With these five straightforward and immediately actionable steps, any organisation can take the first step towards creating a more nurturing and wellbeing-focused office:
1. Prioritise natural light and a healthy indoor climate
People need light – and fresh air. Workspaces with ample daylight not only benefit our physical health, but also enhance focus and mood. When combined with a comfortable indoor climate – optimal temperature, air quality and humidity – the result is an environment where employees feel at ease in the long term. Particularly when paired with biophilic design elements such as plants, timber and natural colour palettes, stress levels can be measurably reduced while creativity is encouraged.
2. Incorporate acoustic and visual retreats
Tranquillity is essential for wellbeing. Offices require designated areas that support deep focus and individual work. Visual and acoustic shielding – through room-in-room solutions (such as se:hive), partitions, or sound-absorbing materials – helps staff concentrate more effectively. This supports the oft-cited need to balance communication and concentration, a vital aspect of today’s hybrid working models.
3. Deliberately design comfort zones
Spaces that encourage relaxation make a direct contribution to wellbeing. Between 2021 and 2023, the number of offices with at least ten “wellbeing plus points” doubled (JLL, 2023). These include:
- Lounge areas with comfortable seating
- Green indoor or outdoor zones
- Quiet areas free from overstimulation
According to the HLW Benchmark Survey 2023, such areas enhance feelings of comfort and appreciation for 70% of employees.
4. Facilitate meaningful encounters
Relationships are a key driver for returning to the office – 85% of employees say so (M Moser, 2023). Yet only 28% of workspace is dedicated to social interaction. Often, all it takes is a central meeting point – a standing table, a coffee station, a relaxed atmosphere – to foster exchange. This creates connection, strengthens team spirit and contributes to a more productive, collaborative workplace culture.
5. Create a hospitable atmosphere
The future of the office is one of hospitality. Rather than impersonal open-plan spaces, employees are seeking environments that foster a sense of meaning and belonging. According to Gensler 2024, the “café-bar” is emerging as the archetype of the ideal workplace. Organisations that embrace a warm, inspiring and homely ambience not only promote wellbeing – they also turn the office into a destination of choice, particularly in the age of remote work.
In summary, whether it’s access to daylight, quiet retreats or spaces for social interaction – even small, thoughtful adjustments can significantly elevate wellbeing in the everyday office experience. Companies that invest in comfort, community and hospitality are not only investing in their people – they are cultivating a future-ready and attractive workplace culture.
Wellbeing begins with attentiveness. And the willingness to change is the first step.
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