Healthy-Workspaces.-Healthy-Employees_

1. HEALTHY WORKSPACES. HEALTHY EMPLOYEES. A Win-Win Situation: Improved Wellbeing and Productivity

2. TABLE OF CONTENTS BE HEALTHY, WEALTHY AND WISE 02 A. HEALTHY SPACES 05 1. Spaces for All Cognitive Requirements 2. Restorative and Outdoor Workspaces 3. Air Quality 4. Water in Humans and Buildings 5. Optimal Natural Lighting 6. Temperature and Thermal Comfort 7. Sound Advice 8. Building Materials B. HEALTHY LIFESTYLE 14 1. Health and Nutrition 2. Work Breaks 3. Movement-Friendly Spaces 4. Ergonomics and Design 5. Promote Wellness 6. Inclusive Design CONCLUSION 21 02 Healthy workspaces. Healthy employees.

3. BE HEALTHY, WEALTHY AND WISE Be it at home or in the office, humans spend almost 90% of their time indoors.(1) Urban Indians work for about 54 hours a week or 10.8 hours a day.(2) Effectively, that means that working professionals spend 50% of their time in the office environment. The office space has an enormous impact on the employees. Traditional office spaces are designed to maximise efficiency and return on investment. The sole aim is to accommodate more employees in limited, expensive real estate. Therefore, while taking decisions regarding the office space, the cost-effectiveness of design, construction and energy factors take precedence over factors that promote productivity and health of users. With organisations increasingly realising the importance of a physical workplace, it is vital to set in place new strategies and practices that promote a healthy workplace. The increasing advocacy towards health and wellness is crucial, a development that is likely to increase investments in healthier buildings. 1. Healthy Buildings for Health at Harvard TH Chan Public Health. 2. NSSO Survey, 2018. 03 Healthy workspaces. Healthy employees.

4. The physical workplaces will need to strengthen the connection between the physical environment and wellness. The decision to patronize a healthy building and workspaces leads to an increase of 10.7% profit as opposed to an unhealthy building.(1) Godrej Interio has worked extensively with several organisations on workspaces focusing on wellness and ergonomics. Our studies have revealed a link between workspaces and issues impacting health and productivity. Incorrectly designed and built workspaces hurt employees and thus, have a detrimental impact on profitability. Designing a healthy office building is a multidimensional process, one that will have to focus on both the creation of healthy spaces and encouraging a healthy lifestyle among employees. We present a blueprint to help create healthy spaces where occupants can thrive. + = Happy & Productive Employees Healthy Spaces Healthy Lifestyle 04 Healthy workspaces. Healthy employees.

5. A. HEALTHY SPACES A building or physical space cannot be solely responsible for changing an individual’s health. But if the environment is conducive and influences align, a multiplier effect will be seen in the individual. Mentioned below are some strategies that organizations must adopt in an effort to make their workspace healthy. Spaces for All Cognitive Requirements Restorative and Outdoor Workspaces Air Quality Water in Humans and Buildings Optimal Natural Lighting Temperature and Thermal Comfort Sound Advice Building Materials Spaces for All Cognitive Requirements Workspaces are characterised by open-plan offices, which increase collaboration and promote innovation. But such layouts also create disturbances.“This leads to a feeling of lack of control over the environment. Activity based working can help in preventing 05 Healthy workspaces. Healthy employees.

6. burnouts,” says Dr Whitney Austin Gray, Executive Director of Research and Innovation at Cornell’s Institute for Healthy Futures. Providing varied spaces, lighting and thermal controls can help regain control and enhance the comfort of users. The Social Capital Study by Godrej Interio study found that 61% of Indian employees report- ed a need for a place to concentrate on work without distractions. Astonishingly, 56% said their offices lacked such spaces, 29% felt the need for collaborative spaces and 15% favored a rejuvenation zone in the office. Creating an array of spaces for people to work in – for individual focused work and collaborative work in open and closed environments, will help meet the cognitive requirements of the occupants. ‘Play’ is a great component of creativity but is often discounted in workspaces. Creating recreation rooms inside organisations can in turn provide a fertile ground for deeper connections, collaboration and become a vital component for personal health. Restorative and Outdoor Workspaces Spaces to unwind Biophilic space Outdoor spaces In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that depression and anxiety alone cost the global economy USD 1 trillion due to lost productivity. In the same year, a study by Economic Times showed that 42.5% of employees in the private sector suffer from depression or anxiety; which is almost every second employee. The pandemic is likely to have increased this number multifold. Here are some elements of restorative and outdoor workspaces that promote health and mitigate such problems: • Spaces to unwind: To balance the energy of workspaces, a harmonising space needs to be created. A space to hit pause like a meditation room or a garden can help restore emotional 06 Healthy workspaces. Healthy employees.

7. balance, as well as boost creativity and productivity. • Biophilic spaces: Humans are the happiest when they are outdoors. Research has shown that offices featuring connections to nature had a more positive impact on the well-being of work- ers, compared to offices without such connections. Incorporating nature directly or indirectly into the space can be achieved by including plants, providing outdoor views, water bodies, images, and using natural building materials and colours. Multiple researches have outlined benefits including lower blood pressure, resting heart rate and an increase in creativity, productivity and wellbeing in biophilic spaces. Addition- ally, creating spaces for rejuvenation improves the emotional and cognitive health of the users of a built space. • Outdoor spaces: Organisations should also look at adding a comfortable seating area with tables, so that the staff can work outdoors when the weather permits. This access to natural light and fresh air is highly beneficial, leading to an increase in productivity, creativity, and wellbeing. Air Quality • The default - poor indoor air quality: The US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has found that organic pollutants are two to five times higher indoors than outdoors.Indoor air quality is a major concern to businesses, building managers, tenants, and employees due to its impact on the health, comfort, wellbeing, and productivity of building occupants. A Carnegie Mellon study determined that using natural ventilation (windows) or a combination of natural and mechanical ventilation (e.g. air conditioning) can achieve a 0.8-1.3% reduction in health costs, 3-18% gains in productivity, and 47-79% energy savings in HVAC for an average ROI (Return On Investment) of minimum 120%. • The culprits: Pollutants in indoor environments can increase the risk of illness. The most common indoor air pollutants are combustion sources like tobacco products and stoves that release harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and particulate 07 Healthy workspaces. Healthy employees.

8. matter (PM) into the air. Building materials and fabrics, personal care products like deodorants, skin and hair care products, air fresheners like candles and diffusers, and cleaning products release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs) into the indoor space (WELL Certification, v2). • The result - Sick Building Syndrome: Users of a building may experience acute respiratory health problems linked to the time spent indoors. It can be restricted to a room or spread across the building. This is called Sick Building Syndrome. It is caused by inadequate ventilation, indoor and outdoor pollutants and biological contaminants (US Environmental Protection Agency). VOCs and PM irritate the eyes, nose and throat. The finer particles can affect our lungs and are absorbed by the bloodstream causing health problems such as heart attacks and respiratory diseases [US EPA, OAR (26 April 2016). "Health and Environmental Effects of Particulate Matter (PM)"]. Ways of Rectification: a. Testing and monitoring: At the outset, if the workspace has never been tested for toxic gases and VOCs, air quality testing should be prioritised for employees’ health. Continuously monitoring the parameters of air quality (Carbon Dioxide, PM2.5, PM10 08 Healthy workspaces. Healthy employees.

9. and VOC levels) using sensors can help keep a check on the same. Communicating with employees through display screens in common areas or their personal devices about the importance and maintenance of improved air quality will provide them with a sense of comfort about their workspace. b. Reducing Sick Building Syndrome: Using furniture that has been certified to have low emissions of VOC by GreenGuard, BIFMA Level Certified, SCS Indoor advantage etc. products is crucial. Selecting furniture that assures usage of low emission glues and sealants can also help reduce VOC emissions. Incorporating air filters into the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System such as MERV14 and HEPA removes 90% of PM. Routine maintenance of air filters, ducts and drain pans ensures that lower contaminants are emitted. Regular cleaning of furnishings such as carpets and upholstery should be undertaken. Photocopiers and printers should be isolated, kept in spaces away from work areas and in well ventilated spaces to reduce the impact of PM2.5 and other ultrafine 09 Healthy workspaces. Healthy employees.

10. particles. If the building design, weather and outdoor air quality permits, provide operable windows to allow fresh air inside. Encourage the creation of a smoke-free environment by disallowing smoking indoors or outdoors. Isolating food odour from the cafeteria and pantry will reduce distractions and complaints from people using these spaces. This can be done by improving ventilation and clearing the trash regularly. One of the easier metrics to track is reduced absenteeism in the office. A study commissioned by the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) found that by increasing the outdoor supply of air to 12 L/s, short term sick leave was 35% lower in the office. Implementing holistic design strategies will decrease exposure to harmful pollutants and promote clean air, thereby maximising wellbeing, productivity. health, and Water in Humans and Buildings • Encourage hydration: A 2013 study by Riebl and Davy concluded that a decrease in concentration and memory skills was linked to a 2% drop in hydration levels. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day is advised by health practitioners. Workspaces can ensure their occupants stay hydrated with visible placement of water coolers and a display of the water quality. The water quality in terms of pH level, chlorine, turbidity (cloudiness) and coliforms (bacteria) should be tested and monitored regularly. • Moisture control: Dampness and mould formation can be avoided by selecting the right material, adopting good construction practices, and conducting regular inspection. Superior quality bricks and rich cement mortar should be used over exposed concrete or pipes. Following good construction practices like the provision of damp proofing courses at appropriate locations and surface treatments (pointing and plastering) using waterproofing membranes, will reduce the risk of mould formation. 10 Healthy workspaces. Healthy employees.

11. • Hygiene support: Providing clean washrooms, hand washing facilities and accommodations like dustbins, infant changing tables etc. will help support and promote hygiene and sanitization. Optimal Natural Lighting Humans have evolved to have an internal biological clock that responds to light in a 24-hour cycle, called the Circadian Rhythm. It makes us sleep at night and wake up in the morning. A de-synchronisation can lead to obesity, diabetes, depression, and metabolic disorders. As we spend 90% of our day indoors, improper lighting can inevitably lead to an imbalance. Aiming for more daylight indoors might not be feasible everywhere. However, organisations can change the existing fluorescent lights to circadian lighting systems. Demarcating spaces, for example, for task areas, providing higher illumination requirements and lower levels for surrounding and background areas will help create a pleasing contrast and reduce energy costs. Workspaces should try to incorporate natural light sources to reduce the amount of artificial light needed, lower electricity costs, and make the workplace more aesthetically attractive to employees. The right lighting can help create an environment that improves circadian rhythm, sleep quality, mood and productivity. Incorporating exterior shading devices such as vertical fins, deep balconies and louvers can reduce the glare and heating, leading to lower cooling costs and increased visual comfort. 11 Healthy workspaces. Healthy employees.

12. Temperature and Thermal Comfort Thermal comfort is important for both, one's well-being and productivity. Temperature pref- erences vary greatly among individuals and there isn’t a single temperature that can satisfy everyone. What is comfortable to a 28-year-old woman might be too hot for a 40-year-old man. It is subjective and thus trickier to achieve. Thus, a baseline satisfaction for a majority of the employees must be the objective. Workplace temperatures that are too high or too low can contribute to fatigue, heat illness and cold-related medical conditions. As per the Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE), the study of the transmission of the coronavirus indicates that high temperature (above 30 °C) and humidity (above 80% Relative Humidity) significantly transmission. reduces its However, too much humidity leads to higher levels of dust mites and fungi, two of the worst culprits for indoor allergy sufferers. Organisations should select appropriate strategies after consulting with experts on recommended guidelines that are regularly being updated. While restarting offices, operations and maintenance guidelines as prescribed by ISHRAE for cleaning and maintaining the Air Handling Unit (AHU) and indoor units of HVAC also becomes important. Sound Advice A colleague on a client call or teammates having a heated discussion about a problem are just two of a variety of scenarios that cause frequent work interruptions. While at home, in the WFH scenario, distraction can be caused by toddlers demanding candy, for instance. The Social Capital Study by Godrej Interio showed that approximately 11% of office-goers could only work for 15 minutes without interruption, and 24% managed 30 minutes of uninterrupted work. Studies show that it takes another 25 minutes to refocus on the task at hand, such frequent interruptions are a drain on productivity. To solve this, creating a variety of spaces for focused or collaborative work is vital. Background sound (from the HVAC system, traffic, users) and its persistence can impair 12 Healthy workspaces. Healthy employees.

13. speech intelligibility and contribute to noise. This can be solved by using a good acoustical design. Sealing gaps at doors and windows, providing air gaps between enclosed spaces, using absorptive materials like fabric, carpets, acoustic tiles, and partitions instead of marble, ceramic tiles or glass can help absorb unwanted sounds that are created in workspaces. Building Materials Toxins in buildings pose several health risks and we spend 90% of our times indoors. Our prolonged exposure to VOC gases, halogenated flame retardants (HFR) and plastics should be lowered. Wall and ceiling panels containing HFRs can cause neurological damage, cancer, and reproductive toxicity. PVC pipes and cables containing orthophthalates can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and the reproductive system. To lower the risks to health, low VOC- emitting flooring materials, adhesives, furniture, and furnishings should be used to improve respiratory health. An assessment of the presence of these materials and limiting the use of new products should be conducted. Cleaning and the right pest management products and practices should reduce the detrimental effect on air quality and the health of the staff. 13 Healthy workspaces. Healthy employees.

14. B. HEALTHY LIFESTYLE While built spaces can nudge us towards making healthier decisions, a transformation in lifestyle and culture will help cement it. Organisations need to proactively identify their overarching cultural challenges and holistically design initiatives that address health-relat- ed challenges that their employees face. Included below are some aspects that must be looked into while encouraging a healthy lifestyle: Health and Nutrition Work Breaks Movement-Friendly Spaces Ergonomics and Design Promote Wellness Inclusive Design Health and Nutrition A key factor in employee health is nutrition. According to WHO, unhealthy diets pose a greater risk to mortality than drugs, tobacco and alcohol combined. (3) One step towards ensuring that employees stay healthy and inspired is to provide proper nutrition, including fresh fruits and vegetables, which are rich in vitamins. Vending machines are often a source of temptation when hunger strikes. Therefore, to avoid unhealthy eating, it must include healthier options like fruits, cereal bars or low-calorie alternatives alongside the usual chocolates, chips, and colas. 3. Diet, nutrition, and the prevention of chronic diseases-Report of the joint WHO/FAO expert consultation. 2003. 14 Healthy workspaces. Healthy employees.

15. Work Breaks Creating a culture where employees can take their designated lunch breaks and have regular time off from the screen is often overlooked, even though its importance is well known. Taking the entire length of their designated lunchtime away from their desk should be encouraged. It allows the employees to eat mindfully, gives them a break from looking at the screen, encourages movement and gives them a chance to get much-needed fresh air. Moreover, this will also help avoid an afternoon slump. Frequent short breaks to encourage movement, stretching and a change in posture should be advocated to improve concentration. Movement-Friendly Spaces • Why move? Office goers work for an extended time without any movement – neither getting up from their chairs nor changing postures. A research conducted by Godrej Interio has revealed that there is a direct connection between the number of hours individuals 15 Healthy workspaces. Healthy employees.

16. spend seated and their physical wellness. Long work hours coupled with incorrect postures can lead to Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) such as neck pain, back pain, etc. Our Keep Moving study showed that people who remain seated continuously for more than 5 - 6 hours are more likely to suffer from chronic muscular aches and pains compared to those who walk around the office or stretch at regular intervals. 15% of the employees surveyed had taken more than 4 days of leave in a 2-month period due to MSDs. Physical inactivity is also linked to premature mortality and chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, depression, dementia, and some forms of cancer (WHO). • Encouraging physical activity: It is often argued that it is impossible to stay active when sitting behind a desk. However, the following strategies can help employees to keep moving. Given below are some of the opportunities organisations can provide their employees with, to encourage a more active lifestyle: Active seating: Sit-Stand desks and height-adjustable workstations are a great solution to lowering sedentary behavior. Alternating postures not only provides pain relief but also improves mood and productivity. Active seating poufs that allow gentle dynamic movement of the body can be incorporated in the workspace. a. 16 Healthy workspaces. Healthy employees.

17. b. Standing meetings: Employees should be encouraged give the meeting room a break and conduct meet- ings outdoors for a change while taking in some fresh air. Short brisk walks around the office can help take the reduce pressure and improve blood circulation. c. Centralised services: The famous water cooler conversations are a byproduct of centralised services. Social gatherings help enhance an individual’s mood due to the release of endorphins and dopamine aka the feel-good hormones. Communal devices such as printers, copiers, and vending machines can be centrally located, so that employees are forced to get up and walk to them. Additionally, this will aid in improving air quality in the main workplace. Using large common waste paper bins instead of individual bins near the desk will also encourage employees to walk a few extra steps. d. Creating opportunities: Given a choice between the elevator and taking the staircase, most employees would prefer the former. What if there were signs highlighting the benefits of using the stairs for reasons related to health and weight control that were put up near the elevator? In a study conducted in a mall, British researchers found that the use of such a staircase increased by 190% and for a nearby, message-free staircase by 52%. An encouraging spillover effect is thus visible. Easy to incorporate interventions like improved lighting, having painted steps, and music played in the staircase can encourage movement among able-bodied employees. Ergonomics and Design Designing a workspace that promotes good posture, gentle movement, easily reachable heights helps reducing exertion to create an efficient work environment. Here are some of the most important pieces organisations need to consider increasing the ergonomic quotient of their workspace: • Sitting right: Desk: Desk height depends on the user’s height and body type. There isn’t a single or uniform height that would work for everyone. Employees should sit — or stand if they’re using a standing desk — with their arms at the sides and elbows at a 90-degree angle. Employees must ensure that desks are free of clutter underneath to increase space for their legs. If the desk has a hard edge, paddings must be placed, or a wrist-rest must be used by employees to improve comfort. 17 Healthy workspaces. Healthy employees.

18. Chair: Chairs should be ergonomically crafted according to Indians’ anthropometry (body dimensions). The task determines the chair to be used. Organisations must consider investing in adjustable chairs as a way to encourage employees to adopt the right posture and maximise comfort. The right kind of chair allows users to keep their thigh parallel to the floor with their feet flat on it, and their arms at the right height with the desk. In case the desk height cannot be adjusted, employees can make sure that their feet are supported by the floor or by a footrest. Their knees should be placed at a 90-degree angle to relieve the pressure from the back. Employers must encourage and facilitate correct sitting posture (90-90-90) amongst their employees. Right accessories: Improper screen heights cause sore necks and other such issues. More than 40% people complain of neck pain arising primarily because of excessive laptop usage throughout the day. Employees must ensure that the computer screen is in the same level as the eyes, so that they don’t have to bend their neck or slouch over to view it. The screen should also be at an arm’s length while typing on the keyboard. Organisations must consider investing in high quality laptop stands, external keyboards and mouses to help employees adopt appropriate postures at any time. Other considerations: Having an adjustable backrest on the chair (one that moves up, down and side-to-side) can be extremely beneficial for individuals. Ability to swivel and roll away to easily reach for farther off items away without strain. Cushioning and breathable fabric for better comfort. Adjustable armrests. Good lumbar support. 18 Healthy workspaces. Healthy employees.

19. Promote Wellness Our bodies were made to move rather than sit all day. Active lifestyles are most likely to have a positive impact on the productivity of employees. Engaging in regular exercise helps increase blood flow to the brain, thereby boosting energy and alertness. This can also sharpen their concentration and decision-making skills. Wellness @Work: A few ways to encourage wellness at work include: • • • Incorporating a weekly exercise program like yoga sessions or aerobics classes before/after work. Sending out videos of exercises that employees can practice at their desks. Sharing reminders about the benefits of moving more and sitting less with employees. Godrej Interio’s Wellness@Work Initiative has certified ergonomists who carry out workplace audits and training workshops to create a healthier and more productive workforce. 19 Healthy workspaces. Healthy employees.

20. Inclusive Design The pandemic has highlighted the importance of an office space in creating connections and relationships with colleagues. This fosters a positive culture and improves emotional wellbeing. The office space is inhabited by an interlinked community that can share common outlooks and experiences in shared settings and locations. Policies to promote health and support working caregivers promote diversity and participation in workforce and civic engagement. Incorporating universal design features for users with different physical and neurological needs can create a wholesome and inclu- sive environment. Taking feedback from the users about their satisfaction, comfort, health and wellbeing at the office facility, and implementing wellbeing initiatives will go a long way in creating an equitable, diverse and healthy community. 20 Healthy workspaces. Healthy employees.

21. CONCLUSION A workplace isn’t changed only for the sake of change. Workplaces evolve because the busi- ness wants to progress in a new direction, to attract and retain a different kind of people, to serve customers and to be a successful business. The recent pandemic highlighted the importance of good indoor air quality and increased the awareness of “healthy workspaces” among policymakers and the public. In addition to everyday precautions taken by individuals, the building industry and employers have a vital role to play in creating safe and healthy environments for themselves and their employees. A healthy workspace has gone from a “nice to have” to a competitive, “must-have.” Fostering the right culture through wellness initiatives can help an organization to attract and retain talented people while maintaining a reputation as a compassionate employer, which is good for business and a priceless benefit for those within the company. Leaders in organizations need to invest in right workplace strategies, initiatives, and processes to create a culture and work environment that puts the health and wellbeing of employees first. Good workplace performance, greater productivity, improved morale, and loyalty are just some of the important benefits that are sure to follow, with the business’ bottom line eventually rewarded. Now is the time to make workplaces healthy! 21 Healthy workspaces. Healthy employees.

22. ABOUT GODREJ INTERIO Godrej Interio (GI) is India’s premium furniture brand in both home and institutional segments with a strong commitment to sustainability and centers of excellence in design, manufacturing and retail. Led by the largest in-house design team in the country in the furniture category and awarded with 34 India Design Mark Awards till date, GI aims to transform spaces with its thoughtfully designed furniture to create brighter homes and offices with products that have the highest design quotient in aesthetics, functionality and technology. With consistent pursuit of excellence and a special focus on health and ergonomics, GI’s product portfolio comprises a massive range. Today, we design and manufacture furniture for office spaces, homes, educational institutes, healthcare facilities, laboratories and more. Along with furniture we offer Audio Visual and 360 Degree Turnkey solutions. Each of our product range revolves around comfort and aesthetics while delivering well-designed, fun and functional furniture solutions. Briefly, Godrej Interio transforms dream spaces to life! GI commitment to the environment has resulted in manufacturing products with lesser environment footprint. Our pioneering efforts include designing less environment burdening products, usage of eco-friendly materials and setting up less polluting andconsuming processes, ensuring eco-friendly packaging and transportation and finally the extended responsibility of recycling/reuse of used furniture and scrap, thus ensuring a lifecycle approach to green. Currently present in over 650 cities with 250 exclusive showrooms and 800 dealers, GI is one of the largest divisions of Godrej and Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd., part of the Godrej Group, one of India's largest engineering and customer product groups. DISCLAIMER This paper represents the opinions of the authors and is the product of professional research. This report has been prepared for the exclusive use and benefit of the addressee(s) and solely for the purpose for which it is provided. Unless we provide express prior written consent, no part of this report should be reproduced or distributed. While every attempt is made to ensure that the information contained in this document is true to its best. However, Godrej and Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd., its employees, representatives, affiliates or any of its divisions, etc. shall not be responsible for any reliance made on this paper or for any errors / omissions in information obtained from the source while preparing this paper. 22 Healthy workspaces. Healthy employees.