Hybrid work, RTO vs hybrid vs remote, and how office models support that

WorkWell on January 28, 2026

What is hybrid work?

Hybrid work is a type of work model that sees staff work both in an office and remotely, often from home, a café or even a co-working environment. While still coming together in a physical workplace when collaboration, connection or focus is needed.

Hybrid arrangements vary for every business; some operate with set office days, while others have more autonomy to decide where they will work from. All with the common goal to balance flexibility with meaningful in-person interactions.

What is RTO?

RTO is an acronym for ‘Return to Office’, which is used when describing the transition from remote or hybrid work to working in an office environment. Introduction often strengthens collaboration, engagement, and culture.

Return to office strategies aim to reconnect teams within a shared environment, whilst redefining the role the office has for businesses.

What is remote?

Remote work is a style of work where individuals aren’t required to work in a central office alongside their team. Instead, this can be from home, or alternative locations like a desk in a co-working space; it entirely depends on the individual and workplace.

How does serviced office space support the RTO?

Serviced and managed office spaces offer flexibility that traditional offices could never provide.

There are several ways that serviced office space serves a return-to-office agenda.  Lower costs allow the budget to be efficiently allocated. This prevents resources like space, energy and money from being ineffectively used. This ensures that any money spent is aligned with the usage of the space.

Serves hybrid workforces by acquiring office space which is shaped around the needed use of the environment. Providing a professional environment for staff when it’s needed, rather than the usage being dormant.

This type of office allows businesses to create hubs for various regions,  allowing for the setting up of smaller teams across the country, rather than having fewer offices with more staff in them. Not only is it convenient for staff, but it also enables the business to tap into talent pools from all regions rather than being confined to just one.

It offers complete convenience, from aspects like setting up the office space to more mundane tasks like maintenance. It cuts out the faff around returning to the office, as everything is taken care of, so companies can channel all their energy into business operations.

Serviced offices are designed with an elevated style, blending comfort and convenience to create desirable environments to be in. Usually exceeding what businesses are able to achieve in a traditional office environment without major overhead costs.

The advantages of businesses shifting from remote to RTO

Returning to work serves many businesses with a back-to-work agenda, allowing them to tap into many benefits, which include:

  • An increased sense of motivation, productivity and inspiration
  • It fosters a sense of community within the company culture, which can be lost when staff aren’t consistently interacting with their peers
  • Improved employee wellbeing, promoting socialisation
  • It allows staff to achieve a better work -life-balance by separating their personal space from their work one
  • Creates opportunities for collaboration that otherwise don’t necessarily happen

How WorkWell supports businesses with contemporary models

Our spaces are designed with intention, so every business that inhabits the space can channel their most productive selves. Each space is built with consideration for well-being and efficiency, from the natural light bathing each space to more specific elements like ergonomic furnishings. c

Our diverse range of services is designed to meet businesses at every stage, from short-term needs such as day desks and professional spaces for remote work, to fully equipped meeting rooms for performance discussions, as well as longer-term solutions including co-working and serviced office contracts.

We work to support members who want to embed into a community and space where individuals in businesses can thrive, by making sure our spaces cater to the constantly evolving needs of members.

Contact us today to explore our various Yorkshire-based locations for the best managed office space experience. We’ll dot the I’s and cross the T’s so that members can integrate into their new work environment effortlessly, creating a workplace that makes return-to-office days more engaging and supports hybrid working with ease.

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Workplace trends forecast for 2026

WorkWell on December 17, 2025

As January approaches, so do the latest trends, innovations and emerging technologies set to shape the managed office space sector in 2026. These developments are expected to streamline operations, support workforce adaptability and help businesses stay competitive in a rapidly evolving environment.

Understanding the types of trends that are appearing and how they elevate employee productivity can be key for businesses looking to refine processes and improve business capabilities.

AI Integration to Drive Productivity

1. Occupancy intelligence

AI-powered occupancy insights help businesses optimise their resources by managing energy use, reducing operational waste and making informed real-estate decisions. By understanding how teams use space, organisations can align workplace strategy with workforce activity, providing more adaptability to businesses that are scaling up or down.

2. Noise Reduction and Monitoring

Cognitive fatigue can be massively combated with AI-driven acoustic monitoring, allowing employees to focus by interrupting disruptive noise patterns. This creates a healthier work environment, allowing staff to sustain their concentration for longer periods. Directly improving output and well-being.

3. Automated Booking Systems

While not new, AI-driven booking systems continue to grow in importance as workplaces become more flexible. They streamline how members reserve desks and meeting rooms, reducing administrative burden and friction in daily operations.

For businesses operating in hybrid or fast-growing environments, these systems also improve space utilisation, support smoother onboarding and help teams work more efficiently with minimal disruption. Clarity and coordination support the team in achieving improved performance and faster decision-making.

4. Upskilling Your Workforce

Upskilling is now essential for staying competitive. As AI takes on repetitive, time-consuming tasks, employees can focus on more strategic, analytical and creative work. Businesses that venture into developing their teams will be better equipped to adapt and thrive.

Workplace environments that support learning, collaboration and knowledge sharing play an Integral role in enabling this shift. Businesses that invest in infrastructure and skills development are in a better position to adapt to future workplace demands, driving long term innovation.

Talent Shortages and the Strategic Role of Serviced Offices

Many sectors, such as engineering, renewable energy, and health care, are impacted by a widening skill gap. Attributed to several factors, including an ageing workforce, rapid technology evolution and increasing skills gaps, all playing a part in the shortage of talent for businesses.

Traditional offices don’t support the adapting needs of these industries, which often see influences like budgeting, patient demand, and varying contracts causing issues with hiring. Serviced offices allow businesses to scale up or down at a moment’s notice, allowing the business space to adapt with recruiting patterns.

Workplaces can expand their hiring search to a wider talent pool geographically, eliminating some of the restrictions associated with a fixed business location. Managed office spaces become a strategic solution, allowing businesses to scale and expand across locations with complete agility, speed and efficiency of operations.

Collaborative work

The growing demand for collaborative, engaging work environments can be attributed to the evolving landscape of office work. Marking a real shift in the way workforces approach working methods, allowing staff to interact and learn from and with each other, rather than being in an insular work environment.

Some key performance-driven collaboration trends include technology-enhanced collaboration. A hybrid approach which uses communication tools to keep teams based across multiple locations aligned, reducing delays in decision-making.

Flexible workspace solutions will support operational models that allow businesses to optimise resources, scale quickly, and maintain financial control whilst nurturing dynamic team structures.

Finding the perfect office space is increasingly about more than just a flashy location or layout; it’s about aligning the working environment with workforce strategy, business performance and long-term growth. At WorkWell, we design with intent—creating seamless, intuitive environments that empower our members and provide a productive, collaborative space with operational agility in mind.

If this sounds like something that could align with your business’s needs, contact our team, and we’d be happy to discuss and tour the space.

Building a culture of premium customer service: The WorkWell approach

WorkWell on November 21, 2025

Walk into any WorkWell building and you feel it straight away. A warm welcome. A friendly face. The signature WorkWell scent. It feels calm. Professional. Personal. And it sets the tone for our client’s day.

But it doesn’t happen by accident. There is a lot of intention behind how we create this experience, and it all begins with the culture our teams live every day.

Here’s the thinking behind it.

Standout onboarding

Premium service starts from day one. Our onboarding program is designed to help new team members feel confident and clear on what great service looks like here.

This includes shadowing real interactions, scenario-based learning for tricky moments, and a buddy system that helps people settle in (without feeling watched). In their first few weeks they meet every department, building real connections with the people they will collaborate with down the line.

Thoughtful onboarding sets the foundation for everything that follows.

Hire for heart, not just skill

Processes can be taught. Warmth and pride in how you treat people can’t.

When expanding our team, we look for natural communicators who genuinely enjoy people. Individuals with curiosity, calm energy and a sense of personal ownership. People who live and breathe customer service because it’s simply who they are.

We’re not just hiring staff, our team helps shape the community our clients walk into every morning.

Ongoing team investment

Premium service is a reflection of how a team feels. When people feel seen, supported and able to grow, clients pick up on it immediately.

We focus on ongoing development rather than one-off training, real coaching opportunities, regular feedback that feels helpful rather than corporate, and celebrating the small wins that show what great service looks like in action.

A valued team gives a premium experience without ever forcing it.

Create a workspace they want to work from

A premium environment requires a team who feels at home in it. Our office spaces are designed for clients and staff alike.

That means beautiful, functional work areas, quiet corners for admin, tech that simply works and breakout spaces that help the team recharge throughout the day.

The space supports the service, and never gets in the way of it.

Empower the team to make decisions and try new things

Clients can feel the difference when a team is trusted to act. Empowerment keeps service fast and personal.

Our teams are encouraged to solve problems on the spot, personalise moments for clients, share new ideas and experiment with small improvements. They are trusted to use their judgement because they understand our standards and care about the outcome.

Empowered teams create the kind of service people talk about.

Leadership that is present and approachable

Premium service fades quickly when leaders stay hidden. At WorkWell, leadership shows up.

Our team is visible, grounded and genuinely connected to clients. We keep an open-door culture so issues become shared wins rather than silent frustrations. Leaders model calm and clarity, and decisions are communicated openly so the whole team understands the bigger picture.

Celebrate community as much as customer service

Service is not just what happens at the front desk. It is built on the relationships behind the scenes.

We bring people together through breakfasts, socials and small daily moments that help teams connect. We encourage cross-site connectivity so everyone feels part of something bigger, the entire WorkWell ecosystem. We share success stories often and practise kindness as a genuine standard, not a corporate slogan.

Make feedback part of the rhythm

Premium service is something you refine constantly. Feedback helps us stay ahead.

We keep weekly debriefs short and honest, offer anonymous suggestion channels, reflect each month on team happiness and always follow up so people know their voice matters. Over time the culture begins to improve itself.

Be part of our culture

Our culture is what shapes the experience in every WorkWell building. 

If it sounds like the kind of environment you want for your team, then we’d love to show you around. Book a tour and see what WorkWell could bring to your day.

Workplace Culture at WorkWell

WorkWell on November 17, 2025

What is Workplace culture?

Workplace culture describes the kind of environment which shapes attitudes, values and behaviours. These principles become embedded in the way a company operates and teams interact, forming the fabric of the business.

Culture plays an important role in making staff feel welcome, valued and work in cohesion with each other. It’s something that’s set by leadership and funnels down the organisation, and is upheld by employees.

The importance of creating a positive workplace culture

What sets a good workplace culture apart from a bad one is how it makes staff feel and behave at work. If the culture is right, employees should feel happy, motivated, and encouraged to prosper in the environment they’re in.

Experience at work is oriented around culture, and creating a positive workplace culture is essential for drawing in staff and creating a sense of belonging. There are many benefits offered by adopting a positive workplace culture:

  • Promoting collaboration – creating an environment where teamwork is valued, promotes natural collaboration, along with creating opportunities for innovation. And problem-solving.
  • Fosters a sense of belonging – teams that uphold values of inclusivity, kindness and that feel seen are far more likely to feel like they belong as part of that team.
  • Prioritising employee well-being and mental health – creating an environment that feels safe to employees is critical. Employees feel comfortable voicing opinions or asking for help. Putting well-being first reduces burnout and encourages a healthy balance between work and their personal lives.
  • Great for boosting productivity –employees who are engaged are far more likely to work productively. Productivity increases the quality of the work and the level of output.
  • Excellent for encouraging learning and growth – a healthy culture will nurture curiosity and development. An environment where feedback is welcome and people are eager to learn new skills, allows businesses to pursue growth opportunities in a much easier way.
  • Sets a standard for employees to adhere to – a well-defined culture provides clarity for teams. It aligns expectations, promotes consistency, and helps settle new employees into the work environment.
  • Builds resilience and adaptability – a strong workplace culture helps teams navigate through changes and problems with confidence. Teams that have built trust and share common values are better equipped to handle challenges, adapt to uncertainty and maintain performance under pressure.

WorkWell’s Workplace culture

At WorkWell, we foster a culture of mutual respect, personal ownership and trust. Creating an environment that is people-centric and inclusive to all. With emphasis made to create spaces that nurture employee well-being and maximise productivity.

Our model supports business growth and development. Offering a workplace environment that can flex to the evolving needs of members. We’re community and service-oriented, delivering services with warmth and professionalism. Underpinning the human experiences that make WorkWell what it is.

A great workplace culture doesn’t just define the parameters for how staff work; it defines how people can grow, connect, and achieve success together. We’re incredibly proud to offer an environment where community and collaboration drive success.

Employee Engagement: How to Foster Belonging in the Office

WorkWell on October 8, 2025

Whilst an office should always serve as a practical and professional space, there are ways to create a comfortable, cosy, and inviting environment- reminiscent of how we feel at home. After all, the office can be perceived as a home away from home.

Making the office feel like an approachable space isn’t just about the furnishings that soften the aesthetic; it’s also about the culture of the team working in it. We’ve compiled a list of ways to create a sense of belonging for the staff in your office.

Physical touches to warm an office environment

1. Furniture

Utilising soft furnishings is a great way to create more relaxed settings within your office, think a cosy ready nook for lunch breaks or research sessions. Sofas with cushions in your brand colour palette, and wall art that brings life to the walls in the space.

When utilising art or furniture, try to draw design elements that create a sensory experience with your brand. Doing it through colours, materials, textures, and styles. This creates cohesion in your design, and it allows your environment to reflect your brand in subtle ways. 

Using practical storage solutions like coat hooks, bag nooks, and umbrella stands allows staff to comfortably settle into the work environment. Also, keeping their desk space and additional office areas clutter-free.

The environment we work in is vital in shaping our experience, inspiring a sense of togetherness through considered interior design.

2. Plants

Utilising decorative elements in a considered manner that feels professional, yet welcoming, helps create the feeling of an inviting space. Incorporating plants into the room offers mental and physical health benefits, along with brightening the space and injecting energy into the atmosphere.

3. Fragrance

Sensory experiences often play a big role in the day-to-day comforts of our lives, from scented candles to incense. Whilst these aren’t practical or safe in a commercial setting, utilising diffusers is a great way to incorporate scents into the environment.

4. Lighting

Lighting can influence our experience of an environment, so it’s important to utilise lighting to create experiences that serve different purposes. For instance, lamps being used in more informal breakout areas can help soften the aesthetic and make it feel cosier.

Whilst a bright, white overhead light can help replicate the feeling of sunlight in darker corners of an office during the winter months, when daylight hours are much shorter. Where possible, however, we recommend utilising every bit of natural sunlight to illuminate the room.

Creating a workplace culture that feels like home

Workplace culture is everything; think of it as the feeling your business creates for employees working there. This includes making staff feel like they belong there, that they are encouraged to be their best, improving well-being and creating experiences that improve the well-being of belongings.

Creating a sense of purpose is a big draw for employees to feel comfortable and part of a community. As such, it’s a key part of making the office have a warm and open atmosphere.

If you’re looking for an office environment that balances out warm and welcoming design with a professional and clean aesthetic, we might be the right choice for you. We can work with you to ensure your office feels effortlessly inviting so it fits perfectly for you and your team.

How to attract your team to the office with a hybrid model

WorkWell on October 1, 2025

For workforces adopting the hybrid work approach, flexibility is a key advantage, giving employees the choice of when they work in the office and remotely. Whilst flexibility is valued, there’s real value in creating an environment that employees prefer to work from.

The focus is no longer on creating office days, but on creating environments that naturally attract staff.

How to attract teams using hybrid work models

Managed office spaces offer many perks. For the hybrid workforce, it can enhance the work experience.

1.      Office design and activity-based working

The design of the working environment plays a crucial role in motivating and encouraging employees to work in an office. A major benefit of managed office spaces is the various work zones allocated for different styles of working. Whether that be open-plan collaboration areas, quiet spaces like Zoom pods for solo sessions, or social spaces like outdoor seating and communal kitchens, where connection is made tangible.

Different spaces and services can cater to the evolving needs of a business and the individual preferences of employees. Each space is carefully designed to maximise ease and function for users. Ergonomic furniture improves the experience of staff, ensuring they’re comfortable whilst working.

Design is incredibly influential on employee wellbeing; a naturally well-lit office can help create work environments that keep members enthused. Utilising plants is another great design method for improving staff wellbeing through thoughtful environment design.

2.      Collaboration

Creating opportunities for collaboration is another driving factor in attracting employees. Working together can strengthen rapport, promote innovation and improve efficiencies. Some of the ways you can do this are by:

  • Utilising co-working spaces
  • Hosting workshops
  • Mentoring opportunities
  • Team days
  • Set collaborative goals
  • Networking opportunities

3.      Culture & socialisation

One of the biggest draws of attracting employees is to create a culture that people want to be a part of. One aspect of that is creating opportunities to socialise. Work takes up a great portion of our lives, so being able to enjoy it is crucial to making people want to work in the office rather than remotely.

Culture starts by setting out the company values and behaviours which will shape the experience of workers. Some values we believe are essential for attracting staff are:

  1. Ensure there’s inclusion and diversity
  2.  Create opportunities to build trust
  3. Find opportunities to inspire, and share them
  4. Encourage feedback
  5. Reward positives, whether that be achievements or behaviours
  6. A problem shared is often a problem halved. Don’t be afraid to find solutions as a team

Ultimately, a team that is confident and comfortable communicating and that wants to present indicates a strong workplace culture.

Why WorkWell is the ideal solution to office-first hybrid models

WorkWells offices are designed to make the days in the office a rewarding experience, from the modern design and comfortable furnishings to our prime locations and vibrant community. We provide an adaptable environment, designed to serve the members using it, and guaranteed to promote productivity and reduce, if not eliminate, inefficiencies.

If your hybrid workforce is looking for an environment that attracts employees to work in the office, don’t hesitate to contact us to explore your options and create a bespoke contract.

Where to host your next team day in Yorkshire

WorkWell on August 20, 2025

If you’re a busy startup or growing company, then organising a successful team day, especially one that caters to the different needs of each team member, can feel like just another task on an already packed to-do list.

But the truth is, the impact is worth it.

Team days help you build connections across departments, strengthen culture (especially in hybrid teams), and help create real alignment for your next big chapter. Done well, and they can be the difference between keeping and losing great people.

So how do you find something that suits Jill from accounts, who’s got the school run to work around, with Sarah in Marketing, who’s looking for something exciting that can be shared on socials?

To help, we’ve rounded up some of the best options for team days across Yorkshire, so you can make the decision and get back to doing what you do best.

Top team day activities in Yorkshire

  1. Host an outdoor workshop at Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Visit Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster and you’re not only surrounded by some incredible wildlife, but your staff can go head-to-head to design and build enrichment items for the animals, which are then put to the test, aiding the park’s mission to provide the best possible animal welfare.

https://www.yorkshirewildlifepark.com

Yorkshire Wildlife Park
  1. Ready Steady Cook at Hazlewood Castle

Bring the heat to your team day with a culinary challenge at Hazlewood Castle in a Great British Bake Off-style competition. It’s a fun (and delicious) way to mix collaboration with a little competition.

https://hazlewood-castle.co.uk/meet/team-building/ready-steady-cook

  • Host an Action Impact Day at Herd Farm

Combine hands-on support for local community projects with team building and personal development. These team days are a powerful way to meet your corporate social responsibility goals while strengthening staff connections in a refreshing, outdoor setting.

Team Building and Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Take your meeting to new heights at Go Ape

Treetop high ropes. Forest Segways. Axe throwing. Competitive ground games. If your team thrives on adrenaline, Go Ape at Temple Newsam is the place to take meetings to new heights – literally.

https://goape.co.uk/locations/temple-newsam

  1. Learn the art of sushi

Get hands-on with maki, nigiri and more at Yo! Sushi School. It’s fun, focused and something a little bit different, ideal for smaller teams or creative departments looking for a fresh challenge.

​​https://yosushi.com/sushi-school

Yorkshire Sushi
  1. Host your own Traitors game

A unique twist on your usual team building. Based on the hit TV show, Traitors, this immersive game pits the faithful against the traitors in a mix of strategy, suspicion and serious fun.

Betrayers
  1. Take a Ninja Warrior challenge

Challenge your staff to tackle obstacle courses at Ninja Warrior. These fast-paced experiences are ideal for energetic teams who like a bit of friendly rivalry.

Home Page
  • Give back with a green impact day (Leeds)

Looking for something meaningful? Join Leeds Green Spaces’ corporate volunteering days. From habitat creation to park clean-ups, it’s a rewarding way to reconnect outside the office whilst giving back to the local community.

https://www.leeds.gov.uk/parks-and-countryside/parks-and-countryside-volunteer-opportunities-for-corporate-groups

How Adjustable Contracts in Serviced Offices Support Business Agility

WorkWell on August 5, 2025

Serviced offices, by design, offer far greater flexibility than leased spaces, with shorter terms and ease of moving and simpler contract setups. At WorkWell, we ensure our serviced office comes with flexibility, allowing our members to adapt to change in real time whilst avoiding being locked into a rigid contract.

What makes a flexible contract valuable for a business?

Flexibility is ideal when seeking out an office contract. It affords businesses the agility to adapt, pivot, and scale your environment to their business needs, ultimately giving them a competitive edge in a consistently evolving landscape.

A flexible contract can be useful for reducing costs by limiting overhead spending by merging all the costs into one flat fee. This not only saves budget but can make the set-up process efficient as there aren’t lots of contracts needing to be set up.

Those opting for a managed office space are able to tap into an already established community, which in turn increases networking opportunities. This is something that rivals the traditional office, as it makes the process of connection easier.

This type of contract empowers businesses to make decisions based on their current needs, rather than being locked into long-term contracts that don’t serve them. Gone are the days of being trapped in an environment that isn’t conducive to success.

Which contract features should you look for to stay agile?

What makes a great contact? Well, the key is a lot of things when there’s a balance struck. Your contract must meet your basic requirements, i.e.:

  • The cost
  • The duration of the lease
  • The notice period
  • The breadth of the services you can use
  • If business rates are included

The key to getting a contract that allows your business to stay agile in such a competitive market is to look for the following in your managed office contract:

  • How flexible the contract is, i.e. can it be changed during the contract or are you locked in
  • Benefits/perks of the space, i.e., WorkWell members can use all communal space indoor and outdoor with access to Zoom Pods, sound-insulated booths, refreshments and free parking.
  • If there are penalties for early contract termination

How does WorkWell make flexibility functional?

Most serviced office providers will give their members some flexibility, but at WorkWell we go beyond that. With the unique advantage of being able to scale mid-contract, we ensure our members’ workspaces serve them.

We accommodate these needs by adjusting the environment to the growth or reduction of the business, when necessary, providing smaller or larger office spaces to ensure the space is practical for the member.

Our fees are all inclusive, meaning only one bill goes out of the business account each month. All bills are streamlined at WorkWell, which means one flat cost for the rent, utilities, maintenance, and security is included within the leasing fee.

The approach we take is low commitment for the member, so whether it’s leasing a day office for a day or using our co-working spaces for a week. We make it easy to flex the contract, so you get the most out of the space and your money.

Could flexible contracts be the key to long-term success?

Absolutely, serviced office spaces with flexible contracts, like ours, are the bedrock of success. An adaptable contract flexes with your business, rather than restricting its capabilities. A major benefit, for instance, is the reduction in spending for leased office space. With members only paying what they need, they’re able to allocate more budget to their business, which can be a factor in creating success.

There’s a lot of value in picking a provider that caters to your business’s needs not only in the present, but for the future too. Real-time adaptability is fundamental when offering flexible contracts.

If you think a managed office could be the right solution for you, don’t hesitate to contact us to find out whether WorkWell is suited to you and your business needs.

Taking a walk each day could be the most important meeting you schedule

WorkWell on July 30, 2025

In today’s working world, where we’re constantly being pulled from meeting to screen to inbox, the idea of going for a walk during the workday can feel like a luxury. However, the latest evidence suggests that it may be one of the most beneficial things we can do for our long-term health and daily well-being.

Why Walking During the Workday Matters

A major global study, published this week in The Lancet Public Health and reported by The Guardian, has revealed that walking just 7,000 steps a day is enough to lower the risk of early death significantly.

For years, many of us have had the idea of 10,000 steps fixed in our minds, but researchers now say that the real benefits begin much earlier. Every additional 1,000 steps, up to 9,000, appears to offer increased protection against cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions.

What makes this research so powerful is that it looks at real-world activity across a diverse population. The data shows that people who walked between 7000 and 9000 steps a day reduced their risk of premature death by more than 50 per cent compared to those who walked fewer than 4000. It doesn’t require a fitness tracker or a full hour of your schedule to reap these benefits. A brisk twenty-minute walk before a meeting, a lap around the grounds after lunch, or swapping one sit-down meeting for a walking one can all add up.

But it isn’t just our physical health that benefits. A growing body of research indicates that regular walking has a positive impact on mental clarity, mood, and decision-making. Movement helps regulate stress, supports better sleep, and improves our ability to focus. When we step outside and give our minds a break from screens and confined spaces, we often return feeling refreshed and more able to think clearly.

The Mental Shift That Comes with Movement

This is something we see echoed every day in our communities at WorkWell. Whether you’re working from the landscaped surroundings of Carrwood Park or enjoying the green space and urban energy around our Harrogate location, there are opportunities on the doorstep to get moving and reset. These aren’t just nice to have. They are part of what makes a workplace genuinely supportive of wellbeing.

In our efforts to build a healthy and effective working culture, we often focus on systems, apps, or new ways of working. But sometimes the simplest acts offer the most return. Walking reconnects us to our own rhythm. It gives us a chance to breathe, to think, and to regain perspective.

There’s a growing recognition among forward-thinking companies that wellbeing is not an extra; it is foundational to performance. Encouraging a short walk during the day is a practical, proven way to support this. It’s not about counting steps for the sake of it, but about recognising how even a few minutes outside can shift the tone of the entire day.

At WorkWell, our workspaces are designed with this in mind. Access to nature, walkable locations, and a sense of space are built into every site. Because when our members feel better, they work better. And when walking becomes a habit, the benefits reach far beyond the office.

Take the First Step — Literally

So, the next time you catch yourself glued to your screen or powering through another stretch without pause, consider stepping away. Not to escape the work, but to return to it clearer, calmer, and a little more resilient. The science says it helps, and so do we.

A great workplace can transform health, happiness and productivity

WorkWell on July 1, 2025

Most people spend about 90,000 hours of their lives at work. That’s nearly 45 years. It makes sense that the workplace can play a big role in our health. When designed badly, an office can add to stress, leading to burnout and making people feel worse, not better. That’s a problem for both employees and employers.

Investing in your employees

The good news is that investing in a high-quality workplace yields significant benefits. When companies prioritise employee well-being, encompassing not only physical health but also mental and social well-being, the benefits are substantial. People feel better, and they take fewer sick days. They’re more engaged and productive, which means companies perform better as well.

Research by the McKinsey Health Institute shows that investing in employee health could create between $3.7 trillion and $11.7 trillion in economic value worldwide. That’s around $1,100 to $3,500 of value per person, or up to 55% of average annual pay. Most of that value, up to 77%, comes from improved productivity and reduced presenteeism. That’s when people are at work but not able to work at their best.

Too often, businesses focus solely on visible costs, such as absenteeism. But those account for just a fraction of the opportunity. The hidden cost of people not working to their full potential is far higher. And that’s where a better workplace can make the biggest difference.

A healthier workforce benefits the business and lifts entire communities. Healthier workers are more likely to be involved in their local area, help others and lead fulfilling lives outside of work. That’s why better workplaces are not only good business, they’re also good for society.

The pitfalls of employee health

Unfortunately, the current state of employee health is not where it should be. A global survey of more than 30,000 employees found that only 57% reported good overall health. Just under half, 49%, were ‘faring well’, meaning they had good holistic health and no symptoms of burnout. One in five reported signs of burnout.

Burnout is not the same as being tired after a long week. It includes exhaustion, feeling mentally distant from work, and a sense of being unable to cope. It affects people across every industry, although some are more severely impacted than others. Employees in accounting, retail, agriculture, shipping and the arts reported the lowest health and highest burnout levels. Even in the best-performing industries, fewer than three in four workers reported being in good health.

The situation is worse for certain groups, with women, LGBTQ+ individuals, younger employees, people with lower income or education levels, and those who are neurodivergent all reporting worse outcomes. These groups made up 80% of the survey respondents.

Designing office spaces for success

The design of the physical workplace plays a huge role in supporting wellbeing. At WorkWell, we have emphasised the proven value of natural light, indoor plants, quiet zones, and access to fitness facilities. Workspaces filled with sunlight and biophilic elements, such as greenery or nature-inspired textures, have been shown to reduce stress and boost cognitive performance. Employees who sit near windows get better sleep and report higher productivity. Plants not only purify the air but also create a more calming and restorative environment.

Equally important are quiet spaces and on-site fitness facilities. In open-plan offices, having a designated space to retreat to for focus or rest can significantly reduce stress. Physical activity, whether it’s a lunchtime yoga class or a treadmill in the office gym, is directly linked to sharper thinking and an improved mood. When companies design environments that promote movement, reflection, and calm, they’re not just building offices—they’re investing in human potential.

A high-quality workspace isn’t just about better chairs or healthy snacks. It’s about the full work experience. That includes feeling safe, supported and respected. It means having leaders who genuinely care, clear roles and expectations, and a culture that fosters a sense of belonging and purpose.

The most successful employers take a systematic approach. They measure how people are doing. They test solutions and adapt based on data. They train managers to support wellbeing. They look beyond quick fixes and instead build a culture that supports long-term health.

There are plenty of examples to learn from. At the sportswear company On, an employee health programme led to a 30% drop in staff turnover, a 5% boost in productivity, and a $2.9 million a year savings, an 11.6x return on investment. At Ikea Canada, adding ‘Wellness Days’ helped reduce employee turnover from 35% to 24.5%. At Audi, voluntary health checkups led to high employee participation and long-term health benefits.

Final thoughts

Even small changes can have big results. Encouraging movement breaks, promoting mental health awareness or improving access to coaching can all help. What matters most is that health becomes a core part of how the workplace functions, not just an add-on or an afterthought. When work supports wellbeing, everyone wins. Employees are healthier and happier. Companies perform better. And society as a whole benefits.

Work shouldn’t be something people have to recover from. It should be a place where they thrive. Investing in high-quality workspaces is one of the smartest things any business can do.