This is a legacy version of the WELL Building Standard. Please check the latest version here.

Stress and addiction treatment

An important and complex relationship exists between our mental and physiological states. Chronic stress adversely impacts the body, from the nervous to the cardiovascular system. Substance addiction is one of the most damaging manifestations of stress, combining the toxicity of the substance itself with the mental distress associated with social stigma and/or attempts to quit. In recent years, refinements in addiction treatment and stress reduction therapies, as well as pharmacological interventions have been successful in helping to mitigate these debilitating conditions.

This feature can complement other workplace wellness programs to help reduce employee stress levels, diminish addictive tendencies and prevent relapses.

Part 1: Mind and Behavior Support

An on-site program that addresses psychological and behavioral distress is made available to workplace occupants through:

a) Employee Assistant Programs (EAPs) offering short-term treatment and referrals to qualified professionals for depression, anxiety, substance use, addiction and co-occurring mental health issues.
Part 2: Stress Management

An on-site stress management program is made available to occupants through:

a) A qualified counselor offering group, private workshops and referrals.
Part 3: Mind and Behavior Support for Students

An onsite program that addresses psychological and behavioral distress must be made available to students through:

a) Programs offering short term treatment and referrals to qualified professionals for depression, anxiety, substance use, smoking cessation, addiction and co-occurring mental health issues.
Cardiovascular
Reproductive
Endocrine
Immune
Digestive

Applicability Matrix

Core & Shell New Construction WELL Interiors
Part 1: Mind and Behavior Support - O O
Part 2: Stress Management - O O
Part 3: Mind and Behavior Support for Students - - -
Commercial Kitchen Education Multifamily Residential Retail
Part 1: Mind and Behavior Support - P - O
Part 2: Stress Management - P - O
Part 3: Mind and Behavior Support for Students - P - -

Verification Methods Matrix

Letters of Assurance Annotated Documents On-Site Checks
PART 1 (Protocol)
Mind and Behavior Support
Policy Document
PART 2 (Protocol)
Stress Management
Policy Document
PART 3 (Protocol)
Mind and Behavior Support for Students
Architect Architectural Drawing
49

Employee Assistance Professionals Association. Standards And Professional Guidelines For Employee Assistance Programs. Published 2010. Accessed October 17, 14.

95.1.a

The OPM's EAPA Standards and Professional Guidelines recommend Employee Assistance Programs with confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services for employees who have personal and work-related concerns or issues.