Happy August – we hope everyone is having a good summer so far! London is slightly quieter than usual with the summer school holidays in full force.
As many start to return from much needed summer breaks (our own Director Nichola included), we are reminded of the importance of a quick power nap. Whilst it might be a little difficult to incorporate power naps into our working days, particularly when working in an office, there are still many reasons why a power nap or short rest in a peaceful and quiet space is in fact essential in boosting our energy levels during the day.
If you are lucky, you may have a dedicated wellbeing or rest space available in your office. However, it is often office policy to only allow use of these types of spaces for a medical emergency. Allowing wellbeing / break rooms to be used to their full potential represents a simple yet profoundly impactful way to support wellbeing. Below, we explore some reasons why having access to a quiet wellbeing / rest space is essential to supporting your employees in the workplace:
Why Every Office Needs a Wellbeing Room –
A Space to Recharge:
High expectations, increased workload and demand can take its toll, and everyone needs a moment to step away and recharge. A wellbeing room offers employees a quiet space to relax, meditate, or simply catch their breath, leading to improved focus and productivity. This can be particularly helpful for those that have an increased sensitivity to the constant stimuli of the outside world, and those that work extended or irregular hours.
Mental Health Matters:
Having a private area where employees can process and decompress can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. Whether it’s a quick meditation session or a few minutes of silent solitude (or even just a good cry), the space should be a sanctuary for mental health.
Inclusive for All:
For those with new or on-going health conditions, and ALL new parents, a wellbeing room provides a safe, private place for breastfeeding, administering medication, boosting your energy from broken sleep, or addressing other personal needs. This inclusion fosters a more supportive and caring workplace culture.
Recovery from Injury:
When returning to work from an injury or from ill health, being able to have a recovery period during the day or even a private area to perform rehabilitation stretches will assist in a faster recovery process.
Supportive of Female Health:
Struggling with Menopausal symptoms, endometriosis or PCOS can have a huge impact on all areas of life. A quiet space to escape to that is free of judgement or pressure can make a vital difference on being comfortable to be back in the office. It may be that you need a private space to deal with a wide variety of physical and psychological symptoms, change clothing or to re-energise from broken sleep.
Boost Creativity and Innovation:
Sometimes, the best ideas come when we step away from our desks and remove the pressure of trying to come up with an idea. A wellbeing room allows for this mental shift, enabling employees to return to their work with renewed creativity and fresh perspectives.
Incorporating a restroom or wellbeing room in the office is a small investment with big returns. It’s about creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to bring their best selves to work every day and can even boost the days spent in the office in a hybrid working environment. This view is strengthened not only by our own personal experiences throughout life, when the ability to take a moment during the day would have been so impactful, but from all the conversations we have with our clients. So, let’s prioritize well-being and build workplaces that truly care!
