The Sabre building in Zonamerica is the first and only one in Uruguay to receive WELL certification

This international certification recognizes the efforts of companies that provide a work environment designed to promote 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 earn WELL Core certification, a prestigious recognition awarded by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). The company achieved Gold status and is one of the few in the region to receive this recognition. This international certification recognizes companies’ efforts to create work environments that promote the physical and mental health of their employees, highlighting Sabre as a leader in corporate wellness in Uruguay.

Office Renovation: A Project Aligned with Sabre’s Wellness-Focused Culture

Guillermo Prosper, VP of Finance at Sabre Uruguay, commented on the motivation behind this initiative: “We set out to obtain WELL certification because it is an international standard that prioritizes employee health and well-being, and at Sabre we have been working on this aspect for a long time. “During 2022 and part of 2023, we took a major step forward by renovating our spaces to create a modern office conducive to discussion, ideation, team connection, and knowledge sharing among colleagues—and, of course, enjoyment and personal bonding,” he said.

An environment designed for health
Marcel Fontes, Facilities and Maintenance Manager at Sabre Latin America, explained that the process to obtain WELL certification was exhaustive, ranging from improvements to lighting and ergonomic furniture to the incorporation of advanced water filtration systems and air sanitization technologies. “We refurbished the office with a comprehensive approach to ensure that every detail contributes to the well-being of our employees,” said Fontes.

The Role of Human Resources
Mercedes Cambón, site ambassador and director of Human Resources for Sabre in Latin America, emphasized that, in addition to physical improvements, Sabre promotes programs that foster well-being from a holistic perspective. “We offer free access to the Headspace mindfulness platform, have upgraded our Wellness room, and organize weekly activities, such as massages and consultations with nutritionists—all designed to support the physical and mental well-being of our employees,” said Cambón.

She also highlights the company’s commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility: “The renovation of these spaces served to renew our commitment to sustainability by implementing measures that also have an environmental impact.”

Impact and Benefits
WELL certification not only marks an achievement for Sabre Uruguay but also sets a new standard in the country for workplace 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 the well-being of our employees, 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 features were evaluated under ten key concepts: air, water, nutrients, light, movement, thermal comfort, sound, materials, mind, and community. The certification process involved several stages of remote and on-site audits, documentation, implementations, and adjustments, and it was truly worth it,” explained Fontes.

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

“We celebrate this achievement and see it as a reflection of the shared commitment and effort between Zonamerica and Sabre in their ongoing pursuit of the well-being and development of their employees,” said Martín Dovat, general manager of Zonamerica. 

“Well certification places employees at the heart of architectural design, and that is the approach we are taking. The project involved incorporating new workplace standards, aiming to make the work environment more relaxed and transforming the traditional office space into an open, warm, and dynamic environment,” says Maria Ines Burghi, the architect in charge of the project and head of the department at Zonamerica.

“We are proud to have actively contributed to this initiative, working alongside the Sabre team not only by providing our architectural services for the renovation of their offices, but also by making a significant contribution through 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 strong community identity, are some of the key aspects considered in this certification,” Dovat notes.

“This certification reaffirms and validates our commitment to excellence and innovation in designing spaces that promote the health and well-being of our community,” concluded Zonamerica’s general manager.