A positive work environment

In January 2019, in her Barbour Product Search blog post entitled “What does interior design have to do with wellbeing?”, Katja Knox wrote “The need for spaces, buildings and interior products to create a positive environment for occupants is ever increasing.” So that was the case even before the Covid 19 pandemic changed people’s working patterns. Gensler, after twenty years of research into workplace design, recently published their latest global workplace survey, and an article based on the results identified what workers need to do their best work: https://www.gensler.com/blog/top-10-things-employees-value-inside-beyond-the-office

Janet Pogue McLaurin concluded that “The workplaces that truly resonate are the ones that make people feel valued – where the environment supports how they work and live.” Among these most valued amenities were quiet areas and spaces supporting employees’ wellbeing.

Direct engagement with staff

Gensler recognised in their 2024 research the value of direct engagement with employees when planning workplace changes. This is something WuduMate has also found to be beneficial even on small-scale changes, such as the creation of a multi-faith room or quiet room. WuduMate’s clients often follow the advice given in in "Diversity Matters - A Guide to Best Practice Multi-Faith Room Design" to involve all potential users of the space, whether they are of any particular faith or none. This fosters mutual understanding and respect and helps all employees to feel welcome, regardless of their background or beliefs.

WuduMate Classic recognised by Architizer for its positive impact

In 2025, the WuduMate Classic was chosen as a finalist in the Positive Impact category of the Architizer A+ Product Awards. Architizer ( https://architizer.com/ ), a U.S. based website providing inspiration and tools for architects, celebrates the world’s best architecture and design. The WuduMate Classic is central to WuduMate’s ( https://wudumate.com/ ) range of footbaths and accessories for the Muslim pre-prayer ablution ritual of wudu. When a multi-faith room is at the planning stage, provision should be made nearby for separate male and female wudu facilities.

Companies committed to making everyone feel welcome

The design of the WuduMate Classic improves the user’s experience through its great attention to ergonomic detail, and although it has proved its suitability for a wide variety of settings, this CSA (Canadian Standards Association) certified product has had the most positive impact within commercial buildings throughout the world. Positive feedback from happy staff demonstrates that the inclusion of a WuduMate Classic "...eliminates the awkwardness of performing pre-prayer ablution in public bathrooms" and that people are "proud to work for a company that is committed to making everyone feel welcome.”

WuduMate Compact ideal for workplaces where space is limited

Another popular ablution facility, also certified by the CSA Group, is the WuduMate Compact. There is a high demand for this model within the U.S. and U.K. commercial sector, as it is ideal for use where space is limited. This easy to install, compact wudu basin with stool provides a safe and comfortable facility for Muslim employees and visitors to perform their pre-prayer ablution ritual. The high quality porcelain option fits in well alongside existing porcelain sanitaryware. The lightweight construction of the acrylic version makes it easy to install in places with awkward access, and ideal for transporting to remote locations, if necessary, by air courier.

By creating a flexible quiet room, well-being space, or multi-faith room and by providing accompanying ablution facilities for those staff who require them, companies can improve the working environment, thereby making employees feel more valued and welcomed, which can only be a good thing.