FM’s Role in Leading Wellbeing, Workplace, and Sustainability Initiatives
The recent meeting in Madrid, attended by nearly 50 professionals, was sponsored by Sodexo, with significant support from Women in Office Design (WOD) and IFMA Spain. This event highlighted perspectives on how Facility Management (FM) can effectively lead wellbeing, workplace, and sustainability initiatives within organizations, especially in an era marked by rapid changes and the need for flexibility in returning to office spaces.
The Crisis of Absenteeism and Its Economic Impact
Kicking off the event was Joaquina Garrido, a member of the IFMA Spain Board and sponsor of the Workplace and People Commission. She presented critical insights from various international consulting firms, shedding light on the alarming 74% increase in absenteeism costs over the past five years, totaling an expenditure of €25.3 billion.
Garrido emphasized that currently, one third of offices in Spain utilize only 40% to 59% of their available space, signaling a need for strategic space management. She underscored the dual advantage of improving workplace wellbeing, noting a potential global economic return of $1.2 trillion should workplace wellbeing improve for just 10% of the workforce.
A Healthy Workforce Is Key
Dr. Patricia López, Director of the Corporate Health and Wellness Area at Mercer Spain, followed Garrido’s presentation, delving into the importance of a healthy workplace. She affirmed that Risk and HR departments must collaborate to enhance productivity, prioritizing employee wellbeing. Dr. López pointed out that, in Spain, there is a heightened concern over mental health deterioration compared to other European nations, which reflects in escalating health benefit costs. She highlighted that “work flexibility remains a primary driver of productivity, and a quality workforce enhances the corporate immune system.”
Strategies for Improving Workplace Wellbeing
Among the insights shared was a practical guide from Miguel Sanz Barnola, Associate Business Development at Unispace, who provided eight actionable tips for improving workplace wellbeing:
- Understand your audience
- Adapt to the ever-evolving workforce needs
- Implement genuine, unconditional flexibility
- Create a healthy work environment
- Focus on mental health and stress management
- Encourage social connections among employees
- Conduct regular employee feedback sessions
- Integrate wellbeing into the workplace culture
Sustainability as a Lever for Wellbeing
Patricia Gilmartín Solanas from Sodexo’s Marketing team shifted the focus to sustainability, asserting that Sodexo provides catering services to over 50 million people. She elaborated on how these services can act as a lever to generate workplace wellbeing, noting that employees increasingly seek offices with a purpose. Gilmartín highlighted the indispensable role of FM in fostering a culture of wellbeing within companies.
Creating Motivated Work Environments
The second segment of the event was a dynamic roundtable moderated by Joaquina Garrido. The discussion kicked off with questions about motivating professionals to return to offices, with Soledat Berbegal, Director at Actiu, emphasizing the need for a reimagined office space. She suggested that offices should be designed as places for personal development, socialization, and community building. Berbegal noted that to facilitate this, organizations must prioritize communication and cater to multi-generational needs.
The Evolving Role of FM in Hybrid Work Models
Fernando Lallana, Workplace & Wellbeing Manager at Heineken, articulated that a company’s wellbeing policies must resonate with sincerity to communicate to employees that “I care about you.” He emphasized that Facility Management is transitioning from traditional responsibilities to more people-centric roles, allowing FM professionals to effectively lead initiatives that enhance workplace wellbeing.
The Importance of Honest Corporate Culture
Both Fernando Lallana and Soledat Berbegal concurred that businesses must be “honest, courageous, and coherent” in their approach to employee welfare. Such companies not only survive but thrive, seeking robust partnerships and prioritizing employee participation in communication and training efforts.
Stress and Creativity: A Vital Connection
Participants also included Miguel Sanz Barnola and Gemma González Andres from Konnectare Values, who noted the changes in leadership dynamics. González emphasized that “leadership has become shared and must inspire emotional connections.” She referred to a trend among major companies employing agile methodologies to foster collaboration and real-time communication for decision-making.
She concluded by stressing that creativity cannot thrive in a stressful environment, while Miguel Sanz Barnola reiterated the value of intentional design in enhancing employee experiences aligned with ESG and wellbeing standards.
FM as a Catalyst for Workplace Wellbeing
In wrapping up the event, Joaquina Garrido reaffirmed the potential of Facility Management as a vital mechanism in promoting and enhancing workplace wellbeing, ultimately improving organizational performance. This collaboration of insights emphasizes the critical alignment between employee health, workplace design, and sustainable practices.
Case Study: Successful FM Implementation
| Company | Initiative | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Company A | Flexible workspaces and mental health programs | 30% increase in employee satisfaction |
| Company B | Wellbeing and sustainability integration | 25% reduction in absenteeism |
Benefits of Prioritizing Wellbeing in the Workplace
Enhancing workplace wellbeing fosters numerous advantages:
- Increased Productivity: Healthy employees contribute positively to company performance.
- Lower Absenteeism Costs: Improved mental and physical health leads to fewer sick days.
- Enhanced Employee Engagement: A focus on wellbeing cultivates dedication and loyalty.
- Attracting Talent: Companies prioritizing wellbeing are more attractive to prospective employees.
