Why workplace well-being now depends on infrastructure, not just programmes
Workplace well-being is changing how companies design offices and support employees. A new focus on infrastructure—rather than just programmes—is emerging as a key trend. This shift comes as mental health and practical needs, like lactation support, gain legal and corporate attention. For years, businesses relied on well-being programmes to support staff. But low participation revealed a deeper issue: employees often lacked time, privacy, or permission to use these resources. The problem wasn't the programmes themselves but the barriers to accessing them.
The PUMP Act, passed in 2022, made lactation support a legal requirement. Employers now must provide break time and private, non-bathroom spaces for nursing mothers. Abbey Donnell, founder of Work& (originally Work & Mother), saw this as part of a larger structural challenge. She argued that true support requires operational systems—space, access, and reliable infrastructure—not just temporary fixes. Companies like Vornado Realty Trust are now integrating services like lactation suites into office designs. Glen J. Weiss, a Vornado executive, views this as a broader shift in workplace priorities. Highly amenitized buildings have seen higher occupancy rates, while less-equipped spaces struggle. This suggests well-being is no longer just a policy but a design decision. Work& has expanded beyond lactation support to include telehealth visits and mental health breaks. Donnell's approach reflects a growing trend: investing in fewer barriers rather than more programmes. Mercer's 2024 Global Talent Trends report backs this up. It found that employee well-being has overtaken financial security as a top concern, with one-third of workers facing mental health challenges.
The future of workplace well-being may depend on removing obstacles rather than adding services. Legal requirements, like the PUMP Act, and employee demand are pushing companies to rethink office infrastructure. The goal is no longer just offering support but ensuring it can actually be used.
