Healthy-Workspaces.-Healthy-Employees_.pdf

HEALTHY WORKSPACES.
HEALTHY EMPLOYEES.
A Win-Win Situation: Improved Wellbeing and Productivity

TABLE OF CONTENTS
02
A. HEALTHY SPACES
BE HEALTHY, WEALTHY AND WISE
05
1. Spaces for All Cognitive Requirements
2. Restorative and Outdoor Workspaces
3. Air Quality
4. Water in Humans and Buildings
5. Optimal Natural Lighting
6. Temperature and Thermal Comfort
7. Sound Advice
8. Building Materials
B. HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
14
1. Health and Nutrition
2. Work Breaks
3. Movement-Friendly Spaces
4. Ergonomics and Design
5. Promote Wellness
6. Inclusive Design
CONCLUSION
21
02
Healthy workspaces. Healthy employees.

Be it at home or in the office, humans spend almost
Urban Indians work for about 54 hours a week or 10.8 hours a day.(2)
Effectively, that means that working professionals spend 50% of their time in the office
environment. The office space has an enormous impact on the employees.
Traditional office spaces are designed to maximise efficiency and return on investment. The
sole aim is to accommodate more employees in limited, expensive real estate.
Therefore, while taking decisions regarding the office space, the cost-effectiveness of
design, construction and energy factors take precedence over factors that promote
productivity and health of users.
With organisations increasingly realising the importance of a physical workplace, it is vital
to set in place new strategies and practices that promote a healthy workplace. The
increasing advocacy towards health and wellness is crucial, a development that is likely to
increase investments in healthier buildings.
BE HEALTHY, WEALTHY AND WISE
90%of their time indoors.(1)
1. Healthy Buildings for Health at Harvard TH Chan Public Health.
2. NSSO Survey, 2018.
03

Godrej Interio has worked extensively with several organisations on workspaces focusing on
wellness and ergonomics. Our studies have revealed a link between workspaces and issues
impacting health and productivity. Incorrectly designed and built workspaces hurt
employees and thus, have a detrimental impact on profitability. Designing a healthy office
building is a multidimensional process, one that will have to focus on both the creation of
healthy spaces and encouraging a healthy lifestyle among employees. We present a
blueprint to help create healthy spaces where occupants can thrive.
The physical workplaces will need to strengthen the
connection between the physical environment and
wellness. The decision to patronize a healthy building
and workspaces leads to an increase of 10.7% profit as
opposed to an unhealthy building.(1)
+ =
Healthy Spaces Healthy Lifestyle Happy & Productive
Employees
04

A building or physical space cannot be solely responsible for changing an individual’s health.
But if the environment is conducive and influences align, a multiplier effect will be seen in
the individual. Mentioned below are some strategies that organizations must adopt in an
effort to make their workspace healthy.
Workspaces are characterised by open-plan offices, which increase collaboration and
promote innovation. But such layouts also create disturbances.“This leads to a feeling of
lack of control over the environment. Activity based working can help in preventing
A. HEALTHY SPACES
Spaces for All Cognitive Requirements
Healthy workspaces. Healthy employees. 05
Spaces for All
Cognitive
Requirements
Restorative
and Outdoor
Workspaces
Air Quality Water in Humans
and Buildings
Optimal
Natural Lighting
Temperature and
Thermal Comfort
Sound Advice Building
Materials

burnouts,” says Dr Whitney Austin Gray, Executive Director of Research and Innovation at
Cornell’s Institute for Healthy Futures. Providing varied spaces, lighting and thermal controls
can help regain control and enhance the comfort of users.
The Social Capital Study by Godrej Interio study found that 61% of Indian employees report-
ed a need for a place to concentrate on work without distractions. Astonishingly, 56% said
their offices lacked such spaces, 29% felt the need for collaborative spaces and 15% favored
a rejuvenation zone in the office.
‘Play’ is a great component of creativity but is often discounted in workspaces. Creating
recreation rooms inside organisations can in turn provide a fertile ground for deeper
connections, collaboration and become a vital component for personal health.
In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that depression and anxiety alone
cost the global economy USD 1 trillion due to lost productivity. In the same year, a study by
Economic Times showed that 42.5% of employees in the private sector suffer from depression
or anxiety; which is almost every second employee. The pandemic is likely to have increased
this number multifold. Here are some elements of restorative and outdoor workspaces that
promote health and mitigate such problems:
Spaces to unwind:
To balance the energy of workspaces, a harmonising space needs to be created. A
space to hit pause like a meditation room or a garden can help restore emotional
Creating an array of spaces for people to work in – for
individual focused work and collaborative work in
open and closed environments, will help meet the
cognitive requirements of the occupants.
Restorative and Outdoor Workspaces
Spaces to
unwind
Outdoor
spaces
Biophilic
space
•
06

The default - poor indoor air quality:
The US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has found that organic pollutants
are two to five times higher indoors than outdoors.Indoor air quality is a major concern
to businesses, building managers, tenants, and employees due to its impact on the
health, comfort, wellbeing, and productivity of building occupants.
The culprits:
Pollutants in indoor environments can increase the risk of illness. The most common
indoor air pollutants are combustion sources like tobacco products and stoves that
release harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and particulate
balance, as well as boost creativity and productivity.
Biophilic spaces:
Humans are the happiest when they are outdoors. Research has shown that offices
featuring connections to nature had a more positive impact on the well-being of work-
ers, compared to offices without such connections. Incorporating nature directly or
indirectly into the space can be achieved by including plants, providing outdoor views,
water bodies, images, and using natural building materials and colours. Multiple
researches have outlined benefits including lower blood pressure, resting heart rate
and an increase in creativity, productivity and wellbeing in biophilic spaces. Addition-
ally, creating spaces for rejuvenation improves the emotional and cognitive health of
the users of a built space.
Outdoor spaces:
Organisations should also look at adding a comfortable seating area with tables, so
that the staff can work outdoors when the weather permits. This access to natural light
and fresh air is highly beneficial, leading to an increase in productivity, creativity, and
wellbeing.
A Carnegie Mellon study determined that using natural
ventilation (windows) or a combination of natural and
mechanical ventilation (e.g. air conditioning) can
achieve a 0.8-1.3% reduction in health costs, 3-18%
gains in productivity, and 47-79% energy savings in
HVAC for an average ROI (Return On Investment) of
minimum 120%.
Air Quality
•
•
•
•
07

matter (PM) into the air. Building materials and fabrics, personal care products like
deodorants, skin and hair care products, air fresheners like candles and diffusers, and
cleaning products release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Semi-Volatile
Organic Compounds (SVOCs) into the indoor space (WELL Certification, v2).
The result - Sick Building Syndrome:
Users of a building may experience acute respiratory health problems linked to the
time spent indoors. It can be restricted to a room or spread across the building. This is
called Sick Building Syndrome. It is caused by inadequate ventilation, indoor and
outdoor pollutants and biological contaminants (US Environmental Protection
Agency).
VOCs and PM irritate the eyes, nose and throat. The finer particles can affect our lungs
and are absorbed by the bloodstream causing health problems such as heart attacks
and respiratory diseases [US EPA, OAR (26 April 2016). "Health and Environmental
Effects of Particulate Matter (PM)"].
Testing and monitoring:
At the outset, if the workspace has never been tested for toxic gases and VOCs, air
quality testing should be prioritised for employees’ health.
Continuously monitoring the parameters of air quality (Carbon Dioxide, PM2.5, PM10
•
Ways of Rectification:
a.
08

and VOC levels) using sensors can help keep a check on the same.
Communicating with employees through display screens in common areas or their
personal devices about the importance and maintenance of improved air quality will
provide them with a sense of comfort about their workspace.
Reducing Sick Building Syndrome:
Using furniture that has been certified to have low emissions of VOC by GreenGuard,
BIFMA Level Certified, SCS Indoor advantage etc. products is crucial.
Selecting furniture that assures usage of low emission glues and sealants can also help
reduce VOC emissions.
Incorporating air filters into the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
System such as MERV14 and HEPA removes 90% of PM.
Routine maintenance of air filters, ducts and drain pans ensures that lower
contaminants are emitted.
Regular cleaning of furnishings such as carpets and upholstery should be undertaken.
Photocopiers and printers should be isolated, kept in spaces away from work areas
and in well ventilated spaces to reduce the impact of PM2.5 and other ultrafine
b.
09

Implementing holistic design strategies will decrease
exposure to harmful pollutants and promote clean air,
thereby maximising wellbeing, health, and
productivity.
Water in Humans and Buildings
Encourage hydration:
A 2013 study by Riebl and Davy concluded that a decrease in concentration and
memory skills was linked to a 2% drop in hydration levels. Drinking 8-10 glasses of
water a day is advised by health practitioners. Workspaces can ensure their
occupants stay hydrated with visible placement of water coolers and a display of the
water quality. The water quality in terms of pH level, chlorine, turbidity (cloudiness)
and coliforms (bacteria) should be tested and monitored regularly.
Moisture control:
Dampness and mould formation can be avoided by selecting the right material,
adopting good construction practices, and conducting regular inspection. Superior
quality bricks and rich cement mortar should be used over exposed concrete or pipes.
Following good construction practices like the provision of damp proofing courses at
appropriate locations and surface treatments (pointing and plastering) using
waterproofing membranes, will reduce the risk of mould formation.
•
•
particles. If the building design, weather and outdoor air quality permits, provide
operable windows to allow fresh air inside.
Encourage the creation of a smoke-free environment by disallowing smoking indoors
or outdoors.
Isolating food odour from the cafeteria and pantry will reduce distractions and
complaints from people using these spaces. This can be done by improving ventilation
and clearing the trash regularly.
One of the easier metrics to track is reduced absenteeism in the office. A study
commissioned by the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) found that by increasing the outdoor supply of air
to 12 L/s, short term sick leave was 35% lower in the office.
10

Optimal Natural Lighting
Humans have evolved to have an internal biological clock that responds to light in a 24-hour
cycle, called the Circadian Rhythm. It makes us sleep at night and wake up in the morning.
A de-synchronisation can lead to obesity, diabetes, depression, and metabolic disorders.
As we spend 90% of our day indoors, improper lighting can inevitably lead to an imbalance.
Aiming for more daylight indoors might not be feasible everywhere. However, organisations
can change the existing fluorescent lights to circadian lighting systems. Demarcating
spaces, for example, for task areas, providing higher illumination requirements and lower
levels for surrounding and background areas will help create a pleasing contrast and reduce
energy costs.
Workspaces should try to incorporate natural light sources to reduce the amount of artificial
light needed, lower electricity costs, and make the workplace more aesthetically attractive
to employees. The right lighting can help create an environment that improves circadian
rhythm, sleep quality, mood and productivity.
Incorporating exterior shading devices such as vertical fins, deep balconies and louvers can
reduce the glare and heating, leading to lower cooling costs and increased visual comfort.
Hygiene support:
Providing clean washrooms, hand washing facilities and accommodations like
dustbins, infant changing tables etc. will help support and promote hygiene and
sanitization.
•
11

Thermal comfort is important for both, one's well-being and productivity. Temperature pref-
erences vary greatly among individuals and there isn’t a single temperature that can satisfy
everyone. What is comfortable to a 28-year-old woman might be too hot for a 40-year-old
man. It is subjective and thus trickier to achieve. Thus, a baseline satisfaction for a majority
of the employees must be the objective.
Workplace temperatures that are too high or too low can contribute to fatigue, heat illness
and cold-related medical conditions.
However, too much humidity leads to higher levels of dust mites and fungi, two of the worst
culprits for indoor allergy sufferers. Organisations should select appropriate strategies after
consulting with experts on recommended guidelines that are regularly being updated. While
restarting offices, operations and maintenance guidelines as prescribed by ISHRAE for
cleaning and maintaining the Air Handling Unit (AHU) and indoor units of HVAC also
becomes important.
As per the Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and
Air Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE), the study of the
transmission of the coronavirus indicates that high
temperature (above 30 °C) and humidity (above 80%
Relative Humidity) significantly reduces its
transmission.
Temperature and Thermal Comfort
Sound Advice
A colleague on a client call or teammates having a heated discussion about a problem are
just two of a variety of scenarios that cause frequent work interruptions. While at home, in
the WFH scenario, distraction can be caused by toddlers demanding candy, for instance.
The Social Capital Study by Godrej Interio showed that approximately 11% of office-goers
could only work for 15 minutes without interruption, and 24% managed 30 minutes of
uninterrupted work. Studies show that it takes another 25 minutes to refocus on the task
at hand, such frequent interruptions are a drain on productivity. To solve this, creating a
variety of spaces for focused or collaborative work is vital.
Background sound (from the HVAC system, traffic, users) and its persistence can impair
12

Sealing gaps at doors and windows, providing air gaps
between enclosed spaces, using absorptive materials
like fabric, carpets, acoustic tiles, and partitions
instead of marble, ceramic tiles or glass can help
absorb unwanted sounds that are created in
workspaces.
Our prolonged exposure to VOC gases, halogenated
flame retardants (HFR) and plastics should be
lowered.
Building Materials
Toxins in buildings pose several health risks and we spend 90% of our times indoors.
Wall and ceiling panels containing HFRs can cause neurological damage, cancer, and
reproductive toxicity. PVC pipes and cables containing orthophthalates can cause damage
to the liver, kidneys, and the reproductive system. To lower the risks to health, low VOC-
emitting flooring materials, adhesives, furniture, and furnishings should be used to improve
respiratory health.
An assessment of the presence of these materials and limiting the use of new products
should be conducted. Cleaning and the right pest management products and practices
should reduce the detrimental effect on air quality and the health of the staff.
speech intelligibility and contribute to noise. This can be solved by using a good acoustical
design.

A key factor in employee health is nutrition.
One step towards ensuring that employees stay healthy and inspired is to provide proper
nutrition, including fresh fruits and vegetables, which are rich in vitamins. Vending machines
are often a source of temptation when hunger strikes. Therefore, to avoid unhealthy eating,
it must include healthier options like fruits, cereal bars or low-calorie alternatives alongside
the usual chocolates, chips, and colas.
According to WHO, unhealthy diets pose a greater risk
to mortality than drugs, tobacco and alcohol
combined. (3)
Health and Nutrition
While built spaces can nudge us towards making healthier decisions, a transformation in
lifestyle and culture will help cement it. Organisations need to proactively identify their
overarching cultural challenges and holistically design initiatives that address health-relat-
ed challenges that their employees face. Included below are some aspects that must be
looked into while encouraging a healthy lifestyle:
B. HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
3. Diet, nutrition, and the prevention of chronic diseases-Report of the joint
WHO/FAO expert consultation. 2003.
Health and
Nutrition
Work
Breaks
Promote
Wellness
Inclusive
Design
Movement-Friendly
Spaces
Ergonomics
and Design

Frequent short breaks to encourage movement,
stretching and a change in posture should be
advocated to improve concentration.
Work Breaks
Creating a culture where employees can take their designated lunch breaks and have
regular time off from the screen is often overlooked, even though its importance is well
known.
Taking the entire length of their designated lunchtime away from their desk should be
encouraged. It allows the employees to eat mindfully, gives them a break from looking at the
screen, encourages movement and gives them a chance to get much-needed fresh air.
Moreover, this will also help avoid an afternoon slump.
Movement-Friendly Spaces
Why move?
Office goers work for an extended time without any movement – neither getting up
from their chairs nor changing postures. A research conducted by Godrej Interio has
revealed that there is a direct connection between the number of hours individuals
•

Long work hours coupled with incorrect postures can
lead to Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) such as neck
pain, back pain, etc.
spend seated and their physical wellness.
Our Keep Moving study showed that people who remain seated continuously for more
than 5 - 6 hours are more likely to suffer from chronic muscular aches and pains
compared to those who walk around the office or stretch at regular intervals. 15% of
the employees surveyed had taken more than 4 days of leave in a 2-month period due
to MSDs. Physical inactivity is also linked to premature mortality and chronic diseases
like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, depression, dementia, and some forms
of cancer (WHO).
Encouraging physical activity:
It is often argued that it is impossible to stay active when sitting behind a desk.
However, the following strategies can help employees to keep moving. Given below
are some of the opportunities organisations can provide their employees with, to
encourage a more active lifestyle:
Active seating:
Sit-Stand desks and height-adjustable workstations are a great solution to lowering
sedentary behavior. Alternating postures not only provides pain relief but also
improves mood and productivity. Active seating poufs that allow gentle dynamic
movement of the body can be incorporated in the workspace.
•
a.

Ergonomics and Design
Designing a workspace that promotes good posture, gentle movement, easily reachable
heights helps reducing exertion to create an efficient work environment. Here are some of
the most important pieces organisations need to consider increasing the ergonomic
quotient of their workspace:
Sitting right:
Desk:
Desk height depends on the user’s height and body type. There isn’t a single or uniform
height that would work for everyone. Employees should sit — or stand if they’re using
a standing desk — with their arms at the sides and elbows at a 90-degree angle.
Employees must ensure that desks are free of clutter underneath to increase space for
their legs. If the desk has a hard edge, paddings must be placed, or a wrist-rest must
be used by employees to improve comfort.
•
Standing meetings:
Employees should be encouraged give the meeting room a break and conduct meet-
ings outdoors for a change while taking in some fresh air. Short brisk walks around the
office can help take the reduce pressure and improve blood circulation.
Centralised services:
The famous water cooler conversations are a byproduct of centralised services. Social
gatherings help enhance an individual’s mood due to the release of endorphins and
dopamine aka the feel-good hormones. Communal devices such as printers, copiers,
and vending machines can be centrally located, so that employees are forced to get
up and walk to them. Additionally, this will aid in improving air quality in the main
workplace. Using large common waste paper bins instead of individual bins near the
desk will also encourage employees to walk a few extra steps.
Creating opportunities:
Given a choice between the elevator and taking the staircase, most employees would
prefer the former. What if there were signs highlighting the benefits of using the stairs
for reasons related to health and weight control that were put up near the elevator? In
a study conducted in a mall, British researchers found that the use of such a staircase
increased by 190% and for a nearby, message-free staircase by 52%. An encouraging
spillover effect is thus visible. Easy to incorporate interventions like improved lighting,
having painted steps, and music played in the staircase can encourage movement
among able-bodied employees.
b.
c.
d.

Chair:
Chairs should be ergonomically crafted according to Indians’ anthropometry (body
dimensions). The task determines the chair to be used. Organisations must consider
investing in adjustable chairs as a way to encourage employees to adopt the right
posture and maximise comfort. The right kind of chair allows users to keep their thigh
parallel to the floor with their feet flat on it, and their arms at the right height with the
desk. In case the desk height cannot be adjusted, employees can make sure that their
feet are supported by the floor or by a footrest. Their knees should be placed at a
90-degree angle to relieve the pressure from the back. Employers must encourage and
facilitate correct sitting posture (90-90-90) amongst their employees.
Right accessories:
Improper screen heights cause sore necks and other such issues. More than 40%
people complain of neck pain arising primarily because of excessive laptop usage
throughout the day. Employees must ensure that the computer screen is in the same
level as the eyes, so that they don’t have to bend their neck or slouch over to view it.
The screen should also be at an arm’s length while typing on the keyboard.
Other considerations:
Having an adjustable backrest on the chair (one that moves up, down and
side-to-side) can be extremely beneficial for individuals. Ability to swivel and roll
away to easily reach for farther off items away without strain.
Cushioning and breathable fabric for better comfort.
Adjustable armrests.
Good lumbar support.
Organisations must consider investing in high quality
laptop stands, external keyboards and mouses to help
employees adopt appropriate postures at any time.

Promote Wellness
Our bodies were made to move rather than sit all day. Active lifestyles are most likely to
have a positive impact on the productivity of employees. Engaging in regular exercise helps
increase blood flow to the brain, thereby boosting energy and alertness. This can also
sharpen their concentration and decision-making skills.
Wellness @Work:
A few ways to encourage wellness at work include:
Godrej Interio’s Wellness@Work Initiative has certified ergonomists who carry out
workplace audits and training workshops to create a healthier and more productive
workforce.
Incorporating a weekly exercise program like yoga sessions or aerobics classes
before/after work.
Sending out videos of exercises that employees can practice at their desks.
Sharing reminders about the benefits of moving more and sitting less with employees.
•
•
•

Inclusive Design
The pandemic has highlighted the importance of an office space in creating connections
and relationships with colleagues. This fosters a positive culture and improves emotional
wellbeing. The office space is inhabited by an interlinked community that can share common
outlooks and experiences in shared settings and locations.
Policies to promote health and support working caregivers promote diversity and
participation in workforce and civic engagement. Incorporating universal design features
for users with different physical and neurological needs can create a wholesome and inclu-
sive environment.
Taking feedback from the users about their satisfaction, comfort, health and wellbeing at
the office facility, and implementing wellbeing initiatives will go a long way in creating an
equitable, diverse and healthy community.

Now is the time to make workplaces healthy!
A workplace isn’t changed only for the sake of change. Workplaces evolve because the busi-
ness wants to progress in a new direction, to attract and retain a different kind of people, to
serve customers and to be a successful business.
The recent pandemic highlighted the importance of good indoor air quality and increased
the awareness of “healthy workspaces” among policymakers and the public. In addition to
everyday precautions taken by individuals, the building industry and employers have a vital
role to play in creating safe and healthy environments for themselves and their employees.
A healthy workspace has gone from a “nice to have” to a competitive, “must-have.”
Fostering the right culture through wellness initiatives can help an organization to attract
and retain talented people while maintaining a reputation as a compassionate employer,
which is good for business and a priceless benefit for those within the company.
Leaders in organizations need to invest in right workplace strategies, initiatives, and
processes to create a culture and work environment that puts the health and wellbeing of
employees first. Good workplace performance, greater productivity, improved morale, and
loyalty are just some of the important benefits that are sure to follow, with the business’
bottom line eventually rewarded.
CONCLUSION

Godrej Interio (GI) is India’s premium furniture brand in both home and institutional segments
with a strong commitment to sustainability and centers of excellence in design,
manufacturing and retail.
Led by the largest in-house design team in the country in the furniture category and
awarded with 34 India Design Mark Awards till date, GI aims to transform spaces with its
thoughtfully designed furniture to create brighter homes and offices with products that have the
highest design quotient in aesthetics, functionality and technology. With consistent pursuit of
excellence and a special focus on health and ergonomics, GI’s product portfolio comprises a
massive range.
Today, we design and manufacture furniture for office spaces, homes, educational
institutes, healthcare facilities, laboratories and more. Along with furniture we offer Audio Visual
and 360 Degree Turnkey solutions. Each of our product range revolves around comfort and
aesthetics while delivering well-designed, fun and functional furniture solutions. Briefly, Godrej
Interio transforms dream spaces to life!
GI commitment to the environment has resulted in manufacturing products with lesser
environment footprint. Our pioneering efforts include designing less environment burdening
products, usage of eco-friendly materials and setting up less polluting andconsuming processes,
ensuring eco-friendly packaging and transportation and finally the extended responsibility of
recycling/reuse of used furniture and scrap, thus ensuring a lifecycle approach to green.
Currently present in over 650 cities with 250 exclusive showrooms and 800 dealers, GI is one of
the largest divisions of Godrej and Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd., part of the Godrej Group, one of India's
largest engineering and customer product groups.
This paper represents the opinions of the authors and is the product of professional research. This
report has been prepared for the exclusive use and benefit of the addressee(s) and solely for the
purpose for which it is provided. Unless we provide express prior written consent, no part of this
report should be reproduced or distributed. While every attempt is made to ensure that the
information contained in this document is true to its best. However, Godrej and Boyce Mfg. Co.
Ltd., its employees, representatives, affiliates or any of its divisions, etc. shall not be responsible
for any reliance made on this paper or for any errors / omissions in information obtained from the
source while preparing this paper.
ABOUT GODREJ INTERIO
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