Staff Well-Being

Staff well-being is at the forefront of healthcare design and with good reason. Healthcare organizations face a staffing crisis that’s predicted to get worse by 2030. Additionally, there’s the ongoing issue of burnout and job satisfaction at play. Taking care of the staff is now more important than ever before. The short-term and long-term outcome of doing so affects the staff and the performance of the facility. In the short-term, a caregiver who’s not stressed out and is engaged and feeling relaxed provides much higher-quality care to the patient. In the long-term, healthcare facilities save by holding onto their talent.

Create Spaces that Employees Enjoy

If healthcare designers can create spaces that employees enjoy recruiting and retention will be better. One way to do that is to emphasize the importance of staff respite and fitness rooms that support wellness and combat employee burnout.

Location, Location, Location

Location of space is important. If staff offices, locker rooms, and breakrooms are in other buildings or on different floors, they become inconvenient.

A better approach is to locate respite spaces near staff hubs or in the back of clinics so they’re steps away from where employees are already working. Providing natural light and views is a way to make space feel nicer too.

Design

The design of a break room is everything. Rather than place the emphasis on size, place it on quality of design. Incorporate furniture and materials that are warm and welcoming. Understand that privacy is nice too. Design solutions can range from sound-absorbing materials in the ceilings or wall panels to acoustical ceiling clouds and light fixtures. They can also add visual interest. In terms of design, there is a lot of opportunities to get it right.

Marie Wikoff is the creator of Wikoff Design Studio based out of Reno, Nevada. Her expertise in healthcare design has helped modernize healthcare organizations locally, regionally, and internationally, improving patient experience and outcomes. Her credentials include Evidence-Based Design Accreditation and Certification (EDAC), American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designer (CHID), the National Council of Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) and LEED AP. Contact Marie Wikoff

Source:

DiNardo, Anne. “Mix + Match In Workplace Design.” HCD Magazine, 17 July 2019, www.healthcaredesignmagazine.com/trends/interior-design/mix-match-in-workplace-design/.