Sabre Building at Zonamerica is the First and only in Uruguay to Receive WELL Certification

The international certification recognizes the efforts of companies that provide an environment focused on the physical and mental well-being of their employees.

Sabre Uruguay has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first and only building in the country to obtain WELL Core certification, a prestigious recognition granted by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). The company achieved the Gold category and is one of the few in the region to receive this recognition. This international certification values companies’ efforts to create work environments that promote the physical and mental health of their employees, positioning Sabre as a corporate wellness leader in Uruguay.

Office Renovation: A Project that Supports Sabre’s Pro-Wellness Culture

Guillermo Prosper, VP of Finance at Sabre Uruguay, commented on the motivation behind this initiative: “We embarked on obtaining the WELL certification because it is an international seal that places the health and well-being of employees at the center, and Sabre has been working on this aspect for a long time. During 2022 and part of 2023, we took a big step and renovated our spaces to create a modern office conducive to discussion, ideation, team connection, knowledge sharing among colleagues, and, of course, personal enjoyment and connection,” he stated.

A Health-Designed Environment

Marcel Fontes, Facilities and Maintenance Manager for Sabre Latin America, explained that the process to obtain WELL certification was exhaustive, covering improvements in lighting, ergonomic furniture, and the incorporation of advanced water filtration systems and air sanitization technologies. “We renovated the office with a holistic approach to ensure that every detail contributes to our employees’ well-being,” Fontes commented.

The Role of Human Resources

Mercedes Cambón, Site Ambassador and Human Resources Director for Sabre in Latin America, emphasized that in addition to the physical improvements, Sabre promotes programs that foster well-being from a comprehensive perspective. “We offer free access to the Headspace mindfulness platform, improved our Wellness Room, and organize weekly activities like massages and consultations with nutritionists, all designed for the physical and mental well-being of our employees,” Cambón noted.

She also highlighted the commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility: “The renovation of spaces served to renew a commitment to sustainability, adopting measures that also have an environmental impact.”

Impact and Benefits

The WELL certification not only marks an achievement for Sabre Uruguay but also sets a new standard in the country for work environments. Guillermo Prosper concluded, “In a competitive job market, having WELL-certified offices can be a decisive factor in attracting and retaining talent. This achievement reflects our commitment to our employees’ well-being, which is essential for long-term success and sustainability.”

The Certification Process and Zonamerica as a Key Partner

The path to obtaining WELL certification at Sabre Uruguay was meticulous and collaborative. “Various characteristics grouped into ten key concepts were evaluated: air, water, nutrients, light, movement, thermal comfort, sound, materials, mind, and community. The certification process involved several stages of remote and in-person audits, documentation, implementations, and adjustments, and it was truly worth it,” Fontes explained.

The project was carried out with the support of Zonamerica and Eco Building, the external consultant hired to guide the process.

“We celebrate and understand this achievement as a reflection of the joint commitment and effort between Zonamerica and Sabre in the continuous pursuit of the well-being and development of employees,” highlighted Martín Dovat, General Manager of Zonamerica.

“Well certification places employees at the center of architectural design, and we work in line with this approach. The project involved incorporating new standards for workspaces, aiming to unwind the work environment, transforming the traditional office space into an open, warm, and dynamic environment,” noted María Ines Burghi, the project’s responsible architect and head of the area at Zonamerica.

“We are proud to have actively contributed to this initiative, collaborating with the Sabre team not only with our architectural services for the renovation of their offices but also by significantly contributing from our value proposition as a Campus. Green spaces, contact with nature, the promotion of healthy habits and physical activity, as well as the development of a consolidated community identity, are some of the key aspects considered in this certification,” Dovat emphasized.

“This certification reaffirms and validates our commitment to excellence and innovation in the design of spaces that foster the health and well-being of our community,” concluded Zonamerica’s General Manager.