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5 Ways How A Flexible Workspace Can Improve Mental Wellness

How a flexible workspace can improve mental wellness? Read to find out more!  

19 Apr 2022
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Mental health during a pandemic is something that should not be overlooked. Although many people are focusing on the physical health risks during COVID-19, the psychological effects of remote work, quarantines, and lockdowns can be just as damaging

 

It is a less known fact that behavioural health problems such as anxiety, stress, and depression were already rising even before the pandemic happened. According to a study by Mckinsey & Company, these problems have diminished well-being and exacted an enormous toll in the form of absenteeism, reduced productivity and increased healthcare costs.

 

COVID-19 only brought the mental health problem to the forefront, influencing the global population to speak up, take action, and be more responsible for their mental health at work. As a result, many solutions have arisen to improve mental wellness– and one of them is the implementation of flexible workspaces.

 

How is a flexible workspace linked to mental wellness?

 

A flexible workspace has been linked to mental wellness in several ways. For example, having the flexibility to choose when and where to work can improve one’s focus and productivity. Additionally, adapting the workspace to fit individual needs can help reduce stress levels and increase overall happiness. 

 

How can flexible workspaces improve mental wellness?

 

Coworking spaces shine a light on how work can be done more holistically. They introduced the flexible workspace concept where different teams’ requirements can be supported simultaneously

 

Companies that adopted these flexible workspaces have seen increased productivity within their teams, and their employees also reported that their mental wellness has significantly improved. How so? Here are five ways how flexible workspaces can help to improve one’s mental wellness

 

1. Hybrid ecosystem

 

The flexible workspace is more than just another type of space for work. It is a holistic system beyond spatial boundaries designed to maximise a workforce’s productivity potential through a wide array of customisation options.

 

Such a system is designed to fit according to how your employees work in an office and a remote setup. It serves to improve their overall experience at work as a valued team member. 

 

From sophisticated hybrid work plans to bespoke workstation setups and layouts, every detail is being carefully thought out to better equip employees with what works best for them. As a result, employees can enjoy a more efficient working ecosystem which ultimately contributes to improving their mental wellness at work.  

 

2. Purpose-led office interiors

 

Work has become increasingly fast-paced and complex in almost every industry. Wellness support for employees needs to keep up too so they can continue performing to the highest standards. 

 

Flexible workspaces such as Arcc Spaces provide many cutting-edge work facilities such as modern meeting rooms, dedicated serviced office suites, and business lounges that can be used anytime. All these facilities are intricately designed to fulfil important work purposes. If there is a need for customisation, the staff in the coworking space are ready to assist anytime

 

Employees today are also prioritising greater work-life balance. Companies should consider non-work-related facilities that revolve around the welfare of their employees. How about a coffee bar in the pantry? Or a massage chair installed in a room dedicated for a quick break? What about a basketball machine to promote some work fun? The possibilities to improve mental wellness via purpose-led spaces are truly endless. 

 

3. Positive working community

 

Communities are the core of a flexible workspace’s DNA. As flexible workspaces are part of the shared space platform, setting up your base within one exposes you and your employees to the vibrant working community. With a lively atmosphere filled with purpose-driven individuals, they set flexible workspaces apart from traditional office spaces. Valuable networks and fresh ideas can be found within the space itself, giving companies working in flexible spaces an edge over those in traditional office spaces.

 

Employees can also expect a unique working experience in flexible workspaces. For example, most coworking spaces have spaces that encourage individual and group work, making it easy for employees to connect with one another or even across companies. Every working day will provide fresh interactions and experiences, translating to better mental wellness over time. 

 

4. Community events

 

Flexible workspace providers value their vibrant business communities and will always seek ways to support them beyond the scope of work, such as organising exclusive events that can further enrich their staff’s career developments or even their livelihoodsThe events provide a welcome breather from the employees’ day-to-day dreary tasks, allowing them to socialise and hone their skills at the same time. All these will contribute to better mental wellness.


5. Generous pantries

 

Pantries are common in companies, but a healthy pantry is undoubtedly rare. Flexible workspace providers put a lot of thought into what they provide at their pantries, and they certainly take into account the food and drinks that can support the mental wellness of their members. This is because food has the power to affect our productivity and focus.

 

For example, some healthy refreshments you can expect to find in the pantries of flexible workspace providers include handcrafted coffee brewed from sustainable farms and chocolates made from organic cocoa. Such products contain lesser impurities than massproduced versions. By consuming them, members will be able to work and concentrate better