If, as the saying goes, we are products of our environment, then it stands to reason that an office setting can largely influence a worker’s health, productivity and well-being. Designing a workplace that lends itself to optimal performance goes far beyond providing each employee with a desk. Amenities most definitely have an impact on occupancy rates and job satisfaction. But so much more gets factored into the equation today. And employers who get the formula right see their efforts rewarded in the form of a more productive workforce as well as better retention rates.

Why design matters in a work setting

The average American devotes 90,000 hours of their life to working. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 73% of workers spend most or all of that time at their workplace (rather than in a home office). But in those workplaces, nearly half of workers report being burned out (45%), and one-third say they’re stressed out as a result of their jobs.

Obviously workloads and interpersonal connections contribute in positive and negative ways to mental health in the workplace. But interior design also plays a role in worker well-being.

By no means a novel concept, the connection between the space we inhabit and our mental state dates back to early civilization. Consider the Chinese practice of “feng shui,” which holds that the energy flowing from your surroundings can be used to promote health, harmony and balance. From this philosophy and other design strategies (plus ample studies in support of them), it’s hard to ignore the link between the colors, lighting, furniture arrangement, materials and artwork in a space and one’s mindset. So how can we manipulate or curate spaces to positively impact the well-being – and, by default, the productivity – of a workforce?

Three crucial components of healthy workplaces

When designing (or redesigning) an office to better address the needs of today’s workers, we at Aquila suggest focusing on features that render a workplace adaptable, comfortable and sustainable. Let’s delve further into these three areas and present some simple ways to heighten these qualities in both new and existing environments.

1. Adaptability. Today’s offices must offer spaces that accommodate any and all types of work – from large team projects to individually focused tasks – as well as other activities. Yes, many workers come into the office to interact and collaborate with their colleagues, but they still need privacy and quiet to get their tasks done, especially when they’ve spent the past couple years working in relative solitude from home. To meet these very different needs, flexibility is key. Spaces that prove suitable for three or four types of experiences will get the most usage. Modular furniture and movable walls easily allow for varying degrees of interaction among coworkers and multiple layouts within a single space. Commercial real estate firm JLL suggests building out large work cafes that double as meeting rooms as well as event, wellness or leisure spaces during non-work hours. The needs of a workforce are always evolving, and flexible, adaptable spaces that can be tweaked to satisfy a range of pursuits are better positioned to serve their populations for the long haul.
2. Comfort. Comfort is, obviously, an essential component of good work conditions, but how is this best achieved? Lighting, furnishings, plants and acoustic finishes are a good start. It’s hard to beat the benefits of natural light but in the absence of that, daylight-mimicking LEDs will suffice. Look to OSHA for further insight on office lighting. Ergonomic seating is another no-brainer for work stations, but inviting sofas and chairs where colleagues can meet and socialize also add to an office setting’s comfort level. A touch of nature in the form of greenery and live plant walls aids in lowering stress and absorbing sound – always helpful in a work setting. And acoustic panels and other features also help to mitigate noise issues, thereby assisting with focus and productivity.
3. Sustainability. Gen Z and millennials, who currently make up about half of the U.S. workforce (a number that will continue to rise as Baby Boomers reach retirement), have environmental sustainability top of mind, and they expect and have no qualms about pressuring their workplaces to take action on climate change. Some easy ways to make an office more eco-friendly include avoiding furniture treated with stain repellents and chemical flame retardants; offering trash, recycling and compost pins; using 100% recycled paper products; choosing communal over individual print stations; and implementing green transportation initiatives like subsidies for public transportation, bike storage or and carpooling programs. Additionally, employers and landlords can utilize AI to monitor occupancy levels and adjust energy use as needed.

There are a plethora of ways to promote employee wellness within the walls of your workplace. Flex spaces, an eye on comfort and eco-friendly efforts can position your business and its people for success. Get in touch with Aquila for further guidance on interior design’s implications for employee health, satisfaction and, consequently, worker productivity.