Workplace in Motion
GONE ARE THE DAYS OF OFFICE WORKERS
FIGURATIVELY CHAINED TO THEIR DESKS
In today’s winning workplaces, creating opportunities for physical activity
and movement can have profound effects on office dynamics, company
culture as well as the health and well-being of the employees.
As companies compete to recruit and
retain top tier talent, innovative active
design features such as treadmill
workstations and climbing walls, can
highlight a firm’s commitment to
health and fitness, encourage social
interaction, and bring a sense of fun
and energy to the work place. Light
physical activity also promotes blood
flow that can aid in creativity and
productivity, thus contributing to a
company’s bottom line.
On a macro-level, over the past three
decades, obesity and related chronic
diseases have skyrocketed in the
United States while sitting has recently
been declared “the new smoking”.
The structure of the built environment
is increasingly recognized as an
important facilitator (or inhibitor) of a
healthy lifestyle, given that where and
how an individual works determines
his or her opportunity to be physically
active.
Active Design is a series of guidelines
based on extensive research by an
interdisciplinary team of government
and private sector professionals to
address obesity and chronic diseases
as well as improve worker health and
well being. This relatively new and
innovative concept encompasses all
aspects of design and space planning
from projects small to large.
Activedesignfeaturesaremosteffective
when they reflect an organization’s
values and brand. Some features
integrate with sustainability efforts;
others advance work-life balance
goals; and still others are designed
to improve mindfulness. Cushman &
Wakefield’s West Region Sustainability
Practice, led by Alex Spilger, has years
of experience at helping companies
design and create spaces that promote
movement and physical activity in the
workplaces. Below are several active
design strategies we’ve implemented
along the way – from the obvious to the
more inventive.
ALEX SPILGER,
LEED AP
Senior Vice President,
Sustainability Services
alex.spilger@cushwake.com8 | Cushman &Wakefield