And-Co's new office has achieved the WELL Coworking Rating, a validation that showcases how a coworking space can meet evidence-based health measures and advance well-being for flexible workspace users.
And-Co, a coworking and event space in Vancouver, British Columbia, is Canada’s first WELL Coworking Rated flexible workspace. Located at 1575 W Georgia Street, in a WELL Certified Platinum building, And-Co's new office has achieved validation that showcases how a coworking space can meet evidence-based health measures and advance well-being for flexible workspace users.
The WELL Coworking Rating is derived from the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI)’s health strategies and integrated with The Instant Group’s platform to help occupiers searching for workspace and all those that enter the space know that the leadership benchmark for health and wellness has been met. In April 2024, IWBI and Instant announced a strategic partnership to spur health and well-being practices in coworking and flexible workspaces. This has culminated in the launch of the first-of-its-kind healthy buildings rating for coworking operators.
The WELL Coworking Rating integrates into The Instant Group’s platform, which is the world’s largest marketplace for flexible workspace offerings and used by more than 26,000 flex operators, landlords and investors. Prospective coworking and flexible workspace users can search for health and well-being focused workspace using the new feature as they access more than 350,000 flexible workplaces on Instant’s digital platforms.
“And-Co is a place built for professionals and designed to bring people together,” said Ryan Dass, Director at And-Co. “We’re giving our community the keys to thrive—with a dedicated on-site team, thoughtful design, and spaces that spark real connection. The WELL Coworking Rating embodies everything we stand for, and we’re proud to be the first in Canada to earn it. It proves our commitment to well-being is real—and tangibly built into everything we do.”
“Canada continues to lead the way in creating healthier, more sustainable workspaces, and And-Co’s achievement of the first WELL Coworking Rating in Canada is a proud example of this,” said Olesy Alekseev, vice president and Canada country lead at IWBI. “This milestone not only builds on the building’s existing WELL Core Platinum Certification but also demonstrates how And-Co’s flexible working and event space goes above and beyond to meet the specific needs of coworking environments. It highlights how flexible workspaces can be designed to support well-being, setting a new standard for the industry in Vancouver and beyond.”
Sam Pickering, Executive Director, Head of Sustainability at The Instant Group said: “It is kudos to And-Co for committing to early adoption and setting out to achieve the WELL Coworking Rating, which is derived from health strategies in the WELL Building Standard. The process evaluates nearly 50 different features spanning 10 WELL concepts, from air and water quality to light and thermal comfort, and movement and nourishment. It was a pleasure to work with And-Co and their commitment sets them apart as a leader in healthy flexible workspace.”
Aligned with the growing demand for healthier places and spaces, research shows evidence-based health interventions in buildings help support workplace satisfaction, comfort and productivity, while also helping organizations better attract and retain talent. A 2022 study found that WELL Certified offices increase overall employee satisfaction by 28% and support a 10-point jump in median productivity. In addition, evidence behind the business case for healthy buildings shows that investing in people helps drive several economic benefits, including over seven percent higher rents per-square-foot in certified healthy buildings, longer lease terms, and eight percent increase in employee performance due to improved air quality.
