According to the Green Building Council of Australia, the design and layout of a workspace can have some pretty dramatic effects on productivity, health and wellbeing of staff.

The green building group says everything from air quality and lighting, to views of nature and interior layout play a role.

But the report – which is backed by GBCA members JLL and Lend Lease – gives some simple to understand health, wellbeing and productivity tips to help.

“Whatever business you are in, you are in the business of people,” says Geoff Dutaillis, Group Head of Sustainability at Lend Lease.

“How a building ‘works for people’ should be the priority question.

“This report provides further evidence that workplaces with clean air, natural daylight and engaging and adaptable layouts all contribute to making healthier, happier and more motivated individuals who create stronger, more resilient and profitable companies,” he said.

For Australian businesses, productive and welcoming designs could help cut the aggregate cost to business of ill-health and absenteeism, which is currently about $7 billion per year.

Peter Hilderson, Head of Energy & Sustainability Services Asia Pacific at JLL, says: “As this report so eloquently points out, there is a natural sweet spot that occurs at the intersections where buildings, people and finance overlap. Addressing each of these aspects in concert will lead to a more sustainable and productive outcome for an organisation and the planet. Organisations that invest the time and apply the necessary rigour to implementing this framework will unlock the benefits of these inter-relationships and reap the rewards.”

Jane Henley, CEO of the World Green Building Council agrees, saying: “The evidence linking good office design and improved health, wellbeing and productivity of staff is now overwhelming. There is unquestionably a clear business case for investing in, developing and occupying healthier, greener buildings.”

The report is accessible here, from the WorldGBC’s website.