The WELL building standard
is the benchmark when it comes to the provision of healthy working spaces designed
with the needs of the workforce in mind. The certification is only given to
those premises which display a conscious effort to safeguard the wellbeing of
the staff within, with their gold-level certification being notoriously
difficult to attain without the appropriate knowledge, planning, and budget.
Their high standards in this case should be considered a positive, as it keeps
the certification as a meaningful one while granting staff members peace of
mind as they know their needs are being catered for.
Recently the Canadian city of Vancouver became home to its
very first WELL-certified office premises, as CBRE Group’s
30,00sq ft city centre office has been awarded gold-level certification.
In order to attain WELL’s highest level of certification,
CBRE’s Vancouver office incorporates more than 100 wellness features. These include
ensuring widespread access to natural light, ergonomic sit-stand desks,
noise-attenuating technology, and a high level of indoor air quality.
Ashley O’Neill, vice president of corporate strategy at CBRE
Canada, commented on the award in a recent discussion with Commercial Property Executive. He told the publication, “For us, our pursuit of WELL
Certification is not only differentiating us as an employer that is prepared to
invest in the health and wellness of its people, but also as a leading
commercial real estate advisor. By undertaking the process ourselves, we’re in
a much more informed position to advise our clients about its benefits, its
costs and the complexities involved.”
Three additional CBRE offices in Canada are also registered
for WELL certification, and the company plans to extend this even further by
challenging itself to seek the certification for at least 100 of its managed or
associated properties around the world in the coming years.
“Our pursuit of WELL Certification has generated huge levels
of interest among our clients. Most leading companies now inherently understand
that the office is no longer just a bottom line cost, but a powerful tool in
the attraction and retention of the best talent,” O’Neill stated.
“When you also combine the fact that, as a general rule,
more people are becoming increasingly committed to living more active and
healthier lifestyles, WELL Certification is at the intersection of two very
powerful trends. This is truly at the leading edge of office design, so both
tenants and landlords have approached us to understand what WELL Certification
can do to help them to attract talent or entice tenants to their buildings.”
Sam Bonson
Sam
is an aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers. He is currently
working as a content writer, journalist & editor in an attempt to expand
his horizons.
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