Workers aren't just workers. They are veterans, working mothers or breastfeeding or pumping mothers, fathers, sufferers of various medical conditions and ailments, people in different life stages, including periods of mourning or grief, caretakers, and advocates. Being at work is essential to them, but they balance many other responsibilities throughout their work hours.  

We no longer live in an age such as before the pandemic when workers sign contracts agreeing to do tasks in return for salaries alone. It's more important than ever to have a business model emphasizing the human element of work, where employees feel valued and appreciated by their company. 

Unfortunately, a shocking 92% of workers say their jobs are negatively impacting their mental health and wellbeing, with over half reporting decreased productivity, insomnia, and mental health issues such as increased anxiety as a result. 

Employees can find a solution in wellness rooms in the workplace that provide a private area where they can escape work-related stressors. A wellness room is a designated area for use on an as-needed basis to address personal health needs. Offer this place and invite employees to take their minds off work and de-stress here for a while.

What Is A Wellness Room At Work? 

The term "wellness room" has been gaining popularity recently, but it's not always easy to pin down since it may mean many things depending on your employee's wants and requirements and the available office space. A wellness room, at its most fundamental, is a quiet nook in the office where employees may focus on themselves. This space might serve as a fitness hub, a lactation room, or a place to have a chance to get away for a short while.

But more importantly, it's a place to pause and breathe through a difficult moment. A private space to pump breast milk if you are a new mother. A place to unwind after a difficult conversation or, better yet, before a difficult conversation. A place to gather thoughts. A place to pause if a worker is experiencing mental and physical health concerns. 

Still, why remains a central mystery for some companies. The question is whether or not there is a return on investment for the business when such facilities are accessible to workers. While it may seem counterproductive, research has shown that promoting rest and relaxation throughout the workday boosts output and morale and may even make employees go above and beyond what is expected of them. 

Many studies concluded that nappers were more creative and had a better grasp of complex problems than employees who needed more sleep. Those who got enough shut-eye were less prone to losing their cool when confronted with challenges. There are several wins to be had by promoting wellness rooms as part of your health initiatives for workers.

What To Provide In Wellness Spaces At Work To Ensure Employee Wellness

Even if you can't afford to provide every perk, you can still use the suggestions below to set up a wellness room that employees would love. As already established, privacy is priority number one. The temperature, ventilation, and natural light in these spaces should all be just right. The objective is to make it so that workers look forward to spending time there. It's also important to stock the wellness room with all the essentials.

Employees can take on challenges without feeling overwhelmed (especially those in open office layouts) when they have a place to recharge and focus on themselves. Whether for a meditation class or just trying to unwind, leaving a high-quality white noise machine or speaker in the room can't hurt. Help your employees alleviate tension by providing soothing music. Put in a small refrigerator where workers can store their drinks or breast milk, provide some yoga mats or floor mats, and give them some downtime.

Make your space complete with plush couches where employees who feel unwell may have a quick nap. You can be confident that morale will rise. Think about getting something you can use for sitting and sleeping, such as a sofa bed or a futon. Put employees at ease by providing some distance between pieces of furniture and also allow employees some quiet time to themselves. For a more polished and put-together appearance, it's recommended that you stick to using comfortable furniture pieces that either have a similar color scheme or are made with similar easy-to-clean materials.

Zen aesthetics belong in a wellness area at the workplace. Decorate with real plants to boost oxygen levels, or use a wall art of plants for the same calming effect without maintenance. Light up your employee wellness area with adjustable lighting or dimmable salt lamps that also clean the air. Throw in an oil diffuser, too. Nothing is more comforting than the sound of water trickling over rocks, so consider putting a little water feature on your coffee table. Use soothing hues like earth tones, neutrals, or pastels in your wellness room rather than jarring whites, blacks, or harsh yellows.

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What A Workplace Wellness Room Is Not

Since cleanliness and discretion are essential in a space designed for workers to relax and recharge, it is important to distinguish this space from a standard bathroom. This space also serves a purpose distinct from an interfaith center.

You can't use a wellness room for a three-hour nap or engage in water cooler talk with your colleagues. Reinforce the importance of respecting the place by outlining staff guidelines. One wellness room idea is to have employees fold any blankets and toss them in a bin so that you may easily maintain the area. If you want to protect people sensitive to odors and prevent accidental spills, ask your staff not to bring any food into the wellness room. Keeping track of who uses the wellness room and ensuring employees' privacy may be achieved with a simple sign-out form. As this area is also intended for nursing mothers who need some private time, it would be best if there weren't any cameras installed.

Why Include a Wellness Room in Your Office Design? 

Businesses must provide an environment where workers may flourish emotionally and professionally. On top of being required by law in some places, the benefits of an office wellness room are substantial. Valuing mental health and promoting rest at the workplace help employees cope with difficulties.

It's also for your company's success to accommodate a wellness room. As a result of improved mental health and productivity, less absenteeism, increased confidence and performance, and employee retention, businesses are seeing the value of providing a space for employees to focus on their wellbeing. Creating a wellness space where employees may go when they need a private place for peace and quiet will encourage them to return to their work in the office rather than work remotely.

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