees and help them transition from remote work to the physical workplace.
Workplace wellness rooms are specialized rooms dedicated to employees’ personal wellness. It comes with tailored amenities and a comforting ambiance that seeks to provide a holistic environment for workers and promote a healthy organizational culture. Many companies have gone to great lengths to set up wellness areas with enriching ambiance. Some even hire a fencing contractor to build an exclusive office garden where employees can hang out during breaks.
From yoga rooms, gaming areas, and breastfeeding stations, wellness rooms come in different varieties. To give you an idea of how to create a dedicated wellness room, here are ways to set up one in your workplace:
Prioritize physical wellness
Office spaces often have little or no areas for workers to be physically active. The problem with nine-to-five jobs is it forces employees to sit for long hours with minimal movement. This forces the employee to live a sedentary lifestyle, increase chances of obesity, and be less productive and engaged at work. That’s why wellness rooms should include workout equipment where employees can do physical activities in between breaks.
Studies revealed that employees who often sit all day are prone to poor health conditions, such as hypertension and obesity. Even staring in front of the computer screen for hours on end not only harms the eyesight but also headache, fatigue, and other health-related problems.
Setting up a fitness gym in the office will provide employees an avenue for at least 30-minutes of exercise. You can invest in basic fitness equipment, such as weights, stationary bikes, and treadmills.
Encourage mental wellness
The physical toll of work isn’t the only factor the contributes to employees’ low productivity. Work demands can be overwhelming and stressful for employees to deal with. Some sacrifice their sleep and wake up early to accomplish reports or presentations. These bad habits force employees to overwork themselves even without proper rest.
To increase employee morale, employers should also pay attention to the mental well-being of their workforce. Creating a dedicated wellness room for relaxation is an ideal solution to support overworked staff. A relaxation area doesn’t require advanced equipment. You can also organize yoga classes in the morning or afternoon to promote mindfulness in the workplace.
Break rooms are also a great option for night shift workers or employees who work long hours. But instead of coffee stations, serve tea or healthy beverages since studies reveal that taking several cups of coffee has harmful effects on health.
Promote a calming environment
Quiet mindfulness offers plenty of benefits. Research has found that people who dedicate a few minutes of alone time (e.g. afternoon naps) are likely to have lower stress levels and improved breathing. Even a few moments of basic yoga or stretching enhance blood flow and concentration. If you can’t afford to build a fitness gym, a meditation room is a perfect substitute.
Meditation rooms are a great alternative to break rooms where employees can enjoy a few minutes of silence and peace before jumping back to their desks. They are also a perfect place for employees who need a brain break so they can produce fresh ideas and let the creativity in their minds.
Returning to the physical workplace can be daunting for remote employees. Make the adjustment process easier for them by building a workplace wellness area. This place will allow returning employees to feel more at home and adapt quicker to the new working environment. Companies that invest in wellness programs are likely to have a more productive and highly motivated workforce.
