'Strong link' between green offices and productivity

A new report from the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) finds overwhelming evidence that office design significantly impacts the health, wellbeing and productivity of staff.

Health, wellbeing and productivity in offices: The next chapter for green building finds that a range of factors - from air quality and lighting, to views of nature and interior layout - can affect the health, satisfaction and job performance of office workers.

The report - sponsored by JLL, Lend Lease and Skanska - also presents a simple toolkit that businesses can use to measure the health, wellbeing and productivity of their buildings and inform financial decision-making.

Understanding the link between workers and their workplace helps to drive the business case for higher quality, healthy and greener buildings, valued by investors, developers and tenants alike.

Salaries and benefits typically account for 90 per cent of an organisations expenditure, so any higher construction or occupation costs are far outweighed by even small improvements in staff performance.

Jane Henley, CEO of the World Green Building Council, said: "The evidence linking good office design and improved health, wellbeing and productivity of staff is now overwhelming. There is unquestionably a clear business case for investing in, developing and occupying healthier, greener buildings.

"Most businesses are already sitting on a treasure trove of information that can have an immediate impact on their two biggest expenses - people and buildings. Understanding the relationship between the two can help businesses achieve significant competitive advantage."

Alex Cutler, CEO of the New Zealand Green Building Council, said there was already solid evidence that green buildings deliver returns through lower operating costs, and greater asset value. Staff-related returns were potentially the most significant, she said. "The biggest business benefit of certified green offices comes through health and productivity gains. This can make a massive difference to the balance sheet - and makes the business case for building green even more compelling. New Zealand tenants, owners and developers are increasingly recognising this," she said.

Claudia Hamm, Head of Strategic Workplace (EMEA) at JLL, said: "Major corporate clients are now recognising the business benefits and productivity gains of buildings which bring out the best in their employees and are increasingly making their strategic real estate decisions with these in mind. This report reinforces the view that a buildings impact on its occupants must be included within financial considerations."

Geoff Dutaillis, Group Head of Sustainability at Lend Lease, said: "Whatever business you are in, you are in the business of people. How a building works for people should be the priority question. This report provides further evidence that workplaces with clean air, natural daylight and engaging and adaptable layouts all contribute to making healthier, happier and more motivated individuals who create stronger, more resilient and profitable companies."

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'Strong link' between green offices and productivity