Herman Miller’s Health and Well-being Summit gathered key stakeholders to discuss the intersection of environment, health, and workplace well-being.
Industry leaders in architecture, design, facilities, and HR management have recently gathered at the Herman Miller office in Dubai for a roundtable discussion on the complex relationship between the built environment and well-being. The panel, titled “The Power of Place: Uncovering the Link between Environment and Well-being” examined the influence of architects, designers, HR managers, and personal habits on our overall well-being.
The panel featured Laila Al Yousuf from SAY Studio, Scott Armstrong from mentl, Nuno Teixera from Bluehaus Group, Emma Davies from Masafi, Engr. John-Aziz Maalouf from Clemenceau Medical Centre, Sanjay Trisal from Fakeeh University Hospital, UAE, and Marina Mrdjen from Inteliers as the moderator.
Laila Al Yousuf: The importance of in-depth briefing stages:
Laila Al Yousuf, Design Director & Partner at SAY Studio, discussed the importance of wellness and company culture in various environments, particularly post-pandemic. She emphasised the importance of taking time during the briefing and concept development stages of a project to understand how a space will function and meet the needs of the people using it: “The briefing process may span just two or three weeks, but its effects can be felt for five to ten years. To truly grasp its functioning, it’s crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the users’ needs within the space and how to optimize their experience compared to their previous environment.”
She shared her experience working on the first WELL Platinum project in the region, PwC, and how it impacted employees’ lives: “The WELL aspect takes into consideration nutritional values, access to water, and active furnishings within a space, offering a holistic approach to an individual’s well-being, from their mind and body to their interactions with others and the community. This comprehensive focus then extends into their personal lives, fostering a sense of balance and wellness.”
Al Yousuf emphasised that when companies invest in their employee’s well-being, it sends a powerful message that they are valued and respected as individuals.
Sanjay Trisal, Chief Human Resources Officer at Fakeeh University Hospital, UAE, highlighted the significance of the workplace environment, stating, “For me, some key takeaways include recognising the importance of wellness and well-being, not just in isolation but also in connection with the facilities we work in.”
On the subject of mental well-being, Sanjay noted, “Sometimes, mental well-being can be a taboo topic depending on the cultures you work with. Not everyone comes forward if they face an issue, so we have to ensure that there are both formal and informal ways of encouraging people to step forward and address the issues they face regarding their mental well-being.”
Discussing the FUH’s design, Sanjay shared, “Our atrium facility features a cafe, a restaurant, and extensive open spaces, including a piano for anyone to play. Patients, their families, and employees can visit the atrium to unwind and alleviate stress. The atrium boasts a green wall with real plants, which, combined with the music, creates a soothing atmosphere. Open spaces naturally have a calming effect.”
By concentrating on the four pillars of well-being and incorporating them into facility design, Sanjay Trisal believes that organisations can cultivate a healthier and more productive work environment for their employees.
Scott Armstrong, CEO & Founder of mentl, emphasized that employee well-being should be integrated into the entire design process: “Employee well-being isn’t something off on the side; it actually needs to be designed into the whole process now.”
Armstrong cited studies showing that engaged employees can increase productivity and profitability by 8-20%. However, he also highlighted the risks of disengagement: “Here in the UAE, according to Gallup’s latest study, we’re losing $1.175 million an hour through disengaged employees.” He argued that investing in well-being can yield significant returns: “For every dollar we invest in this space of well-being, you get $4 back.”
He also highlighted the connection between well-designed spaces and company success: “If we are designing spaces and offices that reflect the company culture and values, amplifying them, then productivity science tells us the benefits of this approach lead to increased engagement and ultimately more revenue.”
