_{This article was written by: Shannon Crider Langley: Shaw Contract, Director Workplace + Retail Marketing. Published by: Shaw Contract} 

The Rise of Wellness Real Estate: Shaping the Future of Workplace Design

Photography by Eric Laignel. Shaw Contract Featured Products In This Photo: Community Collection; Exchange (Carpet Tile 5T304), Color Swatch: Argan (01100)

Workplace: Norfolk Southern, Atlanta, Georgia, USA HOK, Atlanta

In today’s commercial real estate landscape, wellness is no longer an afterthought — it’s a driving force shaping the way we design and experience workplaces. The concept of Wellness Real Estate has emerged as a powerful movement prioritizing health, productivity and sustainability in office environments. As more organizations recognize the benefits of integrating wellness into their spaces, the demand for thoughtful, people-centered design continues to grow.

What is Wellness Real Estate?

Defined by the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), Wellness Real Estate refers to spaces intentionally designed to support the well-being of its occupants. This approach goes beyond aesthetics, focusing on air quality, natural light, ergonomic design and material choices that contribute to overall health.

According to Gensler, the U.S. wellness real estate market is valued at over $580 billion, growing four times faster than its respective sectors and commanding revenue premiums between 24%-146%. This rapid growth highlights the increasing demand for workplaces that foster holistic well-being.

How Wellness is Shaping the Future of Workplace Design

The modern workplace is evolving into a hub for transformation where flexibility, sustainability and wellness intersect. Businesses are investing in environments that support mental and physical health, incorporating features such as:

• Biophilic Design: Integrating natural elements like greenery and water features to reduce stress and enhance well-being.
• Quiet Zones & Restorative Spaces: Providing focused work, meditation and relaxation areas.
• Fitness & Movement Areas: Encouraging physical activity through on-site gyms, walking paths and ergonomic workstations.
• Sustainable Materials: Utilizing flooring, furniture and finishes that contribute to healthier indoor environments.

Market Growth of Wellness Real Estate

The significant expansion of Wellness Real Estate is driven by shifting workplace expectations. Employees and business leaders alike recognize that healthier work environments lead to improved productivity, reduced absenteeism and higher engagement levels. As a result, commercial real estate developers are integrating wellness principles as a standard practice rather than an optional upgrade.

Read more about Wellness Real Estate and workforce health with this McKinsey Health Institute article. Thriving workplaces: How employers can improve productivity and change lives | McKinsey

How Shaw Contract Aligns with Wellness Real Estate Objectives

At Shaw Contract, we understand that great design has the power to connect people and create a lasting impact on our planet. For years, we have led the way in flooring innovation — developing solutions that make workplaces more inspiring, functional, and sustainable. Our vision is straightforward: to shape a better future through sustainability, innovation, and thoughtful, people-first design.

Our commitment to our People Together, Planet Forever promise reflects the objectives of Wellness Real Estate. Here’s how:

• Material Health & Transparency: Committed to safe, sustainable materials through third-party Cradle to Cradle® Certification.
• Circularity & Responsible Design: Designing for recyclability, reuse and reducing waste.
• Carbon Impact: Continuing to innovate and drive low-carbon solutions with responsible sourcing and manufacturing to lower embodied carbon.
• Inclusive Spaces: Flooring solutions that keep people at the center of design, ensuring spaces support and elevate the experience of all users.
• Acoustics: Flooring that reduces noise, enhances comfort, and helps to create restorative environments.

Acoustics and the link to workplace well-being

A well-designed workspace considers sound as a crucial factor. Shaw Contract has invested extensive research into the effects of sound in commercial spaces. Sound layers create soundscapes—the clicks of typing, office conversations, machinery beeps or the whirring of an air conditioner. A pleasant soundscape can positively impact our engagement, while a soundscape that exists as a by-product of acoustic failings can be harmful to our daily lives. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to noise can pose increased health risks, decrease learning and productivity and negatively affect revenue and earning potential.

Through the patented Sound Advisor® tool from Shaw Contract, customers can hear how different flooring options – from carpet tile to hard surface – affect the soundscape of an office environment. We invite you to listen for yourself at Sound Advisor and discover different flooring options that help reduce noise, resulting in improved focus and more overall cognitive performance and well-being.

Discover how our flooring enhances workplace acoustics.

Elevate Your Space with Shaw Contract

Wellness Real Estate is not just a trend—it’s the future of workplace design. As businesses seek to create environments that enhance well-being, Shaw Contract stands at the forefront, providing flooring solutions that support health, sustainability, and innovation.

Ready to transform your space? Reach out to your Shaw Contract account manager today to explore how our solutions can help you achieve the highest standards of Wellness Real Estate.

View Flooring That Works: Commercial Spaces Revealed

Encouragement Movement. Photography by Eric Laignel. Shaw Contract Featured Products : Turn Tile (Carpet Tile 5T205) in Coordinate (04535) 

Restorative Spaces. Photography by Garrett Rowland. Shaw Contract Featured Products : Dye Lab Collection, Dye Lab (Carpet Tile 5T041) in Black Tea (41516) Workplace: Slack HQ- Studio O+A

Ergonomic workstations. Photography by Rob Karosis Photography. Shaw Contract Featured Products: Off the Grid Collection; Expanse (Carpet Tile 5T219) in Color Swatch: Ridge (15580)
Workplace: JSA Architects Headquarters, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, USA

Quiet zones. Photography by Fotoworks © Benny Chan.This photo features a custom collection designed by Shaw Contract. Workplace: NFL Game Day Media Headquarters, Inglewood, California USA. NFL Media Los Angles | Projects | Gensler