For today’s leading companies, workspace isn’t only about productivity; it’s a critical tool for attracting talent, supporting culture, and working in an environment with purpose. Key to these are meeting employees demands for health, wellness and sustainability in the workplace.
The pandemic didn’t just shift where people work—it reshaped why and how. For today’s leading companies, workspace isn’t only about productivity; it’s a critical tool for attracting talent, supporting culture, and promoting wellbeing.
For flexible workspace operators, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Corporate occupiers are increasingly selective, favouring spaces that reflect their evolving priorities around sustainability, employee experience, and ESG. If your space isn’t built to support those needs, it risks being left behind.
The good news? With a thoughtful approach, and the right framework, you can design, operate, and market a space that delivers on what today’s occupiers care about most.
Understanding the Corporate Perspective
• A Shift in Priorities: From Cost per Square Foot to Cost per Visit
Traditionally, corporate real estate decisions focused on cost-efficiency—how much space, for how little money. But in a hybrid world, square footage matters less than employee experience. Organisations are increasingly measuring performance based on cost per visit and value per interaction, not cost per desk.
They’re also scrutinising how space supports Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals. Workspace has become a visible extension of brand values, workplace culture, and environmental responsibility. And certifications like the WELL Coworking Rating offer a measurable, credible way to validate those commitments.
• What Corporates Measure: Metrics That Matter
More than ever, the office is being judged on its impact on:
- Productivity – Are people able to focus, collaborate, and get meaningful work done?
- Retention – Do employees feel valued and supported enough to stay?
- Absenteeism – Is the space promoting health and reducing burnout
- Engagement – Are teams connected and invested in their work?
For HR and CSR leaders, the answers to those questions shape everything from real estate decisions to culture strategy. That’s why flexible workspace providers must move beyond aesthetics to create experiences that truly support well-being.
Building a Competitive Well-Being Offering
A strong wellbeing strategy doesn’t just check boxes—it touches every part of the member experience. That includes:
- Physical well-being (movement, air, nutrition)
- Mental and emotional health (calm, focus, stress reduction)
- Social connection (community and belonging)
- Nutritional support (healthy options, not just convenience)
The WELL Coworking Rating offers a science-backed, globally recognised framework to build around, with seven key features:
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1. Restorative Places
Quiet zones, wellness rooms, and decompression spaces give members space to reset—helping reduce stress and improve focus.2. Productive Work Environments
Ergonomic furniture, adaptable lighting, and acoustic balance support deep work and reduce mental fatigue.3. Health-Promoting Food and Movement
From nutritious snacks to bike storage and active design, it’s about nudging healthier choices throughout the day.4. Air and Water Quality
Clean air and water aren't perks—they’re table stakes. WELL-rated spaces prioritise filtration, ventilation, and water purity.5. Maintenance and Operator Policies
Consistent hygiene protocols and operational transparency build trust and safety—critical in today’s health-aware market.6. Well-Being Education and Engagement
Workshops, resources, and visible communication around wellbeing help members take ownership of their health.7. Innovation
Whether through smart sensors or new wellness programming, forward-thinking operators continually evolve to meet member needs.
What’s Driving Corporate Demand for Wellness?
Well-being isn’t a “nice to have”. It’s a near-universal priority. According to a recent occupier survey:
- 99% of UK occupiers say wellbeing certification is important when procuring new space.
- 82% of US occupiers feel the same, with building certification seen as a mark of quality and trust.
Corporate occupiers increasingly expect their workspace to reflect a human-centric design that prioritises physical and mental health. They’re looking for more than Wi-Fi and coffee; they want proof that the space supports productivity, inclusion, and wellbeing.
And the data backs it up. Gallup found that:
- Engaged employees are 23% more profitable
- Highly engaged teams report 70% higher wellbeing
- Burnout costs businesses $322 billion globally in turnover and lost productivity
The Case for Certification
For landlords and operators, achieving the WELL Coworking Rating isn’t just about marketing; it’s about staying relevant.
Today’s ESG-conscious tenants are scrutinising every aspect of their real estate decisions, from energy performance to employee experience. Without third-party validation, it’s harder to stand out.
By aligning with globally recognised standards like the WELL Coworking Rating, you’re signalling:
- A commitment to quality
- A culture of care and transparency
- A future-ready offering for top-tier occupiers
Put simply: certification has become a shorthand for credibility.
What It Looks Like in Practice
A growing number of operators are leading the way with WELL Coworking Rated spaces:
• Koba has integrated WELL’s guidance into both design and daily operations, helping tenants feel secure, supported, and inspired.
• Industrious UK has championed wellness-forward environments that support hybrid work, resulting in higher retention and satisfaction.
• And-Co is the first WELL rated coworking location offering wellness as the foundation, where people can do their best work while feeling grounded, supported, and healthy.
Take the Next Step
Operators who embrace wellness today are positioning themselves for long-term success.
Aligning your offering to meet corporate occupiers’ expectations is a good strategy and makes a good business. Whether you're retrofitting existing spaces or launching new ones, the WELL Coworking Rating provides a roadmap to validate your initiatives in health and wellbeing, while elevating your workspace brand and meeting the demands of tomorrow’s workforce.
Ready to get started? Explore the WELL Coworking Rating and begin your journey toward a healthier, higher-performing workspace today.
