Creating healthier workplaces: The role of facilities management in supporting staff well-being

Your people are your most valuable asset: when they feel supported, safe, and valued, they are more engaged and productive – and more likely to stay. Yet poor mental health is a growing threat to company success, costing the UK economy at least £117.9 billion annually, which is equivalent to about 5% of GDP. 

While wellness programmes, mental health training and flexible working policies are important, one often-overlooked factor can make a significant difference: the workplace itself. Facilities management (FM) shapes the environment surrounding your people, from air quality to office organisation and cleanliness, which affects staff morale, motivation and even mental clarity. 

In this article, we explore how investing in the right environment through optimal FM shows your people that their well-being matters – and drives long-term business success. 

The hidden costs of poor workplace mental health 

Poor mental health is unfortunately on the rise across Britain. According to research by The Health Foundation, more than 10% of the working population report symptoms including anxiety, stress and depression. These issues extend far beyond individual well-being, causing a ripple effect across organisations by driving absenteeism, presenteeism, and reduced morale, all of which cost businesses billions each year. 

How facilities management supports good mental health 

While mental health training and other company-wide initiatives matter, the workspace remains a silent influencer of staff well-being. Strategic FM helps to reduce stress and anxiety through subtle but powerful changes in an environment.  

When we think about mental health in the workplace, it is critical to consider the role that the environment plays. Well-maintained, comfortable and safe spaces support not just physical health but mental well-being as well. 

Cleanliness and organisation 

Further research by the Harvard Business Review indicates that our physical environments influence our cognition, emotions and behaviour. A clean, orderly space can improve focus, reduce stress, and raise morale. By contrast, cluttered spaces can negatively affect our stress and anxiety levels. Research by scientists at the Princeton Neuroscience Institute reveals that our brains like order. Constant visual reminders of disorganisation drain our cognitive resources and reduce our ability to focus.  

The workplace environment is a silent influencer on staff health. Small improvements in cleanliness, organisation, space design and air quality can have a significant, positive impact on the overall well-being of staff. 

Why facilities management is a smart investment for business 

Facilities management is more than maintaining a building: it is an investment in the health and productivity of your staff. According to The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) research, the most common benefits of focused well–being strategies are better staff engagement, a healthier and more inclusive culture, and a better work-life balance. Furthermore, a well-managed environment leads to: 

• Fewer sick days and lower absenteeism. 

• Better focus and cognitive performance. 

• Higher staff morale. 

When people feel their well-being is a priority they are more engaged, more productive, and more loyal to their employer. Facilities management has a direct role to play in fostering that sense of well-being. 

Learn more about how FM can elevate business success through workplace cleanliness and read more about the multiple ways FM can help your business succeed. 

Your trusted partner for a successful workplace 

As mentioned, poor mental health costs businesses billions. While training and targeted policies help, FM holds untapped potential to make a real difference. This is because the right FM partner has the tools and expertise to create environments which actively promote staff well-being.  

Pyndar offers a comprehensive FM partnership which enables businesses to focus on their priorities: their clients, people and goals. Whether you are a sector leader or a growing small to medium enterprise (SME), our fully–bespoke services ensure that your workplace remains efficient, compliant, and conducive to success. From day-to-day maintenance to emergency responses, our high standards are upheld every day of the year, ensuring that your business remains on track for its current and future goals. 

To find out more about how we can help you, call 020 3488 1280, e-mail transform@pyndar.uk or visit our contact page. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, help is available: visit Mind for resources and support or call the Samaritans (available 24/7) on 116 123. The NHS also has useful resources.