Enhance Well-Being at Work: Wellness Design

Paul Scialla, founder of the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), discusses the intersection of real estate and wellness, and how the WELL Building Standard was developed to focus on human health and well-being within the built environment.

Scialla, a former Goldman Sachs partner, noticed a gap in the sustainability movement in real estate, which primarily focused on energy and environmental impact, with little attention to how buildings affect occupants' health. This observation led him to create Delos and, subsequently, the WELL Building Standard, aiming to introduce preventative medical intentions into building design and operation.

He explains that the initial development of the WELL Building Standard involved bringing together experts in medical science and building science to influence health outcomes across various domains, such as cardiovascular, respiratory, immune, sleep, and cognitive health. The platform expanded to include thought leaders from medicine, architecture, design, technology, sustainability, and those involved in green rating systems, to codify a set of protocols for healthier buildings.

Scialla emphasizes that workplace wellness should start with the built environment itself, rather than relying solely on ancillary wellness programs. He points out that companies spend significant amounts on corporate wellness initiatives, but often overlook the importance of the physical space where employees spend most of their time. A WELL Certified office ensures that the immediate environment passively supports health and prevention, rather than relying on individual engagement with wellness programs.

Since the introduction of the WELL Building Standard, there has been a significant increase in interest regarding building performance and occupant health. Scialla notes that this shift may have been sparked or accelerated by the standard's introduction, as discussions about health and wellness in the built environment have become much more prevalent.

He also highlights the importance of considering circadian science when making lighting upgrades in buildings. By aligning lighting decisions with the WELL Building Standard, organizations can improve energy efficiency and support human productivity, energy, mental acuity, and sleep patterns, often at no additional cost.

Looking ahead, Scialla identifies the challenge of accommodating a new generation of occupants who expect health and wellness attributes in all aspects of their environment. He suggests that developers must recognize that space is a major form of consumption and should be designed to meet the health and well-being expectations of modern occupants.

The WELL Building Standard has gained support from a diverse advisory board, including wellness luminaries, sustainability advocates, policymakers, and leading medical professionals. Scialla attributes the movement's success to the active engagement and belief in the societal impact of healthier buildings among board members.

WELL now has projects in 23 countries, and Scialla observes that the concept is universally embraced, regardless of region. He believes this demonstrates the universality of human biology and the shared need for spaces that support better health outcomes.

For more information on the WELL Building Standard, visit wellcertified.com for resources on getting started, registering a project, and achieving certification.

Do you believe wellness starts from the ground up? How much importance do you place on your built environment when optimizing your workplace?