WHAT KIND OF WELLNESS INITIATIVES SHOULD BE TAKEN IN COWORKING SPACES?

Wellness is an integral part of one’s professional life, especially in a coworking space, which aims to offer holistic services which maximise efficiency and well-being. Say, you own a state-of-the-art coworking space in Gurgaon – what kind of wellness program should you implement in your workspace? Well, as there is no one-size-fits-all approach, hence, one needs to adopt initiatives that cater to the needs of the coworking community. In order to accelerate this process, here are some examples of wellness initiatives that can benefit coworking spaces.

As per a recent study conducted by researchers from Harvard and UChicago, workplace wellness programs facilitate healthier behaviours in professionals. Studies about workplace wellness have granted conflicted results since quite some time – as per a study published in the 2018 National Bureau of Economic Research, it was deduced that wellness programs did not change health behaviours per se. However, participants were more aware of their health issues and were motivated enough to bring about minute day-to-day changes. The key is to implement more targeted approaches, along with the aspect of holistic wellness. This can be achieved with the help of the following:

Offer Healthy and Filling Snacks

Incorporating healthy foods in the office snacks table will not only help professionals with weight management but also improve cognitive function and mood levels. Supplement them with packaged water bottles, as this reminds coworkers to stay hydrated. This will also address the issue of paper/plastic cups, leading to more environmentally-sound decisions.

Introduce Greenery

Nature is the most beautiful inspiration, and you can add a dash of green with the help of lively office plants. As per studies, even a short exposure to the colour green can bolster innovative ideas. Moreover, plants help purify the air and reduce noise levels.

Host Stress/Anxiety Management Workshops

Mental health is an integral part of one’s overall well-being, as it holds the ability to influence and affect one’s work. Stress and anxiety are common issues faced by individuals on a day-to-day basis, hence hosting regular workshops about coping mechanisms for the same can help members feel more confident and self-assured in their everyday actions.

Create a Safe Space for Those Battling Mental Health Problems

Despite increasing awareness about mental health issues, the stigma surrounding the same still persists. This might hinder certain members from feeling comfortable enough to share their struggles in front of their coworkers. Make sure to create a safe space for them – be empathetic, kind, and don’t forget to validate their struggles and issues. Feeling accepted can go a long way and contribute to an individual’s happiness in significant ways.

Provide Career Coaching and Mentorship

Career coaching and mentorship can be offered as an added service or benefit. You can enrich this experience by inviting industry experts and hosting career workshops and presentations. Additionally, if you wish to appeal to your community’s millennial section, ask senior members to provide mentorship in diverse arenas.

Encourage Learnability

Most individuals absolutely abhor being a mindless cog in the machine, and rightfully so. The best way to make these individuals feel otherwise is to encourage learnability. This will allow them to adopt new skills, hone the ones they possess and update their know-how. This can be done with the help of online courses and skill-focused experts.

Offer 24×7 Access

Not all individuals work effectively during the same periods. While some are early birds, others are night owls, which leads to divergent work patterns. Offering 24×7 access to members can help them attain a better balance between their work and personal lives.

While there are countless workplace wellness programs that can be implemented, it is always best to consult with your members regarding what works best for them. This will help prioritize issues and ensure collective and individual well-being at the same time.