The future of work hinges on employee wellbeing

10 May 2021

The impacts of the pandemic have accentuated the important role that a workplace’s space plays in creating a culture that enhances the employee experience and happiness.

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The future of work hinges on employee wellbeing

The spotlight on employee wellbeing and mental health was at the forefront of workplace occupation, health and safety long before the impact of the pandemic. However, the impacts of the pandemic have accentuated the important role that a workplace’s space plays in creating a culture that enhances the employee experience and happiness.

Facilitating an environment that supports employee wellbeing is crucial for today’s workforce, with a survey by Mccrindle revealing three out of four Australian workers identify workplace wellness as one of their top priorities. Further, Deloitte’s 2020 Global Human Capital Trends study found that 80% of survey respondents considered employee wellness to be very important to their organisation’s overarching success.

COVID-19 cast a new light on employee mental health, as the pandemic contributed to increased stress, anxiety, career and financial uncertainty. With changes to the work environment meaning that staff had to work remotely, organisational culture was impacted and the ability to interact socially, collaborate and engage as a team was compromised. Although many enjoyed the flexibility of working from home, it also saw the lines between work-life balance and boundaries blurring. As such, many employees were in fact eager to see a return to the office when restrictions eased.

As we see more staff returning to the office, whether it be at a full-time or part-time capacity, the focus is on how offices can facilitate better workplace environments that increase employee productivity and performance.

Central Park General Manager, Tim Ward, said that it was critical for office buildings to prioritise positive employee mental health and invest in wellbeing of tenant employees.

“The importance of employee mental health is widely recognised as a key pillar for organisational success - a business is dependent on the people that make it,” Tim said.

“Offices play a crucial role in creating an environment where employees can thrive in both their working and personal life. By directing resources towards reinforcing positive office culture and initiatives, we are facilitating a welcoming, positive workplace where employees don’t just have to be – but where they want to be.

“The pandemic presented an opportunity for Central Park to renew and enhance its focus on employee wellbeing, looking at ways we can elevate the user experience in our building even further. We have always invested in resources that will shape a positive work environment, offering a variety of engagement activities throughout the year.

“We are currently providing a ‘Mindfulness in May’ initiative at Central Park – engaging our tenants throughout the month with activities designed to support mental health and stress management. This initiative reflects our overarching goal of facilitating a workplace where tenants and their employees feel happy and energised, which will assist in increasing their productivity and work performance.”

For enquiries about leasing at Central Park, please contact Roly Egerton-Warburton at roly.ew@sheffieldproperty.com.au or Nick Van Helden at nick.vanhelden@ap.jll.com