Neuroscience of Work: Designing Spaces for Happiness and Wellbeing

The modern business world is witnessing workplace wellbeing becoming a critical factor in organisational success. Therefore, organisations are realising the direct link between employee satisfaction and productivity, leading to a shift in office design. Backed by research, traditional layouts are giving way to designs focused on employee health and wellbeing. 

One key element tied to changing workplace designs is the neuroscience of the workplace. As the concept is intriguing, understanding it holistically is essential in creating engaging workplaces for employees. This article explores the fascinating blend of neuroscience and workplace design to know how the brain can shape environments that promote employee wellbeing and drive organisational success.

Connection Between Neuroscience Principles And Workplace Design

Understanding how the human brain reacts to its surroundings forms the basis of connecting neuroscience with workplace design. Applying these insights can help designers shape workspaces that naturally complement brain functions to enhance employee wellbeing and performance.

For example, studies show that exposure to natural light regulates mood and circadian rhythms, highlighting the need for ample light in offices. Likewise, ergonomic furniture and layouts that encourage movement optimise cognitive function and reduce physical strain. Using neuroscience, designers can create spaces with mental health support at work and spark creativity – ultimately leading to a more productive workforce.

Examples Of How Design Can Trigger Positive Workplace Experiences

The Murmuration Effect: The design of Simmons & Simmons' Singapore office by Space Matrix seeks to evoke a sense of harmony, interconnectedness, and movement through the use of light. Inspired by the mesmerising phenomenon of murmurations, where thousands of birds dance together in perfect synchronisation, the office's lighting design aims to create a similar ambiance. Moreover, the interconnected patterns of light creates a sense of unity and belonging, fostering collaboration and teamwork within Simmons & Simmons workforce.

The Green Sanctuary: Inspired by the nearby Bird Sanctuary, BPTP new corporate office in Noida by Space Matrix is a serene environment that fosters a deep connection with nature. Lush greenery cascades from side and aisle storages, creating a forest-like atmosphere. Hanging planters mimic a canopy, casting dappled shadows on the space. To further enhance the experience, natural wood elements—from flooring to furniture—warm the space with their tactile quality. This harmonious blend of nature and design not only creates a visually stunning workspace but also promotes well-being, productivity, and a profound appreciation for the natural world.

Key Concepts In Neuroscience Impacting Work And Workplace

Three fundamental concepts—stress, focus, and motivation—play crucial roles in shaping employee wellbeing and performance. Let's explore their roles in detail.

Stress

Stress can arise in the workplace from various sources, such as high workloads, tight deadlines, or interpersonal conflicts. Chronic stress detrimentally affects employee health and can lead to anxiety, depression, and sleeping troubles. 

Understanding the neural pathways involved in stress regulation can inform strategies to mitigate its impact on employees. Designing workspaces that incorporate elements conducive to stress reduction, like natural light, greenery, and designated relaxation areas, can help alleviate workplace stress and promote employee wellbeing.

Focus

Maintaining focus and sustaining attention is crucial for productivity and task performance. Distractions in the workplace, like noise, interruptions, or digital overload, can disrupt and impair cognitive function. 

Designing work environments that minimise distractions and support cognitive focus can enhance employee productivity. Elements like soundproofing, designated quiet zones, and ergonomic workstations create an environment conducive to sustained focus and optimal performance.

Motivation

Motivation drives behaviour and influences employee engagement, productivity, and job satisfaction. Neuroscientific principles suggest that intrinsic motivation, driven by internal rewards like autonomy, mastery, and purpose, is more sustainable and effective than extrinsic rewards. 

Workplace design can play a pivotal role in creating intrinsic motivation by providing autonomy-enhancing features like flexible work arrangements, collaborative spaces, and opportunities for skill development. Aligning your workplace design with the neural circuits involved in motivation can help your organisation create a culture of engagement and high performance among employees.

Connection

Building strong social connections at work enhances employee engagement and satisfaction. Workplace design plays a crucial role in fostering these connections. Incorporating open-plan layouts and designated collaboration areas encourages regular interaction among team members, strengthening relationships and boosting team cohesion.

Designing spaces that facilitate social interaction and teamwork can significantly improve employee morale and collaborative efficiency. By creating environments that support frequent and meaningful connections, you can enhance overall engagement and satisfaction within your organisation.

Creativity

Stimulating creativity is vital for innovation and problem-solving. Effective workplace design can boost creativity by integrating elements that inspire and engage employees. Features such as exposure to natural light, open-plan layouts, and collaborative spaces encourage creative thinking and idea generation.

Designing workspaces that stimulate creativity—through elements like nature integration, flexible layouts, and dynamic collaborative areas—supports a more innovative and productive workforce. By aligning your workspace with the needs of creative thinking, you can foster an environment that drives creativity and enhances overall performance.

Conclusion

Integrating neuroscience principles into workplace design holds immense potential for enhancing employee performance. Understanding how the brain responds to various environmental stimuli can help your organisation create spaces that promote stress reduction, focus enhancement, and motivation. 

As showcased through companies like Garmin and CSG International, thoughtful design elements like natural light and biophilic elements can impact employee satisfaction and productivity. Therefore, there is a clear signal to prioritise employee wellbeing in the workplace through intentional office design. 

So, why not embrace the insights from neuroscience and collaborate with design experts like Space Matrix to create workplaces that inspire creativity and collaboration?

 Contact us today to learn how we can make a workplace where your employees flourish