Wondering if your office needs a wellness room? We break down what they are, why they’re growing in popularity, and how they can boost your productivity, staff retention and more!
By Making Moves London
July 8, 2025
Workplace design is shifting, and businesses are recognising that a great office isn’t just about desks and meeting rooms—it’s about creating spaces that support employee wellbeing. One feature growing in popularity is the workplace wellness room – a quiet, dedicated space where employees can step away from the buzz of the office to recharge, de-stress, and reset.
But are wellness rooms just another office trend, or do they genuinely improve workplace culture and productivity? In this guide, we’ll explore why businesses are making space for wellness rooms, the benefits they bring, and what to consider when designing one.
At Making Moves, we’ve helped countless businesses create office environments that work for their people, and we’re here to share our expertise on integrating wellness spaces in a way that adds real value.
The term ‘wellness room’ is cropping up more and more in workplace conversations, and it’s easy to see why. In fact, Google Trends data shows that searches for wellness rooms have been steadily rising over the past five years. But what exactly are they, and why are businesses choosing to include them?
Unlike breakout areas designed for socialising, wellness rooms offer employees a quiet retreat—a space to step away, recharge, and refocus. Whether they’re used for meditation, mindfulness, nursing, prayer, or simply a moment of calm, a well-designed wellness room can make a real difference to employee wellbeing and productivity. With soft lighting, comfortable seating, and a calming atmosphere, these spaces help reduce stress and support focus in a busy work environment.
Yet, some employers remain unsure. Is a wellness room a wise investment in workplace wellbeing, or is it just taking up valuable office space? The truth is, when designed with purpose, wellness rooms can have a real impact—helping employees feel more focused, refreshed, and supported throughout the workday.
Employee wellbeing has become a top priority for businesses, and for good reason. With workplace stress, anxiety, and burnout on the rise, companies are recognising that a healthy workforce isn’t just good for people—it’s good for business.
The latest Health and Safety Executive (HSE) figures reveal that 29.6 million working days were lost due to work-related ill health in 2023/24. Stress, depression, and anxiety were among the biggest contributors, with affected employees taking an average of 21 days off each. The financial cost is just as concerning—new research from AXA reveals that poor mental health in the workplace now costs the UK economy £102 billion a year.
Prioritising employee wellbeing isn’t just about reducing absenteeism; it also boosts productivity, improves engagement, and helps businesses attract and retain talent. This is particularly important as Generation Z enters the workforce, with research showing that younger employees actively seek out companies that support mental health and work-life balance.
A workplace that fosters wellbeing is one where employees thrive, stay motivated, and perform at their best. As businesses continue to evolve, integrating wellbeing into office design and company culture is no longer a ‘nice to have’—it’s essential.
A well-designed wellness room offers a range of benefits, including:
Better Mental Wellbeing: Chronic workplace stress can lead to burnout, which affects employee health and productivity. Research by Steelcase found that 91% of employees feel they need casual spaces to re-energise, yet more than half (51%) reported having nowhere to go. Wellness rooms help bridge this gap, offering employees a quiet retreat to reset, recharge, and manage stress.
Increased Productivity: Employees who take regular breaks in a calming environment report higher levels of focus and efficiency. Mental Health UK found that 1 in 5 employees say high stress impacts their productivity, yet 45% of UK workers don’t feel adequately supported by their employer. Wellness rooms provide a dedicated space to reset, preventing burnout and improving overall output.
Enhanced Employee Satisfaction & Retention: Research shows that WELL Certified offices, designed to improve employee experience, see a 30% increase in workplace satisfaction. Major corporations like J.P. Morgan, Goldman Sachs, and Microsoft have embraced this approach, recognising that happier employees lead to higher retention, easier talent attraction, and a stronger workplace culture.
“Some businesses are understandably cautious about dedicating space to a wellness room – especially when every square foot needs to be justified. But what we’ve seen time and time again is that investing in employee wellbeing pays off. Studies show a clear link between wellbeing, productivity, and retention, and a well-designed wellness room can contribute to a more focused, engaged workforce.
At Making Moves, we’ve worked with companies that were initially unsure but saw noticeable improvements in employee satisfaction and workplace culture after introducing wellness spaces. These rooms aren’t just a nice-to-have – they can be a practical, strategic addition that helps businesses create a healthier, happier work environment.”
– Bryoni Clark, Property Advisor, Making Moves.
Creating a well-designed wellness room in the workplace requires careful planning to ensure it is truly beneficial for employees. From location to lighting, every detail plays a role in making the space comfortable, functional, and inclusive.
Below are the key considerations to keep in mind when designing a wellness room for your office.
The placement of a wellness room is crucial to its effectiveness. Ideally, it should be in a quiet area of the office, away from high-traffic zones like kitchens, meeting rooms, and communal workspaces. This ensures that employees using the space can fully unwind without distractions.
The size of the room should reflect the needs of your workforce. A small office might only require a compact space for short breaks or mindfulness activities, while a larger company may benefit from a multi-functional wellness room that accommodates different needs, such as relaxation, meditation, and even physical wellbeing activities like yoga or stretching.
A wellness room should be accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities, neurodivergent employees, and individuals with specific wellbeing needs. Step-free access, wide doorways, and enough space to manoeuvre around are essential. The space should also cater to different uses, whether for quiet reflection, prayer, breastfeeding, or mental health breaks.
For neurodivergent employees, consider sensory-friendly elements like dimmable lighting, noise reduction, and varied seating options to accommodate different comfort levels. Avoid overly bright colours or complex patterns that could feel overstimulating. Offering simple additions like noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools, or weighted blankets can make the space more welcoming for your whole team.
For more tips on designing inclusive office spaces, check out our guide to Designing an Inclusive Office Space.
The layout should promote a sense of calm while remaining practical. Consider creating different zones within the space, such as a seated area for relaxation, a reclining space for short rest periods, and a standing area for stretching or light movement. If the room is intended for multiple users at once, privacy screens or partitions can help create a sense of personal space.
Ensuring privacy is also key—frosted glass, soundproofing, or a simple ‘in-use’ sign can help employees feel at ease knowing they won’t be disturbed. If the wellness room is designed for sensitive activities, such as therapy sessions or prayer, extra privacy measures should be considered.
Soundproofing is essential in a wellness room, especially if it’s located in a busy office. Acoustic panels, soft furnishings, and rugs can help absorb noise and create a quieter atmosphere. White noise machines or calming background music can also be used to mask external sounds and enhance relaxation.
For more advice on improving the noise levels in your workspace, check out our post on Mastering Your Office Acoustics.
Lighting has a significant impact on mood and wellbeing. Natural light is ideal, but if that’s not possible, opt for adjustable lighting to allow employees to tailor the brightness to their needs. Warm, soft lighting is generally preferable to harsh fluorescent bulbs, creating a more inviting and calming environment.
Good lighting plays a huge role in wellbeing, alertness, and even productivity—so much so that we wrote a whole post on it. If you’re looking for bright ideas to optimise your workplace lighting, take a look at Why Good Office Lighting Matters and How to Achieve It.
The design of a wellness room should evoke a sense of tranquillity. Think neutral tones, soft pastels, or nature-inspired colours like greens and blues to create a calming effect, while harsh or overly bright colours may feel overstimulating and counteract the room’s purpose.
Thoughtfully chosen furniture—such as ergonomic seating, lounge chairs, or even floor cushions—can further enhance comfort and encourage relaxation within your wellness room.
To ensure fair usage, it’s important to establish clear guidelines for the wellness room. Will employees need to book the space, or will it be open for spontaneous use? Clear signage and guidelines help maintain the room’s purpose, preventing it from being used as an extra meeting space or casual hangout area.
Some offices opt for a simple online booking system, while others have designated time slots for different activities, such as meditation, stretching, or quiet reflection. Whatever the system, ensure employees feel encouraged and comfortable using the space. If you’re unsure how to manage access and fair usage, don’t worry—we’ve got a whole section on this coming up!
Once the design and layout of a wellness room are in place, the next step is ensuring it’s equipped with the right elements to make it a genuinely restorative space. At this stage, we recommend involving your team in these decisions by asking what they would find most useful and how they’d like to use the space. Getting employees involved at this stage ensures the room meets their needs and encourages greater engagement and regular use.
Here are some essential items every workplace wellness room should include:
1. Comfortable Seating and Rest Areas
A mix of seating options caters to different relaxation needs. Ergonomic chairs, reclining loungers, bean bags, and floor cushions provide flexibility for sitting, reclining, or even lying down. If space allows, a daybed or nap pod can offer a great option for short rest breaks.
2. Adjustable Lighting
Lighting should be adaptable to different moods and activities. Dimmable lamps, warm LED bulbs, and soft ambient lighting create a calming atmosphere, while task lighting can be useful for reading or mindfulness exercises.
3. Sound System for Relaxation
A small Bluetooth speaker or white noise machine can help set the right atmosphere in the wellness room. Whether it’s soft instrumental music, nature sounds, or gentle background noise, having an easy-to-use sound system allows employees to create a calming environment. Some offices may prefer to install a smart speaker with pre-set playlists to make it simple for anyone to use without the need for personal devices.
4. Air purifier and aromatherapy
Clean air and soothing scents can enhance relaxation. A small air purifier helps remove allergens and improve air quality, while a humidifier can prevent dry air, particularly in winter months. To introduce aromatherapy, consider a diffuser with essential oils—lavender for relaxation, eucalyptus for clarity, or citrus for an energy boost.
5. Wellness Accessories
Stocking the space with wellness-focused accessories ensures employees can fully unwind. Essential items might include yoga mats, meditation cushions, weighted blankets, and fidget tools for stress relief. A small bookshelf with mindfulness or self-care books can also provide an extra layer of relaxation.
6. Refreshments and hydration
Keeping a water station, herbal tea selection, or mini fridge with healthy snacks encourages employees to take mindful breaks while staying hydrated and nourished. If space allows, a small kettle for hot drinks can make the wellness room feel even more inviting.
7. Personal Care Essentials
Providing a few thoughtful personal care items can help employees feel refreshed before returning to work. Consider including hand lotion, tissues, face wipes, cooling eye masks, or even a mirror for quick touch-ups. If the wellness room is also used for breastfeeding, a privacy screen and a mini fridge for milk storage can be valuable additions.
Incorporating biophilic design—the use of natural elements like plants, wood, and natural light—can make a significant difference. Research shows that workplaces with natural elements report a 15% higher wellbeing score, a 6% increase in productivity, and a 15% boost in creativity compared to those without.
For recommendations on the best office plants and more insights into the benefits of biophilic design, check out our blog post, The Health and Wellbeing Benefits of Plants in the Office.
A wellness space is designed to be flexible, offering employees a place to reset, recharge, and take care of their wellbeing. While every business will tailor theirs differently, most wellness rooms serve a variety of purposes, including:
Many businesses design their wellness rooms to be adaptable, allowing both individual and group use depending on employee needs.
Introducing a wellness room is a great step, but having clear policies in place ensures it works effectively for everyone. Setting expectations around who can use the space, when, and how will help businesses manage workload, avoid disruptions, and make the most of the room.
Here are some key considerations:
Providing a simple wellness room policy document ensures that employees understand how to use the space appropriately. With the right framework in place, a wellness room can be a valued resource that enhances workplace wellbeing while keeping operations running smoothly.
At Making Moves, we’ve helped businesses across industries create workspaces that support employee wellbeing. Here are some examples of how we’ve worked with companies to integrate wellness spaces into their new offices:
As a leading mental health charity, Mind needed an office that reflected their mission. Their previous space no longer met their needs, so we helped them relocate to a light, spacious office in Stratford’s Olympic Park. A key feature was a dedicated wellness room, offering employees a private retreat for relaxation, mindfulness, and focus. By incorporating quiet zones and agile working areas, we created a space that supports positive mental health while maintaining productivity.
Fast-growing HR tech firm Hibob needed an office that encouraged collaboration and employee wellbeing. We worked with their team to fit a hybrid-friendly workspace, including a dedicated wellness room for meditation, relaxation, and confidential conversations. With soundproofed pods, breakout areas, and an All Hands space for global announcements, their office balances productivity and personal wellbeing, creating a workplace where employees thrive.
When Adyen moved into their new London HQ, they wanted a workspace that supported both efficiency and wellbeing. We collaborated with their team to integrate a wellness room, giving employees a quiet space to recharge. Whether used for meditation, reflection, or a break from a busy day, this space reflects Adyen’s commitment to a healthy, people-first workplace.
Looking for more workspace inspiration? Check out our entire case study archive to see how we’ve helped businesses create offices that work for their people.
From boosting employee satisfaction and productivity to supporting mental and physical wellbeing, wellness rooms are becoming a workplace essential in 2025 and beyond.
If your business is planning an office move or looking to rethink your current space with employee wellbeing in mind, get in touch with our experts at Making Moves today.
