ViOS’s people-first design brings in the best workers by giving them a place to do their best work

After opening in the spring of 2021, ViOS, a provider of health-optimized business space solutions, was proud to become the first coworking space to achieve WELL Certification in Greece. Since then, they have been reaping the rewards, securing 100% occupancy rates in select locations and increasing their competitive advantage across the board.

We connected with Corinna Saias, Chief Operating Officer of ViOS to find out more.

1. How has your offering evolved as a result of changing expectations in the workplace?

As the function of office space has evolved, the layout and services provided by the operators must reflect the most cutting edge health interventions. For example, at ViOS Coworking, we have dedicated a whole floor to well-being amenities, including a gym, showers, meditation zone and massage room to enhance occupant experience.

2. Can you tell us why your organization decided to pursue WELL?

WELL establishes useful, impactful guidelines to help companies create a safe, productive and enjoyable office space. Most importantly, WELL provides an independent assurance to stakeholders that all appropriate measures have been taken ensuring the quality of the service and space. We wanted to work with WELL to empower leaders to reimagine the office and question long-held assumptions about how work should be done. WELL provides a framework for organizations to change their culture and focus on their human capital.

3. Looking at your processes and outcomes, what are some of the most impactful health and well-being strategies ViOS is implementing across its portfolio?

One of our more impactful policies can be one of our most divisive. While the EU average smoking rate is 26%, Greece’s is 37%. We are the EU’s heaviest-smoking region. This means banning smoking in our outdoor areas is both particularly important and, for some, particularly surprising. Despite the initial surprise from some, the policy has been positively accepted by the different companies we host on our premises.

4. Now that you’re on board with WELL, how are you using achievements to advance your ESG strategy?

WELL is the first step to establishing policies in alignment with our values and our purpose, and it encourages us to act responsibly toward the rest of our ecosystem.

5. How does your leadership on health and well-being provide a competitive advantage in the market, especially as it relates to attraction and retention?

In our new reality, prioritizing employees’ well-being is essential. In fact, some companies have policies requiring that health and well-being features be in place when selecting a coworking space. Our WELL Certification makes a simple, convincing case. Beyond organizational requirements, prioritizing the people using our spaces makes them more attractive options for individuals and organizations, because, simply put, people want to work in environments that contribute to their well-being. People-first places help employee performance and help organizations attract and retain talent. That’s a competitive advantage for us.

6. What are some successes you’ve had as it relates to the WELL process? Challenges?

The COVID-19 pandemic continues, and concerns about protecting workers from it remain a key concern. As a result, our health and safety policies have proven particularly popular with our members. Our members want the reassurance that procedures, policies, and technologies are in place to make their workplace as safe as possible.

7. And finally, how does your work with WELL support both in-office and remote employees?

WELL is an invaluable resource contributing to our efforts to support employees by providing a workplace designed around their well-being, from promoting work-life balance to creating a sense of belonging and trust. We also draw inspiration and guidance from WELL in our efforts to give workers the information and resources to adopt healthier habits, such as getting regular exercise onsite.

Creating an environment for success starts with WELL
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