20th Mar 2025

Designing Workplace Wellness Rooms to Boost Employee Wellbeing

Employee wellbeing initiatives are much more than ‘perks’, they are fundamental in creating a thriving workplace full of happy people.

In fact, research shows that 61% of employees said wellbeing benefits were a major factor in their decision to stay with a company.

A dedicated wellness room is becoming an increasingly popular addition to employee wellness programmes in more and more workplaces.

These purpose-built spaces offer a clear commitment to employee wellbeing by creating somewhere for people to step away, recharge and return feeling refreshed.

In this blog, we explore why wellness rooms work, how to design them effectively, and how they align with the WELL Building Standard’s approach to mental wellbeing in the workplace.

What is a workplace wellness room and do they actually work?

A wellness room is a private, calming space in the office designed to support employees’ mental and emotional wellbeing.

Unlike social breakout areas, these rooms provide a quiet, distraction-free environment where employees can take a mindful moment away from the demands of the day.

Depending on its design, a wellness room can serve multiple functions, including meditation, self-care, contemplation, or simply offering a place to breathe and reset. The spaces can be designed for single or multiple occupants at once, but shouldn’t be used for work.

The need for these spaces is backed by science.

The WELL Building Standard (Mind Concept, Feature M07: Restorative Spaces) highlights the importance of providing designated areas for mental rest, as these environments can help mitigate stress, improve focus, and enhance overall job satisfaction.

By integrating wellness rooms into the workplace, businesses create a culture where mental health is prioritised, not overlooked, leading to happier, healthier, and more engaged teams.

What to consider in your wellness room design

A well-designed wellness room should feel like an escape from the everyday workspace, offering privacy, comfort, and adaptability. Here’s how to get it right.

Size: Room for relaxation

Following the WELL Building Standard, a wellness space should be at least 7m². The size required increases per regular occupant.

Furniture: Comfort and flexibility

The space should cater to different needs, from deep relaxation to quiet focus. Ergonomic seating, soft furnishings, and flexible layouts help create a welcoming environment. Consider incorporating:

• Recliners or soft lounge chairs for relaxation
• Floor cushions for meditation or stretching
• Moveable lightweight furniture to easily configure the space

Location: Accessibility with privacy

Restorative spaces can be inside or outdoors. To encourage use, wellness rooms should be easily accessible yet tucked away from high-traffic areas.

Positioning the space out of direct sight can reduce hesitation and stigma around taking mindful breaks.

Lighting: Customisable for different needs

As recognised by the WELL Building Standard, lighting has a major impact on emotional wellbeing.

Natural light is ideal, as it helps regulate circadian rhythms and boost mood, but spaces should also include:

• Dimmable, warm lighting for relaxation
• Blackout blinds for those who need complete darkness
• Task lighting for journaling or quiet reading

Sound: A tranquil escape

Wellness rooms should be free from office noise and distractions. Achieve this by integrating:

• Acoustic panels or soundproofing materials
• Natural sounds from a water feature
• White noise machines or soft background music, which can be customised or turned off

Aesthetics: A calming atmosphere

The environment should feel restorative, not clinical. Consider:

• Soft, neutral tones like warm whites, greens, and blues to promote calmness
• Biophilic elements such as plants, natural textures, and artwork to lower stress
• Minimalistic, clutter-free design for a sense of tranquillity

Creating multi-purpose wellness rooms

The best wellness rooms are inclusive and adaptable, meeting a range of different needs. Inclusive design choices ensure that everyone can benefit from the space.

Here are a few ways to help your people make the most of your wellness space.

• Sensory-friendly features: Include noise-cancelling headphones, weighted blankets, fidget toys and adjustable lighting to create a calming environment for neurodivergent employees.
• Mindfulness and movement: Equip the space with yoga mats, stretching guides or guided meditation resources to encourage mindful movement and relaxation.
• Multi-faith and reflection areas: Create a quiet space for prayer or reflection by offering storage, prayer mats and directional cues to support employees of all faiths when they pray.

These features align with WELL’s commitment to fostering mental health through inclusive, restorative environments that support employees’ diverse wellbeing needs.

Encouraging the use of your wellness room

A wellness room or relaxation space is only effective if your people feel comfortable using it.

Here are a few ideas on how to make the most of the space.

• Involve employees in the design process: Ask for feedback and tailor the space to real needs.
• Create clear, inclusive usage guidelines: You’ll want to adapt these to your team’s specific needs, but some ground rules might include establishing a booking system, including lockable doors, and setting expectations about maintaining a quiet, respectful environment.
• Communicate the purpose: Normalise the use of the space as a proactive wellbeing tool, not as a sign that ‘something’s wrong’.
• Encourage breaks: Employees should have paid breaks away from their workstations to encourage use of the space.

Ready to invest in your team’s wellbeing?

A dedicated wellness room signals to employees that their mental wellbeing is a priority. It encourages a workplace culture where people feel supported, valued, and empowered to do their best work.

Thinking about an office refresh that puts your people first? Get in touch to book a call with one of our workplace consultants today.