How can Interior Designers Enhance Employee Well-being in the Workspace?
February 2024
Interior Designers play a crucial role in creating workspaces that enhance employee well-being. A well-designed office environment can positively impact factors such as productivity, creativity and overall job satisfaction. We invite you to read through our insights on how to design effectively to create a healthy workspace environment.
By addressing these aspects, interior designers can create workspaces that not only look aesthetically pleasing but also contribute to the overall well-being and satisfaction of employees. Collaborating with professionals from various disciplines, such as human resources and health and wellness experts, can further enhance the effectiveness of the design in promoting employee well-being.
Credit – P & G Office, Guangzhou. Photography – Vitus LAU Li Yuan
Flexible Workspaces
It is essential that interior designers consider the diverse work styles of employees. Tailoring the workspace to accommodate various preferences creates a more inclusive and productive atmosphere. Perhaps, a worker is more introverted and prefers to independently work in a quiet area, or maybe a worker is more extroverted and enjoys working in social spaces that offer freedom to collaborate. Offering a flexible workspace environment allows employees to make choices based on how they work most effectively. To help to achieve a flexible workspace it is important to include collaborative spaces, quiet zones and relaxation areas to accommodate different work styles. And most importantly take time to understand how your client's business operates.
Credit – Orange Poland. Photography – Dariusz Majgier
Colour and Lighting
The thoughtful integration of colour and lighting can positively help to impact mood, productivity and overall mental well-being. Interior designers can consider using a calming colour palette, such as muted pastel tones to create a tranquil atmosphere. Designers can also include energising accents like yellows and oranges to stimulate creativity. Designers can use lighting design to significantly impact a workspace. The use of task lighting can help to reduce eye strain and enhance focus on specific tasks. Dimmable lighting systems can accommodate the different needs throughout the day and create a flexible and comfortable environment. Interior designers can also consider how they can maximise daylight exposure to help employees feel more alert and productive.
Credit – Interiors Diagnostics Diegem, Belgium
Wellness Rooms
Wellness rooms are becoming crucial components of an effective and supportive workplace. They not only address the physical and mental health needs of individuals but also contribute to creating a workplace culture that values and prioritises the overall wellness of its employees. The key considerations for the interior design of a wellness room include using comfortable furnishings to enhance the coziness of the room. Designers can also include natural elements such as plants, natural textures, or nature-inspired artwork to create a calming environment. Ensuring the room provides a sense of privacy through the use of curtains, blinds or frosted glass, allows employees to feel secure and secluded during their wellness activities.
Credit -WeWork, Shanghai. Dezeen
Social Spaces
Social spaces are an integral part of a business because they can help to create a sense of community among employees. Designing social spaces with an open layout can encourage spontaneous interactions and a sense of connectivity. Social spaces also need to be versatile so they can include for multiple purposes such as, casual meetings, individual work, group discussions and relaxation. The implementation of acoustic solutions to control noise levels is significant as it can help to create zones that support both collaborative discussions and focused individual work. This ensures a balanced and comfortable environment.
Credit – Calibre Group Limited Offices, Brisbane. Photography - Courtesy of Valmont
Clear Wayfinding
Designing intuitive wayfinding systems can reduce stress and confusion in the workspace, especially for new members of staff or visitors. Ensuring clear signage and a logical layout can enhance ease of navigation. To contribute to a positive experience designers can consider the use of colour-coded zones, floor graphics, interactive digital maps, directional lighting, visible room numbers, branded wayfinding and manifestation. By implementing these clear wayfinding strategies, the workspace can become more user-friendly and efficient.
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