Wellbeing Room Ideas – Introduction
Let’s explore wellbeing room ideas together. A wellbeing room is a dedicated space in the workplace focused on providing employees with opportunities to enhance their health, reduce stress, and improve their overall wellbeing. As companies increasingly recognise the strong connection between employee health, engagement, and productivity, wellbeing rooms are becoming a popular workplace amenity and benefit.
The wellbeing room serves as an oasis where employees can take a break, recharge, and engage in activities that support their physical health, mental health, and overall wellbeing during the workday.
Our comprehensive guide will explore ideas and best practices for designing and outfitting an effective wellbeing room in your workplace. Topics covered include:
- Location and size considerations
- Layout of the space
- Selecting appropriate furniture
- Using color, lighting, and greenery
- Incorporating aromatherapy
- Wellbeing activities and amenities to include
- Setting policies for use of the space
We hope that by the end of this post, you’ll have a strong understanding of how to create a wellbeing room that enhances workplace culture, decreases employees’ stress, and supports productivity.
Wellbeing Room Ideas – Purpose and Goals
The main purpose of a wellbeing room is to provide employees a dedicated space to relax, recharge, and tend to their mental health and wellbeing during the workday. Wellbeing rooms aim to reduce employee stress, anxiety, and burnout while also boosting focus, creativity, and productivity.
Unlike taking a traditional break, spending time in a wellbeing room allows employees to truly disengage from work and focus on self-care activities. This can enhance cognitive performance, improve job satisfaction, and cultivate an overall sense of wellness.
Some of the key goals and benefits of wellbeing rooms include:
- Reducing stress – Wellbeing rooms provide a quiet space to decompress away from busy, overstimulating office environments. This allows the body to relax and reset.
- Increasing resilience – Taking mindful breaks builds mental resilience, equipping employees with skills to better manage stress when they return to work.
- Improving focus and concentration – By giving the mind a chance to recharge, wellbeing rooms can boost focus and attention when back at your desk.
- Promoting mindfulness – Wellbeing rooms enable mindful practices like meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga, which cultivate presence and emotional intelligence.
- Boosting creativity – By relaxing the conscious mind, activities in wellbeing rooms allow creative thoughts and ideas to flow more freely.
- Enhancing morale and engagement – Employees feel valued when provided space to refresh and prioritise self-care at work, improving morale.
- Reducing absenteeism – Workers are less prone to call in sick when their wellbeing needs are supported at the office.
Overall, wellbeing rooms aim to promote a culture of holistic employee health, recognising mental and emotional wellness as key components of engagement and performance.
Wellbeing Room Ideas – Location and Size
When creating a wellbeing room in an office, careful consideration should be given to its location and size. The ideal location will be easily accessible for all employees, but still provide a quiet and private space. Many companies opt to locate wellbeing rooms near main stairwells or elevators. This allows the room to be used by staff on different floors. Having it near the center of the office plan also keeps travel distances short for most employees.
In terms of size, recommendations will vary based on the number of total employees. For a small office of less than 50 people, a wellbeing room of 100-150 square feet should suffice. Most medium sized offices have wellbeing rooms in the range of 150-300 square feet. This provides space for multiple people while not being overly large. For major corporations with hundreds or thousands of staff, larger wellbeing rooms of 500+ square feet are sometimes created. These rooms can accommodate more amenities and activities. When determining the right size, consider how many employees are likely to use the space at one time, and how you intend the room to be used. Aim for a size that provides comfort, but isn’t wasteful of space.
Wellbeing Room Ideas – Layout and Zoning
When designing the layout of a wellbeing room, it’s important to create dedicated zones for different activities. This allows employees to easily find a space that suits their needs at any given moment.
Quiet Zone
One essential zone is a quiet area where employees can relax or meditate. This space should be tucked away in a corner, separate from more lively areas of the room. Maximising privacy and minimising noise is key. Consider placing dividers or screens around this quiet zone. Provide comfortable seating like recliners, floor cushions, or padded chairs.
Collaboration Zone
Another useful zone is an area for small group collaboration. Furnish it with a table and chairs conducive to sitting together. This space enables employees to co-work on projects or brainstorm in an environment outside their regular workspace. Whiteboards, flip charts, or digital displays can facilitate productive discussions.
Social Zone
Don’t forget to also include an open social zone with casual seats and sofas where people can freely converse. This fosters community and gives employees a change of scene for conversations, whether work-related or personal. Consider complementing seating with a coffee table, side tables, or open floor space.
Additional Zones
Other possible zones depending on space include areas for stretching, gaming/leisure, arts/crafts, a library, or a refreshing beverage bar. Get creative with carving out spaces for different wellbeing activities employees will enjoy. Just be sure to provide the right furniture and equipment to support the intended use. Signage can help label zones.
The key is striking the right balance between quiet areas and community areas. Thoughtful zoning creates needed respite and productivity spaces within the wellbeing room.
Wellbeing Room Ideas – Furniture
When furnishing a wellbeing room, focus on comfort, customisation, and catering to different needs. Modular furniture allows you to reconfigure the layout as needed. Prioritise comfortable seating like couches, armchairs, recliners, floor cushions, and ball chairs. Avoid hard, uncomfortable furniture.
Invest in reclining chairs to promote relaxation and power naps. Ball chairs are fun, novel options that allow gentle rocking motions. Footstools, ottomans, and poufs are useful for propping up feet or providing extra informal seating.
Provide a variety of seating heights and depths to accommodate different body types. Include both open seating like couches and private cocoon-like chairs for alone time. Side tables and lamp tables provide surfaces for drinks, devices, or books.
Consider specialty furniture like yoga mats, meditation cushions, audio listening stations, and puzzle tables based on the planned activities. Invest in high-quality, durable furniture built for heavy usage rather than cheap options that won’t hold up. Prioritise natural, breathable materials.
Colors and Lighting
When choosing colors for a wellbeing room, the goal should be to create a relaxing and uplifting space. Soft, muted tones like light blue, green, and lavender are ideal. These colors have a calming effect and are associated with nature. Avoid bright, bold shades which can feel jarring.
Natural lighting is also important for both mood and energy levels. If possible, the wellbeing room should have windows to let in ample sunshine. Natural light helps regulate circadian rhythms and vitamin D absorption. For windowless rooms, incorporate skylights or light tubes. Another option is to install full-spectrum light bulbs which mimic natural daylight. Wall-mounted light boxes that emit a soothing glow can also mimic the effect of a window.
Be sure to provide lighting controls like dimmers so occupants can adjust the ambiance. Task lighting may be needed for activities like reading. But overall, the lighting should feel gentle rather than harsh and intense. The goal is to make the wellbeing room feel tranquil and peaceful through deliberate use of colors and lighting.
Wellbeing Room Ideas – Indoor Plants
Adding lush greenery and plants to a wellbeing room provides numerous benefits. Studies show that being around nature reduces stress, lowers heart rate and blood pressure, and boosts mood. Plants also help purify indoor air by absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen.
There are many options when selecting plants for a wellbeing space. Succulents, snake plants, philodendron, spider plants, and aloe vera are low maintenance choices that can thrive indoors with minimal care. Peace lilies, dracaena, ficus, and ferns are excellent air purifying plants. Herbs like mint, basil, oregano, rosemary, and lemon balm add a pleasant natural aroma.
Consider different sizes, shapes, and colors of foliage to add visual interest. Hanging plants, tall floor plants, tabletop plants, and wall mounted planters can provide greenery at different heights and dimensions. Place larger statement plants in corners or along blank walls. Cluster smaller pots together to create an inviting garden vignette.
Maximise exposure to natural sunlight when determining plant placement. Ensure adequate drainage and regular watering for healthy plant growth. Mist leaves occasionally for an extra moisture boost. Rotate pots periodically so all sides receive equal light. Prune away dead leaves and trim overgrowth when needed.
The addition of living greenery enhances wellbeing rooms by connecting people to nature, purifying air, reducing stress, and creating a relaxing, rejuvenating ambiance. A diverse array of lush, thriving plants is an integral element for any wellbeing space.
Wellbeing Room Ideas – Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy can be a wonderful wellbeing room idea to help promote relaxation. Diffusing essential oils that are known for their calming properties is an easy way to create a soothing environment. The scent of essential oils can have powerful effects on mood, emotions and stress levels.
Some of the most popular essential oils to help induce relaxation are:
- Lavender – Has a fresh, floral scent that is renowned for its relaxing and stress-relieving properties. Studies show lavender can decrease anxiety and improve sleep quality.
- Bergamot – Has a citrusy scent that is uplifting yet calming. It helps relieve stress and anxiety. Bergamot can also help lift your mood.
- Ylang Ylang – Has a floral scent that is extremely calming and comforting. It’s known to help relieve anxiety and depression.
- Clary Sage – Has an earthy, herbaceous aroma that reduces stress and tension. It can ease anxiety while lifting mood.
- Chamomile – Has a sweet, fruity scent that soothes the mind and body. It calms nerves while easing anxiety and tension.
- Rose – Has a luxurious floral scent that is deeply relaxing. It helps relieve stress and anxiety while promoting emotional wellbeing.
Diffusing a blend of relaxing essential oils can further enhance the calming environment of a wellbeing room. Having an essential oil diffuser available allows employees to fill the air with soothing scents as needed to help destress. Proper usage and ventilation should be observed when diffusing essential oils.
Wellbeing Room Ideas – Activities and Amenities
A wellbeing room should contain activities and amenities that promote relaxation, mental health, and productivity. Consider offering a selection of activities employees can engage in during breaks:
- Yoga mats and space for stretching or following along with yoga/meditation videos or apps. This provides opportunities for movement and mindfulness.
- A small library of books, magazines, adult coloring books and supplies. Reading and coloring are calming activities that give the mind a rest.
- Board games, card games, or puzzles for employees to gather and enjoy casual interaction. Social connection is important for wellbeing.
- Craft supplies like knitting needles and crochet hooks with yarn. Crafting boosts mood and focus.
You’ll also want to include amenities for comfort and refreshment:
- Snack options like nuts, dried fruit, popcorn. Hunger can negatively impact mood and concentration.
- An electric kettle with tea and coffee. Caffeine can provide an energy boost.
- Noise cancelling headphones and a white noise machine to block distracting sounds.
- Essential oil diffuser and a selection of calming oils like lavender or eucalyptus. Aromatherapy promotes relaxation.
The wellbeing room should contain a balanced array of activities and amenities tailored to your employees’ interests and needs. The goal is to provide diverse options for taking a meaningful break.
Wellbeing Room Ideas – Policies
Implementing clear policies for the wellbeing room is important to ensure it is used properly and available when needed. Consider having booking policies, time limits, and guidelines on appropriate use.
- Booking System: Have an online calendar booking system for employees to reserve the wellbeing room in advance. This prevents conflicts. You may allow bookings in 15/30/60 minute increments.
- Time Limits: To ensure availability, you can limit usage to 30-60 minutes per employee per day. Exceptions could be made if there are no other bookings.
- Appropriate Use: Create guidelines on suitable activities for the wellbeing room, such as relaxation, meditation, yoga, etc. Prohibit activities like sleeping, loud music, or inappropriate gatherings.
- Accessibility: Ensure the policies promote accessibility for all employees to use the wellbeing room. First come first served may discriminate against those with limited schedules.
- Communication of Policies: Inform all employees about the wellbeing room policies through an email announcement, employee handbook, intranet page, and signs in the room.
- User Feedback: Survey employees on their experience using the wellbeing room and any suggestions to improve policies. Adjust guidelines as needed.
- Accountability: There should be repercussions for those who violate the policies, such as suspension of wellbeing room access.
Setting clear, thoughtful policies will lead to the wellbeing room being used as intended – for all employees’ health and wellness needs. The room should provide a refuge, not become a source of stress.
Wellbeing Room Ideas – Conclusion
Creating a dedicated wellbeing room is not just an addition to your office space; it’s a meaningful step towards nurturing a supportive and healthy work environment. As we’ve discussed, the values reaped from such a space extend far beyond the immediate comfort it provides. It serves as a tangible manifestation of a company’s commitment to its most valuable asset – its people.
Implementing the wellbeing room ideas we have outlined can significantly contribute to reducing stress and anxiety, enhancing focus, encouraging creativity, and boosting overall morale. By offering a variety of zones and activities tailored to the needs and preferences of your employees, you enable them to step away from their desks and tend to their personal wellbeing, which in turn, can lead to increased productivity and fulfillment.
Moreover, it is crucial to accompany the physical space with policies that ensure fairness, inclusivity, and respect for its intended purpose. Regular feedback and adjustments will also keep the space aligned with the evolving needs of your team.
Remember, the wellbeing room is more than just a place – it reflects a company’s ethos. It’s an investment in the holistic health of your employees that echoes the sentiment that their wellbeing truly matters. And while each space will differ according to specific office cultures and resources, the core principle remains consistent: foster a culture of wellness, and your work community will thrive.
Embracing Wellbeing in the Workplace
At Wellbeing In Your Office, we firmly believe in the transformative power of integrating wellbeing into daily work life. Our hope is that these ideas inspire you to create a haven in your workplace that resonates with tranquility, vitality, and harmony. It’s not just about equipping a room; it’s about shaping a healthier, happier, and more productive work culture for everyone involved.
Should you wish to explore further opportunities to enhance the wellbeing of your employees or need assistance in implementing these ideas, our team at Wellbeing In Your Office is always here to support you.
Embrace the art of living well in the workplace, because your office is not just a place of work – it’s a space for growth, inspiration, and wellbeing.
Thank you for engaging with our discussion on wellbeing room ideas. We invite your thoughts and queries. Should you be interested in more insights on cultivating wellbeing in your office, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general knowledge and educational purposes only. It should not be construed as professional health, legal, or business advice. Readers should always consult with appropriate health professionals, human resource experts, or legal advisors for specific concerns related to mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of publication, Wellbeing In Your Office cannot be held responsible for any subsequent changes, updates, or revisions of the aforementioned content.