Multipurpose wellbeing space

Dedicated multipurpose wellbeing spaces have many benefits for both the agency and employees:

• Providing a safe, private space that is accessible and inclusive, promoting respect for the beliefs and needs of others.
• Demonstrating a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, attracts, motivates and retains workers, while fostering a sense of belonging.
• Providing a private space to practise religion through prayer or private karakia, leading to improved morale and culture.
• Providing a calming space for people to switch off or decompress away from working areas.
• Allowing disabled people access to a quiet space to manage any pain or discomfort.

It may be appropriate for some workplaces to have a separate multi-faith room.

Wellbeing spaces serve a different purpose to health rooms (sometimes known as sick rooms) which provide a space for those who need to isolate within the workplace due to illness.

They shouldn't be confused with the quiet or focus areas for working.

Determining space requirements

As a starting point, agencies should target the following within their net lettable area (NLA).

For NLAs with headcount less than 500, agencies should think about how they can accommodate the needs of user groups. For headcounts over 500, agencies should provide one space. Size will vary. Agencies should consult with all user groups to determine requirements.

Agencies should, where practical, work together to provide a space to share. This covers co-tenanted buildings, co-locations, or workplaces that are near each other (such as in cities like Wellington or Auckland, and in regional agencies).

For co-tenanted and co-located buildings, the space should be accessible to all occupying agencies, so headcount should be a combined total. The agency with the largest NLA should manage the process.

These spaces should be available for use by agency staff, but also include contractors. For example, security staff and cleaners.

These guidelines work in conjunction with the Government standard building performance specifications. Mandated agencies can request a copy of the specifications by emailing the Government Property Group team.

Design guidelines

These guidelines assist with designing spaces that suit a variety of needs.

People affiliated with many religions and beliefs would benefit from having a quiet, calming space to use. Those with hidden disabilities (including those that are not immediately obvious, such as autism, mental illness, traumatic brain injury and multiple sclerosis) may also benefit.

There can be no definitive, all-encompassing formula for a perfect space.

In general, the size of the space depends on its use, and how many people might use it at the same time. Consider what existing space is available.

Location and access

• Lighting should create a welcoming and calming atmosphere. People will appreciate the ability to close blinds and lower the level of lighting.
• Locate spaces away from high traffic areas to make sure the environment is quiet and private.
• Consider how people enter the space. For example, some religions require facing a certain direction when praying. Spaces don't need to be oriented in a certain way, but entrances should be designed so someone entering or leaving doesn't disturb others.
• If washing facilities can't be provided, they should be nearby. Some religions may need them as part of their preparation for prayer.

Furniture, fittings and fixtures

• Consider providing a mix of comfortable seats and floor cushions, so people have a variety of options. The location of seating should allow the main area of the space to remain clear. Seating with high backs might provide more comfort than those with lower backs and allow people to relax.
• Avoid leather furniture, as some faiths do not accept the use of leather.
• Include a storage cupboard. This allows users to store loose items, like prayer mats, cushions and books. Don’t store items in the cupboard if they are part of the space design.

Signage and colour palette

Agencies should follow GPG’s branding, wayfinding and signage guidelines, and the following considerations:

• Make it clear that the room is not used for work purposes.
• Consider whether the principles of the space are displayed in a subtle way.
• Include appropriate and clear signage, with an occupancy indicator. This may include signage showing a prayer or private karakia session is in process.
• Consider using a calm, relaxing and neutral colour palette.
• A name for the space may be gifted as part of the design theme of the workplace, like the gifting of building names.
• Discuss with user groups the best way to display the points of the compass. Those who pray in a specific direction will appreciate this.

Branding, wayfinding and signage guidelines

Managing and sharing the space

Take an inclusive approach and engage with all user groups. This makes sure the space is well utilised, remaining fit-for-purpose and a neutral and welcoming space.

It should be open for drop-ins but also able to be booked, including on a recurring basis. Some religions have a set time of prayer.

We recommend that booking the space is centrally managed. The use of this space is personal. It could work best for the HR team to manage bookings. This opens the conversation to everyone and makes sure the space supports everyone’s needs.

Establish a committee with representation from all user groups to ensure the space continues to meet everyone’s needs. We suggest this group is also led by your HR team, supported by the facilities team.

In some religions, different genders pray separately. Your agency should consult with user groups to find an appropriate solution in these cases. We recommend the solution isn’t a permanent structure, so that the space can remain neutral and be changed as needed.

Expressions of etiquette may be different for different user groups, such as the removal of shoes. Establish appropriate protocols, acknowledging that the space must be accessible to all. For example, consider how a protocol for removing shoes applies to a person who uses a wheelchair. This could impact those with physical disabilities who could have difficulty removing their shoes.

Some general principles to consider:

• The space should be used for the benefit of people’s wellbeing, not for work, or as a lunch or morning tea space. Appropriate workspaces for quiet or focused work, making phone calls and attending virtual meetings should exist elsewhere.
• The simpler the design, the easier it will be to keep it neutral and ready for all user groups.
• The space should be accessible and inclusive, providing a safe and private space for all.
• Users should respect others’ personal items and those of religious practice. These should ideally be removed or stored in a cupboard when people are finished in the space.
• Respect should be shown to others using the room at the same time, with noise kept to a minimum.
• No candles, incense or naked flames of any kind should be used for health and safety reasons.
• We recommend that leafleting or posters are not on display. Agencies may consider providing resources like mental health information sheets, wellbeing books, support group pamphlets, and information on employee networks. Store these discretely in a cupboard to ensure the space remains neutral and inclusive.