HBR IdeaCast How to Build Workplaces That Protect Employee Health
Oct 6, 2020
John Macomber, a senior lecturer at Harvard Business School and expert in real estate, delves into how workplaces can better protect employee health. He emphasizes the importance of indoor air quality for cognitive performance and advocates for balanced building designs that prioritize both sustainability and wellness. Macomber discusses power dynamics between tenants and landlords, the need for retrofitting buildings, and how current economic conditions affect workplace health. He also explores future trends in design and employee expectations post-pandemic.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Green vs. Healthy Buildings
- Green buildings aren't always healthy buildings, often prioritizing energy efficiency over ventilation.
- Studies reveal poor air quality negatively impacts cognitive function, highlighting the need for healthy buildings.
COGFX Study
- The COGFX study demonstrated the impact of air quality on cognitive function.
- Volunteers performed worse on cognitive tests when exposed to poor air quality, providing empirical evidence.
Health and Productivity
- Protecting employee health is a baseline responsibility for employers, but improving productivity is a key driver.
- Healthy buildings can boost productivity and revenue by enabling better focus and performance.
