The old adage “cash is king” is starting to lose its relevance. For a new generation of workers, workplace wellness has become just as important, if not more so, than salary. With Millennials set to make up 75% of the workforce by 2025, and Gen Z quickly following suit, their priorities should now become your priorities. But just relying on feel-good “vibes” or assuming wellness measures are working isn’t enough anymore. To truly make an impact, you’ll need data to back up your efforts and prove you’re committed to continuously improving the workplace experience. And the best way to do this? Adopt a performance-based approach.
What Exactly Are Workplace Experience and Workplace Wellness?
Workplace experience (WX) covers the full range of factors that shape an employee’s experience at work. It includes everything from company culture and available technologies to office design and available amenities. Workplace wellness, on the other hand, refers to programs and initiatives aimed at supporting employees’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being. These efforts foster a supportive environment that reduces stress, promotes healthy behaviors, and boosts overall job satisfaction.
The Changing Expectations of Younger Employees
Gen Z, born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, are driving change in the workplace with a distinct set of expectations. Much like Millennials before them, Gen Z are more connected, socially conscious, and values-driven when it comes to choosing an employer. These generational differences are shaping how they view their workplace.
A Stronger Focus on Social Responsibility
Millennials and Gen Z are notably more socially aware than their predecessors, often choosing companies whose values align with their own. For example, a 2016 study revealed that 75% of Millennials would take a pay cut to work for a socially responsible company. Research also shows that 43% of Gen Z employees prioritize a company’s mission, values, and purpose, compared to only 39% of the general population.
A Greater Emphasis on Wellbeing
Research also indicates that Millennials are leading the charge when it comes to utilizing workplace mental health benefits, with 75% having used them. And when Gen Z was asked how employers could best combat burnout and stress, 27% cited mental health resources and a shorter workweek as top solutions—compared to just 5% who chose financial compensation.
Key Environmental Metrics to Enhance Workplace Experience
Although businesses have embraced data-driven decision-making in many areas, the conversation around workplace experience has often been left to subjective opinions or leadership preferences. But this doesn’t have to be the case. By tracking specific environmental metrics, employers can not only identify areas for improvement but also demonstrate their commitment to enhancing the workplace experience. Here are some crucial metrics to track:
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Metrics
Indoor air quality is critical to employee health. High levels of CO2, PM2.5, or TVOCs can cause a variety of health problems, including persistent cold-like symptoms, nervous system damage, and even cancer. A study revealed that 74% of employees are concerned about air quality in their workplace, and research shows that improving ventilation can reduce absenteeism by 35% and boost productivity by 10%.
The pandemic has also heightened concerns around air quality, with 82% of Millennials stating they would feel safer returning to the office if real-time IAQ information was provided.
Noise Levels
Noise in the workplace can come from a variety of sources, from external construction work to internal office chatter. Excessive noise can hinder focus, communication, and increase stress. A study from Sweden found that even background noise levels as low as 40 decibels—typical in an office—can negatively impact cognitive performance. By monitoring both interior and exterior noise, you can gain valuable insights into how these distractions affect your staff and take action to mitigate them.
Light
Lighting has a huge impact on workplace wellness. Poor lighting, or a lack of natural light, can contribute to eye strain, fatigue, and even insomnia. A Cornell study showed that employees working in offices with natural light reported an 84% reduction in symptoms like headaches and eye strain. Monitoring natural and blue light exposure helps pinpoint problems and improve overall lighting conditions.
Thermal Comfort
Maintaining the right temperature is vital for workplace productivity. Inadequate thermal comfort can lead to irritability, fatigue, and a decline in performance. The ideal range for office temperatures is between 68-76°F, with humidity levels between 30-60%. Regular monitoring of these factors ensures that employees are working in a comfortable environment. Building automation systems (BAS) can also help by adjusting temperatures and humidity levels in real-time.
Retaining Talent with a Performance-Based Approach
The data you collect is only valuable if you act on it. Once you’ve gathered information on key WX metrics, it’s time to put it into action. Here are some data-driven solutions for improving your workplace:
IAQ Monitoring and Building Automation
Continuous monitoring of IAQ can help detect issues like high CO2 or PM2.5 levels. With BAS integration, your HVAC system can automatically adjust ventilation in response to these spikes, potentially reducing energy costs by 70%. Monitoring thermal comfort through sensors also allows you to avoid complaints about temperature and humidity, ensuring the workplace stays within optimal ranges.
Occupancy and Space Optimization
Crowded workspaces can increase CO2 levels, spread viruses, and lower morale. Monitoring occupancy levels reveals areas that are congested, helping you optimize space usage. If certain areas are too crowded, consider implementing occupancy limits, staggering shifts, or leasing additional space to ensure employees have room to work comfortably.
Feedback Systems and Surveys
Nothing beats the effectiveness of direct feedback. Digital surveys and feedback tools allow you to gather real-time, anonymous input from employees. These tools help you gauge engagement levels and identify problem areas quickly, giving you the ability to address concerns before they escalate.
Noise Reduction and Lighting Improvements
Once you’ve gathered data on noise and lighting, you can make informed adjustments. For noise, consider soundproofing, carpeting, or introducing noise-canceling headphones. For lighting, enhancing access to natural light or reducing blue light exposure can drastically improve employee comfort and productivity.
Data-Driven Wellness: The Key to Success
A performance-based approach to workplace wellness is essential to earning the trust and loyalty of today’s workforce. By leveraging IAQ monitors, BAS, feedback systems, and data analytics, employers can identify issues, make informed decisions, and implement effective changes. This approach not only boosts employee well-being and productivity but also allows companies to demonstrate their commitment to wellness in their ESG reports, enhancing their appeal to clients, staff, and potential hires.
Adopting a data-driven strategy to workplace wellness isn’t just vital for attracting younger talent—it’s a crucial step for building a sustainable and successful organization in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.