M07: Restorative Spaces

(1 point)

INTENT

Support access to spaces that promote restoration and relief from mental fatigue or stress.

SUMMARY

This WELL feature requires the availability of spaces that promote restoration and encourage relief from mental fatigue and stress.

ISSUE

Work-induced fatigue is common among office workers, with research indicating that over 20% of the workforce experiences prolonged fatigue. During the workday, individuals experience fatigue caused by a depletion of physical and mental resources, resulting in an accumulated need to recover from mental fatigue and stress. The experience of prolonged fatigue combined with a high need for mental recovery is strongly associated with psychological distress, including decreased mental acuity, deficits in motivation and irritability caused by prolonged exposure to stress.

SOLUTIONS

By providing restorative spaces for individuals to step away from the stress of the office environment, recharge and refocus, employers can help alleviate the negative effects associated with workplace fatigue or mental depletion. Through incorporation of nature, among other restorative elements, these spaces can help relieve stress and mental fatigue, support focus and encourage overall mental well-being. Exposure to plants and other natural elements has been linked with decreased levels of diastolic blood pressure, depression and anxiety; increased attentional capacity; better recovery from job stress; increased psychological well-being. Nature interaction has also been shown to support recovery from illness and increase pain tolerance. Similarly, outdoor spaces can be used to promote calm and encourage restorative activities. Both indoor and outdoor spaces can also be used for individuals with a wide variety of beliefs, religions and traditions, including prayer and meditation. 

IMPACT

Mentally distancing oneself from work and engaging in restorative activities is linked to employee well-being, specifically higher life satisfaction and mood, maintained workplace performance, lower burnout and fewer health complaints. Offering a space for employees to meditate, pray or think can empower employees to manage their own stress and well-being in a way that feels most comfortable to them.

REQUIREMENTS

Part 1

Provide Restorative Indoor Spaces (1 point)

Verified by Architectural Drawing, Professional Narrative

For All Spaces

Designated indoor space is available to all regular building occupants to support restorative practices. This may be a single space or several spaces that meets the following requirements:

1. Designated exclusively for contemplation, relaxation and restoration (not to be used for work).
2. Is a minimum of 7 m² [75 ft²] plus 0.1 m² [1 ft²] per regular building occupant, up to a maximum of 74 m² [800 ft²]. Room may be broken up into multiple smaller rooms that total the required amount.
3. Encourages contemplation, relaxation and restoration, in consideration of the design criteria below:
   1. Accessible design. 
   2. Lighting (e.g., dimmable light levels).
   3. Intrusive noise and sound masking (e.g., water feature, natural sounds).
   4. Thermal comfort.
   5. Seating arrangements that accommodate a range of user preferences and activities (e.g., movable lightweight chairs, cushions, mats).
   6. Nature incorporation.
   7. Calming colors, textures and forms.
   8. Visual privacy.
4. Is maintained on a weekly basis, at minimum. 
5. Education materials or resources are available to occupants explaining the purpose of the space and how to make use of it.

 

Note: Education must be culturally appropriate and literacy level appropriate. Education can come in the form of trainings, brochures, videos, posters, pamphlets, newsletters and/or other written or online information.

For WELL Core and MFR Certification, restorative space may be located in non-leased spaces but must be sized for and accessible to tenants

 Part 2

Provide Restorative Outdoor Spaces (1 point)

Verified by Architectural Drawing, Professional Narrative

For All Spaces

Designated outdoor space within projects is available to all regular building occupants. This may be a single space or several spaces that meets the following requirements:

1. Is designated exclusively for contemplation, relaxation and restoration (not to be used for work).

2. Is a minimum of 7 m² [75 ft²] plus 0.1 m² [1 ft²] per regular building occupant, up to a maximum of 74 m² [800 ft²]. Space may be broken up into multiple smaller spaces that total the required amount. 

3. Encourages contemplation, relaxation and restoration, in consideration of the design criteria below: 

   1. Accessible design.
   2. Intrusive noise and sound masking (e.g., water feature, wind chimes).
   3. Thermal comfort (e.g., availability of both sun-exposed and shaded areas).
   4. Seating arrangements that accommodate a range of user preferences and activities (e.g., movable lightweight chairs, outdoor or weatherproof cushions, mats).
   5. Nature incorporation.
   6. Visual privacy.
   7. Calming colors, textures and forms.

    
4. Is maintained on a weekly basis, at minimum. 
5. Education materials or resources are available to occupants explaining the purpose of the space(s) and how to make use of it.

 

Note: Education must be culturally appropriate and literacy level appropriate. Education can come in the form of trainings, brochures, videos, posters, pamphlets, newsletters, and/or other written or online information.

© International WELL Building Institute