With the lockdown remaining amidst slightly relaxed rules many of the UK workforce are continuing to work from home, juggling work deadlines and virtual meetings with childcare and retaining a sense of normalcy in their lives at home.

 

Health & wellbeing is a key issue at the moment, so it is very apt that this week is Mental Health Awareness week (18th – 24th May 2020) which is hosted by the Mental Health Organisation (www.mentalhealth.org.uk).

 

It’s pretty evident that the lockdown has forced a shift in company attitudes to their employees working from home and recent surveys have indicated that many workers experience the following benefits in terms of their Health & Wellbeing;

 

  • Being able to work in a space that is naturally daylit
  • Being able to control sunlight glare conditions more effectively
  • Having a view of greenery (trees, plants etc) from their workspace
  • Not experiencing the stress of a morning commute which expose people to air and noise pollution
  • Having greater control over thermal comfort and indoor air quality conditions while working, and
  • Being able to take breaks as and when needed, as opposed to conforming to a rigid workplace time structure.

 

Of course, many people have been noted to feel a toll on their mental health with the lack of social contact with colleagues and struggling to establish a ‘separation’ between work and home life without a change in scenery. Employee surveys across the UK indicate that most see a balance to be the future path; with a 1-3 days spent working from home and the remainder in offices. The key to maintaining that ever important work-life balance seems to be offering this flexibility, which should promote both employee productivity and ensure good mental health.

 

Tips for working from home and maintaining good mental health can be found on the Mental Health Organisation’s website – www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/looking-after-your-mental-health-during-coronavirus-outbreak/while-working.

 

GreenBuild Consult evaluates Health & Wellbeing within buildings via daylight access and thermal comfort assessments. If you would like to talk to us about these services, please get in touch.

 

 

 

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Written by Buwani Kilpatrick | Senior Sustainability Consultant