Johnson Controls prioritizes health and well-being for its people

As a company that produces fire, HVAC and security equipment for buildings, Johnson Controls understands that the buildings where we live out our lives shape all aspects of our health and well-being. And it firmly believes that integrating evidence-based strategies that advance the health and well-being of its employees is part of its core mission.

“We are committed to healthy spaces for our own employees and are exploring ways to build on, and scale up, the healthy building certifications that we’ve already achieved in our two newest headquarters in Glendale, Wisconsin, and Shanghai,” said Tyler Smith, Johnson Controls’ Vice President of Healthy Buildings, HVAC & Controls.

We sat down with Smith to learn more about Johnson Controls’ work advocating for people-first places for everyone.

How have your real estate and organizational needs evolved as a result of changing expectations in the workplace?
COVID-19 forced us to reassess every aspect of human behavior, from how we greet our friends to how much space we allow one another in the supermarket line. It highlighted the critical role that buildings – and those who operate and manage them – play in supporting people’s health, safety and well-being.

Having confidence in the safety of their work environment is of utmost importance to our workforce, and that’s why pursuing WELL means so much to Johnson Controls and our employees.

Can you tell us why your organization decided to pursue WELL?
At Johnson Controls, we believe healthy buildings must be at the center of a vision for a healthy workplace. It’s natural for us to grow our relationship with IWBI since we both believe that the spaces around us can improve operating efficiency, promote health and well-being as well as boost productivity and enhance sustainability. Our designation as a WELL Enterprise Provider (WELL EP) will help drive a global culture of health for employees, customers and communities. WELL Certification perfectly aligns with our company goal to scale health and well-being efforts efficiently and effectively, while also driving organizational returns.

We also invested in the WELL Accredited Professionals (WELL APs) program and have already accredited several hundred engineers, sellers and other leaders. This group works with customers to identify products and solutions that can align with WELL criteria that contribute to improving occupant wellness. By supporting this credential, which denotes a commitment to advancing human health, we can bring additional value to trusted advisor relationships with our clients.

We have ambitious and accelerated sustainability commitments that address critical global environmental needs such as carbon reduction, energy efficiency and water conservation. In partnering with IWBI to advance the WELL movement, we can also support broader action across building construction, facilities management and environmental well-being for all.

How does your leadership on health and well-being provide a competitive advantage in the market, especially as it relates to attraction and retention?
It’s important that our employees feel supported both personally and professionally, and we do all we can to promote and support work-life harmony. The aim is for employees to have the time, energy and access to focus on the holistic wellness of themselves and their families, with programs and benefits centered around physical, financial and emotional well-being.

In addition, clean indoor air and healthier spaces ensure greater productivity and enable us and our customers to deliver on our business objectives. There is no doubt that investing in healthy buildings pays back.

How are you using WELL achievements to advance your ESG strategy?
Leveraging our WELL commitment to enhance our ESG strategy was core to our decision. The WELL Standard enables us to address the “S” in ESG head-on, while our WELL EP designation enables us to similarly guide our customers on leveraging the standard for their ESG journeys as well.

How does your organization foster a sense of purpose for employees?
We put “people always” at the heart of what we do and across our organization. We look for ways to empower employees to own their role in this purpose by giving them the tools to grow, with self-directed opportunities, including global projects, and a comprehensive learning hub for development. You can see our passion to build smarter, healthier and more sustainable tomorrows in everything we do – with buildings that support and enhance lives all over the world; in the schools, hospitals, sporting venues, airports and everywhere in-between.

Prioritizing health and well-being for your organization starts with WELL
How can investing in health pay back for your business? Explore more client stories to find out.