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7 Practical Ways to Build a Healthy, Sustainable Workplace

BEST PRACTICES 7 Practical Ways to Build a Healthy, Sustainable Workplace

4 minute read

Simple changes that support performance, wellbeing and sustainability

Creating a healthier and more sustainable workplace doesn’t require a full renovation process. In many cases, the most meaningful improvements come from simple, practical changes that support how people think, feel and perform every day.

As organizations ask more of their teams (focus, collaboration, creativity and adaptability) the work environment plays a larger role than many realize. Factors like air quality, lighting, temperature, access to water, movement and nutrition all influence energy levels, cognitive performance and overall wellbeing. When these elements are thoughtfully addressed, organizations often see measurable gains in productivity, engagement and retention. When they’re overlooked, performance can quietly suffer.

The good news: you don’t need a large capital investment to start making progress.

Below are seven practical, low-risk ways to begin building a healthier workplace starting today.

1. Improve Air Quality to Support Clear Thinking

Clean air is one of the most impactful—and often invisible—contributors to workplace performance. Poor indoor air quality can affect focus, decision-making, and long-term health, even when occupants aren’t consciously aware of it.

Simple steps to get started:

Test and balance HVAC systems on a regular cycle (every 5 years)
Upgrade filtration to MERV 13 or higher where possible
Monitor indoor air quality and maintain carbon monoxide detectors
Put up no-idling signage to help lower emissions
Reduce building emmissions with electric or low-emission equipment
Incorporate plants indoors to support air quality and occupant comfort

2. Provide Clean, Accessible Water

Access to clean, appealing drinking water supports hydration, cognitive function, and daily comfort—while also reducing reliance on single-use plastics.

Practical actions:

Test water quality regularly and maintain filters
Provide reusable bottles or drinkware and visible refill stations
Install water-efficient (low flow and/or waterless) fixtures using WaterSense-labeled products when available
Reduce or eliminate irrigation needs through thoughtful landscape design

3. Reduce Energy for a More Reliable Workplace

Energy efficiency supports environmental goals while improving comfort and reducing operating costs. Many energy-saving strategies also make workplaces more pleasant to use.

Where to focus first:

Conduct annual energy audits and benchmark performance using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
Specify ENERGY STAR–labeled equipment and appliances
Reduce standby power and turn off systems when spaces are unoccupied
Use light, low-VOC paint colors to reflect daylight
Upgrade to LED lighting and incorporate daylighting, motion sensors or solar tubes
Avoid individual space heaters or coolers that strain outlets and systems
Explore on-site or off-site solar options

4. Keep it Comfortable

Comfort directly affects how well people can focus and collaborate. When temperatures fluctuate, lighting causes glare, or spaces feel visually or acoustically uncomfortable, cognitive energy is lost. But remember: Comfort doesn’t have to be uniform—giving people small degrees of control can make a big difference.

Ways to support comfort:

Use smart temperature control settings with separate heating and cooling setpoints. Adjust setpoints by 10 degrees when spaces are unoccupied.
Use CBE Thermal Comfort Tool to determine ideal heating and cooling setpoints.
Provide access to daylight along with glare control
Use high efficiency lighting strategies (daylighting, motion sensors, LED, etc.) that support different tasks
Offer individual comfort options such as task lights, desk fans or blankets

5. Make Healthy Nourishment the Easy Choice

Food choices influence energy, mood and long-term health. Workplaces can support better decisions simply by making healthier options more visible and accessible.

Simple nourishment strategies:

Place fresh fruit and vegetables in visible, shared locations
Avoid offerings with excessive added sugar (25 g or more of sugar per serving) and artificial sweeteners, preservatives and colorings
Share basic nutrition information and education to support informed choices
Use locally sourced, whole foods with minimal packaging
Provide dedicated, comfortable eating spaces with tables, chairs and shelter

6. Encourage Movement Throughout the Day

Movement supports physical health, energy levels and cognitive performance. Even small amounts of daily activity can make workdays feel more sustainable.

Ways to build movement into the workplace:

Offer incentives for walking or biking, along with bike storage and changing or shower facilities
Centralize waste and recycling stations to prompt short walks
Provide sit/stand workstations and ergonomic training
Design stairways that invite use through lighting, artwork, music or natural elements

7. Strengthen Sanitation and Reduce Waste

Clean, well-maintained spaces support health, trust and environmental responsibility—especially when systems are easy to understand and use.

Key actions to consider:

Provide clear handwashing and hygiene signage
Use non-toxic cleaning products certified by Green Seal or UL Safer Choice
Go paperless; reduce paper use and print only when necessary
Clearly label recycling and compost bins and educate occupants on proper use
Dispose of electronic waste responsibly through local vendors
Implement integrated pest management strategies to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals

Start Small. Build Momentum.

Healthy workplaces aren’t created all at once. They’re shaped through everyday decisions—many of which are already within reach. By starting with practical, targeted changes, organizations can build momentum, demonstrate leadership and create environments that support both performance and wellbeing.

exterior patio at the DPR Sacramento office

Creating Healthy Spaces

There is compelling evidence healthy workspaces benefit employee health and the bottom line. Learn more about how DPR is collaborating with project partners to pursue rating systems that deliver healthy spaces that quickly pencil out financially and deliver benefits that last long into the facility’s lifespan.

Posted on April 10, 2026
Last Updated April 9, 2026