Wellbeing in the workplace
The Centre for Wellbeing and Quality of Life (CeWQol) has received £250,000 from the University's Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) grant to support commercial and public sector firms and charity organisations in their quest to be recognised as healthy workplaces – and achieve formal accreditation through external agencies such as Investors in People and the Royal Society for Public Health.
The project comprises two main components. The first, a collaborative research space, is the nexus of our integrative, whole–systems approach to wellbeing, acting as a multipurpose office, meeting and events space for the Wellbeing across the Lifespan, Green Knowledge Economy, and Digital Media networks. This space is a practical demonstration of an interior environment designed to: (1) Minimise common stressors in the workplace; (2) Enhance wellbeing by careful use of various perceptual cues shown to promote relaxation, improve concentration and reduce fatigue and error–making; (3) Where possible, make use of sustainably–sourced materials that minimise negative local and global environmental effects. We hope we have created a workplace that is psychologically restorative; one that is comfortable and appealing to the senses but also practical, whilst being achievable within standard procurement and financial procedures. Contrary to popular belief, this approach is not substantially more expensive than "standard" materials. Some materials have a higher initial cost but longer operating lifetimes, while others are cheaper. If end–of–life disposal and environmental costs are factored in, many of the options listed below may well turn out to be the most cost–effective options in future.
The second component is the development of a consultancy package which will synthesise the various expertise available across Bournemouth University into an unique approach aimed at improving wellbeing in the workplace. Unlike existing consultancy approaches, this package will also take a whole–systems approach that integrates aspects of physical and mental health, organisational behaviour, communication practises and environmental sustainability. This should appeal to a variety of different business and institutions as a cost–effective way of addressing multiple legislative and employee–wellbeing concerns.
Members:
Professor Steven Ersser (HSC )
Dr Ann Hemingway (HSC)
Colin Hewitt–Bell (CRE)
Dr Paul Stevens (DEC)
Mr Clive Andrewes (HSC)
Dr Fiona Cowdell (HSC)
Professor John Edwards (SM)
Mr Joe Flintham (MS)
Professor Kate Galvin (HSC)
Professor Yannis Georgellis (BS)
Dr John Hallam (DEC)
Associate Professor Heather Hartwell (HSC/SM)
Dr Sarah Hean (HSC)
Dr Ian Jones (SM)
Dr Elizabeth Norton (HSC)
Dr Julie Robson (BS)
Professor Les Todres (HSC)
