Returning guest Dr Whitney Austin Gray, Senior Vice President at the International WELL Building Institute, explains how the New Era of Work sees people demanding more from their work environments – fresh air, access to the outdoors, good food, flexible hours and a focus on brain health and overall flourishing. Dr Gray stresses the importance for building leaders to make the invisible aspects of a healthy building – such as air quality – visible and understandable to employees.
To illustrate these principles in practice, the episode features Myrrh Caplan, Senior Vice President for Sustainability at Skanska USA Building, who provides an inside look at The Eight in Seattle. This 25-story commercial office tower, developed and owned by Skanska, serves as a prime example of a workplace designed with a deep commitment to innovation and sustainability, prioritizing the well-being of its occupants. Myrrh eloquently describes the feeling of The Eight as a "sanctuary," emphasizing the abundance of natural light through floor-to-ceiling glazing, the incorporation of wood elements and plants, and the activated retail and plaza spaces that create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
Myrrh further elaborates on the technologies and design features that contribute to the exceptional indoor climate at The Eight, including touch-free automation, advanced air filtration using bipolar ionization, and the strategic use of sustainable materials with minimal off-gassing. She highlights the importance of integrating these features from the initial design phase for optimal results and emphasizes the ongoing feedback loop with tenants to ensure their comfort and well-being.
Key takeaways:
- The New Era of Work demands a shift in focus towards creating workplaces that actively support employee health and well-being.
- The WELL Building Standard provides a comprehensive, performance-based framework for achieving healthier buildings.
- Investing in a superb indoor climate, encompassing air quality, light, thermal comfort and materials, yields significant benefits for employee productivity, health and overall experience.
- Modern office buildings like The Eight in Seattle demonstrate how intentional design and technology can create vibrant, welcoming and healthy work environments.
- Open communication and feedback from occupants are crucial for ensuring the continued success of well-being initiatives in the workplace.
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This episode’s guests:
Dr Whitney Austin Gray, Senior Vice President at the International WELL Building Institute.
Myrrh Caplan, Senior Vice President for Sustainability at Skanska USA Building.