How Poorly Designed Buildings Harm Workplace Health with Rachel Hodgdon

How does the built environment affect employees' health and well-being?

Extensive research has been conducted on this topic, and it turns out that built environments impact our well-being more than we might think.

In fact, where we sit and who we sit next to have a much more significant impact on our health and well-being, even more so than genetics and access to healthcare. And our guest is here to prove that.

Today, we’re joined by Rachel Hodgdon, the president and CEO of the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), who has dedicated her career to integrating sustainability with human health in building designs.

Having previously contributed to the US Green Building Council and founded the Center for Green Schools, Rachel sheds light on the immense influence of our built environment on our health.

She discusses how IWBI’s certification process allows buildings to be rated on their health-promoting features and their impact. 

Additionally, she emphasizes the need to design spaces that are inclusive to all employees, including those often overlooked in typical corporate wellness plans.

Are you ready to optimize your workplace?

Let’s get started!

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00)

Meet Rachel Hodgdon and her work at IWBI (00:54)

What do WELL Certified and WELL Build mean? (03:43)

The impact of WELL Certification (06:32)

Addressing inclusivity in workplace wellness (10:41)

Engaging employees across the board in well-being programs (18:01)

Challenges employers face with getting employees to return to work (20:57)

Biggest misconception about workplace optimization (27:20)

How Rachel embraces personal well-being for 2024 (34:29)

Episode wrap-up (37:07)

Additional Resources:

Connect with Fran on LinkedIn: Connect with Fran

Follow our LinkedIn page: Aerobodies

Learn more about WellTeamCulture here: Create a cohesive-healthy work culture 

Visit our website here: Aerobodies

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Follow Rachel on LinkedIn: Rachel Hodgdon | LinkedIn

Follow Rachel on Twitter: Rachel_Hodgdon | Twitter

Check out the International WELL Building Institute: International WELL Building Institute (wellcertified.com)

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The Optimized Workplace is a podcast with the goal of providing new and unique ways for you to help your organization thrive while providing an exceptional experience for your employees and nourishing their well-being.

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Ready to optimize your workplace and create a culture of well-being for your team?

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