Green buildings create “healthy, happy staff”

It’s probably obvious to anyone who has worked in an office that a nicer environment can be good for your mood. But now that common sense bears out in research […]

It’s probably obvious to anyone who has worked in an office that a nicer environment can be good for your mood.

But now that common sense bears out in research too – the World Green Building Council uncovered “overwhelming evidence” the design of an office “significantly impacts” how healthy and productive staff end up.

The report out today, called ‘Health, wellbeing and productivity in offices: The next chapter for green building’, found building design features such as air quality and daylighting, views of nature and interior layout can affect office workers.

Jane Henley, CEO of the World Green Building Council said: “The evidence linking good office design and improved health, wellbeing and productivity of staff is now overwhelming. There is unquestionably a clear business case for investing in, developing and occupying healthier, greener buildings.”

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The council suggests spending on office improvements is well worth it, pointing to the cost of salaries and benefits as typically responsible for 90% of an organisation’s expenditure.

Staffan Haglind, Green Business Officer at Skanska which sponsored the report said: “The equation for our clients is very simple: a small percentage improvement in the health and productivity of your staff far outweighs any additional costs associated with commissioning or occupying a greener, healthier office.

“Giving employees the best possible conditions to perform and stay healthy is not only wise from a financial perspective, it’s just the right thing to do.”

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