The future office could be good for your health (and a reason to return)
Can a building actually be good for your health? Just ask GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). The global biopharmaceutical company had some pretty lofty goals for its 150,000 sq ft central London headquarters, aiming to create ‘the world’s healthiest building’. GSK wanted to demonstrate how an office space could actively contribute to wellbeing. One notable feature (of many) is Europe’s first in-house vertical farm, where they’re growing superfoods for their team and to donate to local charities.
As companies continue to grapple with how to entice employees back to the office, a compelling RTO strategy requires creating spaces that offer genuine value and improve employee well-being.
Beyond the health aspects, there are also very practical reasons why organizations are turning to smart building technology, including significant savings and a reduced environmental impact.
Smart buildings: cutting costs and carbon footprints
According to Appspace partner XY Sense, which specializes in real-time office occupancy data, the heating, cooling, powering, and cleaning of largely empty office buildings worldwide contribute to a whopping 27% of annual global CO₂ emissions.
This is where smart buildings make a real difference.
These offices use cutting-edge tech like IoT sensors, AI-driven energy management, and automated climate control to cut energy waste. The result is a greener footprint and lower operational costs.
Appspace has worked with a global professional services firm to build the ultimate friction-free, energy-efficient office. Occupancy sensors automatically release unused meeting rooms, while RFID-powered desks only consume energy when they’re in use. It’s an approach that’s setting the standard for smart, sustainable workplaces worldwide, particularly in the age of hybrid working.
Innovations like these are improving the bottom line and future-proofing workplaces. They’re also creating happier employees.
Healthier workplaces: because happy employees perform better
A sustainable workplace isn’t just about energy efficiency; it’s also about creating a space where employees feel good.
As Appspace’s Chief Experience Officer, Holly Grogan puts it, “wellbeing isn’t a ‘perk’ anymore – it’s a core business strategy.”
Smart technology can make offices healthier and more enjoyable by focusing on things like air quality, lighting, and biophilic design.
- Better air quality = sharper thinking – Smart ventilation systems adjust air circulation in real time, reducing pollutants and boosting cognitive function.
- Nature-inspired design = less stress – Adding greenery, living walls, and access to outdoor spaces improves mood and creativity. Amazon’s biodomes are a great example of bringing nature inside.
- Smart lighting = better focus – Adaptive lighting that mimics natural daylight helps regulate sleep cycles, reducing fatigue and improving concentration.
When employees feel good, they work better. It’s as simple as that.
“Organizations that prioritize health often see marked improvements in productivity, reduced absenteeism, lower healthcare costs, and heightened employee engagement and retention… a healthier workforce is a more resilient and adaptive workforce, more capable of navigating the uncertainties and challenges of a rapidly changing world.” McKinsey report on Thriving Workplaces
Why smart workplaces are a win-win
Having a strategy for a healthy workplace is about creating a better business. Companies that prioritize well-being see big payoffs: higher employee satisfaction, lower absenteeism, and better retention.
Research cited by the World Green Building Council found that businesses implementing sustainable workplace strategies see a significant productivity boost.
How to make your workplace smarter and healthier
Want to create a workspace that’s both sustainable and employee-friendly? Start here:
- Adopt smart technology – Use IoT-powered devices to optimize energy use and reduce waste.
- Prioritize employee wellbeing – Invest in air purification and monitors that alert employees when levels exceed optimal limits. Invest in ergonomic furniture, and wellness-focused design.
- Go hybrid when possible – Less commuting means lower carbon emissions and better work-life balance. Make sure you’re providing the right tools and tech to bridge the work-home gap.
- Get certified – Programs like LEED and WELL demonstrate your commitment to sustainability and employee health.
Let’s build a better future, starting with our workplaces
Beyond its environmental impact, investing in smart office technology creates spaces where people actually want to work.
Want more insights on the future of work? Check out our latest research report on workplace experience.
