Why and How to Improve Workplace Wellbeing - DENTON

Office design and its effect on employee wellbeing

As businesses of all sizes strive to improve productivity and staff retention, the topic of wellbeing has become increasingly important to leaders. While this concept looks at how people feel, workplace wellbeing specifically considers how work, and the working environment affects your wellbeing.

Office design is a key factor in this, and it can either help or hinder staff in achieving their goals. To improve, many are turning to office design experts like DENTON to fit-out their spaces for optimum gains. We bring a wealth of experience and can create bespoke spaces that provide comfortable and functional zones to suit your staff and business needs, and therefore improve overall employee wellbeing.

Contents:

1. Why is employee wellbeing important?
2. Employee Wellbeing in 2025
3. 4 Factors affecting wellbeing at work
4. How can you improve wellbeing with an office fit-out?
5. DENTON, the design experts who can improve workplace wellbeing

Why is employee wellbeing important?

Employee wellbeing has a direct effect on mental health. If wellbeing isn’t looked after in the workplace it can lead to high levels of stress and ultimately lead to a high proportion of sick days. In fact, the happiest staff take 66% less sick days! Recent research from HSE suggests that work-related stress, anxiety and depression account for 50% of all ill-health in the office. As well as mental health, wellbeing also affects productivity, engagement and overall performance of your business, staff retention and attraction. In other words, happy staff work harder and achieve more!

Employee Wellbeing in 2025

As we move into 2025, workplace wellbeing is about creating spaces that are sustainable, inclusive, and supportive of both physical and mental health. Today’s employees expect workplaces to prioritise sustainability, mental health, and flexibility. DENTON’s approach reflects this shift, with office fit-outs that integrate eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and biophilic design to enhance both employee wellbeing and environmental responsibility.

Additionally, with hybrid working becoming the norm, our designs now focus on creating flexible, agile spaces that cater to both collaboration and quiet focus. We’re also doubling down on mental health support by incorporating meditation rooms and fostering inclusive environments that ensure all employees feel supported. Our Responsible Business Approach ensures that every office we design not only promotes employee wellbeing but also aligns with our commitment to sustainability, diversity, and social responsibility.

4 Factors affecting wellbeing at work

There are 4 main areas within the office which affect our wellbeing and to successfully improve, we will need to look at each of these areas and consider where we can make changes. It takes a holistic and adaptable approach which needs to be reviewed and amended where necessary to suit the needs of your staff and business.

1. Environmental

 Here we look at your office environment and consider how it impacts your wellbeing. A comfortable, welcoming and functional space are necessary for all businesses, however each of those companies will have their own needs. It is important to look at all areas of the environment and optimise them for your industry.

Environmental factors that affect wellbeing:

• Lighting
• Noise
• Design
• Air Quality
• Temperature
• Space
• Workstation / Desk

Check out our ESG policy for a in-depth look at how we aim to reduce our company’s carbon footprint, promote social responsibility, and champion diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

2. Physical

Physical health is a huge factor in wellbeing, and not looking after ourselves can lead to feelings of fatigue, stress and low concentration. In fact, research has shown mental wellbeing can be improved by up to 12% through exercise, and even more so if done as a group. While we cannot force our staff to look after their health, through office design we can provide the necessary tools to make it as easy as possible for them.

• Nutrition – provide healthy food options, as well as a comfortable, relaxing and communal breakout space. For big businesses this can be designing a bespoke kitchen or café area, whereas for a small business it can be as simple as providing some fruit in the communal fridge.
  
  
• Activities – provide an open and yet private space and set up weekly activities for your staff to take part in. Group activities especially can promote healthy wellbeing and foster better colleague relationships within your business. Try activities like Yoga or Pilates.
  
  
• Exercise – not everyone has the space to include a gym in their office, however there are lots of alternatives that still promote exercise in the workplace thanks to new innovations. Under desk bike pedals or a standing desk with an under desk treadmill are just two examples.
  
  
• Ergonomics – carefully consider each workstation and make sure you provide the necessary equipment for tasks to be completed in comfort. To go the extra mile, consider implementing DSE assessments and reviewing each member of staff’s needs individually. We have recently discussed the role of ergonomics in wellbeing in detail, to learn more take a look at our blog post.
  
  

3. Social

Improving colleague and manager relations is key to improving wellbeing in the office. While it’s not possible for everyone to get on all the time, there are ways we can design your office to make this easier. Open spaces promote freedom and approachability, whereas private areas promote security and sharing. A mixture of both helps to portray your company culture and create a sense of community. Organising social events is another way to bring staff together.

4. Psychological

These include things like job security, stress, work-life balance and workload. Creating an agile workspace or implementing hybrid working policies are just some of the ways you can reduce the psychological strain on your employees and ultimately improve their wellbeing & productivity.

How can you improve wellbeing with an office fit-out?

 So, we know what factors affect workplace wellbeing, but how can you design your office to improve these factors? Our best advice would be to get in touch with fit-out experts like DENTON. With years of experience designing bespoke spaces, we can offer insights into what changes can make the biggest impact on wellbeing for your business.

Design aspects to consider:

• Biophilia
• Meditation or relaxation rooms
• Soft furnishings and domestic décor
• Calming, natural colours and materials
• Temperature control
• Natural light
• Minimal noise levels
• Sitting & standing desk options
• Consider principles like agile working and hybrid working

DENTON, the design experts who can improve workplace wellbeing

 
As the longest-established design and build company in London with offices throughout the UK, we’ve partnered up with businesses and organisations of all shapes and sizes to design and craft incredible bespoke offices which focus on and improve workplace wellbeing.

Let’s work together. To discuss your next office refurb or fit-out project, drop our friendly, experienced team a line today.