Workplace Design Trends that Increase Happiness

One way to socialize an office is to encourage less sitting and more chance meetings between colleagues through building common areas and private nooks next to high traffic areas, like elevators, kitchens and bathrooms. Placing nooks strategically nearby these social areas will encourage change meetings to break off into private conversations that may not only breed better relationships but may also produce better work systems, brainstorming, solve problems, creating ideas, collaborations and innovations.

Staircases are another social area that are being pulled from the backend of buildings and made into common highways where even more chance encounters can occur.  Conference rooms are being brought from the corners to the center of rooms.  Boring walls that put people to sleep are being scrapped for glass walls that look on to busy areas, which can help keep minds awake.

Focus improves when workers have control over their personal work environment. One example is adjustable desks that improve happiness by giving workers control over their own comfort and health. Research also shows that standing meetings keep groups more engaged and less territorial than sitting meetings.

Private booths are also important so workers feel they can reliably retreat somewhere to complete a phone call or complete some critical work, uninterrupted.

Finally, workers’ happiness is supported when workspaces are places they do not dread coming to. This is best achieved by maximizing function and decor through adequate storage, available sunlight, and visible art to stimulate energy and creativity.

Smart organizations that dedicate effort and funds to office design models that boost worker happiness are likely to reap long-term benefits of healthier, more-engaged employees and improved organizational performance.