‘Workplace wellness’ top priority after Covid-19 crisis

A CULTURE of workplace wellness will become the new normal in the corporate world as businesses navigate through an unprecedented crisis brought about by the global coronavirus pandemic.

Kevin Jara, senior manager for tenant representation at Colliers International Philippines, said measures to boost wellness in the workplace are “ultimately investments for companies that will lead to long-term benefits including improved employee morale, wellbeing and productivity.”

As the world adapts to a crisis that will forever change how people conduct business, Colliers expects wellness to be at the forefront of company strategies moving forward.

Victoria Gilbert, a sustainability and wellness consultant at Colliers Asia Pacific, said workplace wellness should be prioritized and integrated in organizations as early as now and even after the crisis subsides.

With a proper wellness policy in the workplace, companies would be able to ensure business continuity and preparedness to negate future disruptions and wellbeing of employees.

Gilbert noted that wellness is no longer just a corporate social responsibility but a strategic priority for companies as well.

For instance, companies which invest in a healthier business environment for their people often have employees who are physically and mentally healthy.

A healthy employee is more likely to be productive and happy at work which ultimately helps to ensure business continuity and protects the company’s bottom line both in the immediate term and in the long run.

Businesses should take measures to ensure that employees are healthy, motivated and productive.

Key areas

Gilbert cited five key areas which occupiers and landlords can consider as they cope with and manage the threats of the novel coronavirus in the workplace.

She said proper hygiene and physical distancing will now become imperative in workplaces.

A healthy lifestyle, including exercise and nutritious meals, should also be encouraged in the workplace, Gilbert said.

Managing air quality in the workplace is also vital.

Occupiers should communicate and work effectively with the landlords. Landlords should provide proper ventilation systems and technical provisions for indoor air quality, supply and circulation should be enacted.

Colliers believes that employers should give their employees flexibility on their work schemes while the novel coronavirus is still prevalent.

Gilbert also pointed out that companies must also manage stress in the workplace as it can also lower immune system, thus making workers more susceptible to viruses and diseases.

According to Colliers, several developers in the Philippines had already recognized the significance of having a healthy work environment even before the Covid-19 crisis.

There are developers that have invested in putting health and wellness certification systems in place such as the Leed Certification and the Well Building Standard.

With the growing consciousness towards health and wellbeing and increasing demand for “green” buildings, several upcoming office developments are now geared toward sustainable and lifestyle-focused amenities.

Colliers foresees that occupiers will be inclined to integrate a wellness-focused environment moving forward not only during but eventually after the threats of the novel coronavirus subside. It also urged developers and landlords to consider having a healthy workplace as the new normal in office requirements after the enhanced community quarantine measures are lifted.