How is your office vibe? And, is that as important as good health insurance? The U.S. Surgeon General’s office would say yes, as it urges workplaces to create social connectivity.
In fact, employees care most about being appreciated, having opportunities and being allowed to pursue their passions while being themselves, according to Harvard Business Review. They want their employers to recognize their successes and to feel valued by company leaders while also being able to create relationships with other employees on a personal level.
The U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy released the “Framework for Workplace Mental Health & Well-Being” report in 2022, which was particularly valid two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, when 76% of U.S. workers reported having at least one mental health condition symptom, 84% cited their workplaces as sources of mental health issues, and 81% hoped to find future workplaces that supported their mental health.
To encourage physical, mental and emotional health in the workplace, Cathy Newkirk, interim manager of corporate wellness for Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, recommends that employers should focus on physical space, build team support, work on comfort with critical conversations, emphasize resources and accept individualism.
A step inside the front door at The Candy Factory, a coworking community and social club in downtown Lancaster, brings these recommendations to life as a jungle of plant greenery surrounds a comfy leisure working area that offers everything from soft sofas to standing desks to long tables to individual desks in a flex work area. Free coffee and tea, eclectic music playing at a comfortable volume, soft lighting, projections of live nature on a white wall and the soft murmur of people working fill a cavernous room with 20-foot ceilings. Members can take a break in a meditation room, or try a yoga class, tai chi or a massage, services offered by other coworking members, all part of their membership.
“Coworking is truly about some core values: community, collaboration, openness, sustainability and accessibility,” says TCF founder and owner Anne Kirby, noting that TCF seeks to create culture in a workplace. It offers clubs, events, social hours, group breaks and much more to create personal connection. “We think coworking is a great way for people to meet new people, get connected, get out of their house, focus on themselves.”
Those types of programs illustrate exactly what clinical therapist Jennifer Achille, LPC, of Thriveworks promotes. “Anytime you can bring people together and make things feel like a treat or a real break is important. These things boost morale and a sense of appreciation,” she says, adding that workplaces that offer opportunities for coworkers to connect during paid work time back up a work/life balance that helps an employee feel valued.
Newkirk says employers can nurture healthier and more satisfied employees also by offering a comprehensive wellness program, enhanced benefits, fitness discounts, healthy food options or discounts, CSA shares and by considering the dimension of purpose and how that relates to the job being done.
Improving workplace mental health
To improve mental health and well-being in the workplace, the U.S. Surgeon General’s report identifies five essential areas for focus:
1. Protection from harm (safety and security)
2. Connection and community (social support and belonging)
3. Work/Life harmony (autonomy and flexibility)
4. Mattering at work (dignity and meaning)
5. Opportunity for growth (accomplishment and learning)
Battling loneliness and isolation
In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General’s "Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation" report noted that even before the pandemic, one in two U.S. adults reported feelings of loneliness. Those feelings were exacerbated during the pandemic, when a lack of social connection increased public health concerns, particularly given that its absence has been found to lead to a variety of health issues and shorter lifespans.
For workplaces, the report has specific recommendations:
1. Make social connection a strategic priority.
2. Train leaders to promote workplace connections.
3. Educate workforce about the importance of social connection for workplace well-being, health, productivity, performance and retention.
4. Create a workplace culture.
5. Protect workers’ abilities to nurture relationships outside of work.
6. Consider both opportunities and challenges created by different types of work (remote, hybrid, in-person).
What to look for in a good employer:
• Does it offer a good health care plan?
• Does it offer an employee assistance program?
• Does it have a well-being program?
• Is wellness mentioned in benefits?
• Does it offer paid time off as well as sick days?
• Does it offer flexible work options? (remote, hybrid, etc.)
Environment
Does your office space (either home, coworking or company office) offer a comfortable and inspiring environment? Because research suggests that nature is good for people, biophilic design works to connect people to nature within their built environment through lots of plants, projection of livestream nature scenes, textures, use of woods, creating nooks and crannies, a big kitchen and more.
Some reports have even found that biophilic design can improve productivity by 6% and creativity by 15%. Water and spaces filled with plants help to improve mood, self-esteem and relaxation.
A survey by Gensler Research Institute shows the importance of workplaces offering outdoor spaces along with access to amenities related to fitness, meditation and well-being in a postpandemic world.
What employees can do to promote workplace wellness:
• Pack healthy foods and drinks.
• Build in stretch breaks.
• Practice social wellness in interactions with coworkers.
• Take brain breaks (stretch, meditate, walk outside).
• Greet others.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Get a good night’s sleep.
• Journal and make task lists with work goals.
• Add steps by parking farther away or taking a walk at lunch.
