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: Occupied Space

Certified regularly occupied projects, as per IWBI, provide:

a. Number of occupants, demographic information and type of work performed.
b. Anonymous interviews with occupants soliciting feedback about the quality of the space and health impacts and perception of productivity.
c. Tracked data for sick days and absenteeism from the employer on each employee. If the project is a retrofit, a pre-occupancy evaluation should also be submitted.
Part 2: Stress Management

A 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

A program that addresses psychological and behavioral distress must be made available to students through the provision of one of the following:

a. Access to short term treatment and referrals to qualified professionals for depression, anxiety, substance use, smoking cessation, addiction and co-occurring mental health issues.
b. Qualified professionals such as nurses or guidance counselors available on-site for consultations on depression, anxiety, substance use, smoking cessation, addiction and co-occurring mental health issues.
Cardiovascular
Reproductive
Endocrine
Immune
Digestive

Applicability Matrix

Core & Shell Tenant Improvement New Construction
Part 1: Occupied Space - - -
Part 2: Stress Management - O O
Part 3: Mind and Behavior Support for Students - - -
Commercial Kitchen Schools Multifamily Residential Restaurant Retail
Part 1: Occupied Space - - - - -
Part 2: Stress Management - P - O O
Part 3: Mind and Behavior Support for Students - P - - -

Verification Methods Matrix

Letters of Assurance Annotated Documents On-Site Checks
PART 2 (Protocol)
Stress Management
Policy Document
PART 3 (Protocol)
Mind and Behavior Support for Students
Architect Architectural Drawing
97

Employee Assistance Professionals Association. Standards and Professional Guidelines for Employee Assistance Programs. http://www.valueoptions.com/providers/Handbook/treatment/EAP_Guidelines.pdf. Published 2010. Accessed October 17, 2014.

95.1.a

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