StandardsIWBI and The Instant Group launch WELL coworking rating for healthier workspaces

The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) has teamed with The Instant Group to launch the WELL Coworking Rating, a first-of-its-kind WELL rating for flexible workspace.

The new rating is designed to validate, and highlight, health and wellbeing measures in flexible work environments which align with the broader goals of enhancing workplace satisfaction, employee retention, and productivity.

Based on the WELL Building Standard, the WELL Coworking Rating evaluates more than 50 health-focused features across ten categories, including air and water quality, lighting, thermal comfort, physical fitness, and nutrition.

Healthy workplaces continue to grow

To recognise market leaders and encourage uptake, the WELL Coworking Rating will be integrated into The Instant Group’s platform – one of the world’s largest marketplace for flexible workspace offerings and used by more than 20,000 landlords, flex operators and investors. Prospective coworking and flexible workspace users will be able to search for the new rating across more than 350,000 flexible workplaces on Instant’s digital platforms.

Rachel Hodgdon, IWBI President and CEO, comments: “The WELL Coworking Rating will bring the benefits of WELL’s health and productivity strategies to coworking users. Everyone deserves a healthy workplace that supports their physical and mental wellbeing, and we’re thrilled to work with The Instant Group to expand WELL’s reach alongside a dedicated group of market leaders.”

Sam Pickering, Executive Director and Head of Sustainability at The Instant Group, adds: “After launching Instant’s Sustainability Index last year, a shift to health was the natural next step. Noticing the absence of a wellbeing benchmark specific to coworking spaces, we partnered with IWBI, a global authority on healthy buildings, to create a rating that landlords, operators, and occupiers can embrace.”

The introduction of the WELL Coworking Rating reflects the growing importance of health and wellbeing in workplace strategy. Research underscores that healthy work environments contribute to higher workplace satisfaction, increased productivity, and improved employee retention.

A 2022 study found that WELL Certified offices lead to a 28% rise in employee satisfaction and a 10-point increase in productivity. Research, including a 2023 report by JLL, also suggests that healthy buildings can attract higher rents and longer lease terms.