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In the current rapidly evolving work environment, retaining valuable talent has become a critical priority for businesses. Office design, once focused merely on basic functionality, now plays a significant role in employee well-being and engagement.
The stakes are high. In April 2024, a staggering 57% of employees reported feeling burnt out, a significant increase from 25% just a few months earlier. Burnout manifests in various ways—exhaustion, diminished cognitive function, emotional volatility, and a sense of insignificance in one's work.
High job insecurity and loneliness are major drivers, with job anxiety increasing burnout risk by 97% and job depression by 201%.
Human-centric office design helps to address these issues by creating spaces that prioritise the needs of people. By creating a sense of connection and well-being, these designs help mitigate burnout and improve retention. After all, employees who feel supported and valued are less likely to leave, contributing to lower turnover rates and a more stable, engaged workforce.
In this article, we'll explore the core principles of human-centric office design and how they can transform your workplace into a hub of well-being and productivity.
Understanding Human-Centric Office Design
At its core, human-centric design creates a workspace that meets the needs of its users. Unlike traditional layouts, it offers various spaces and amenities to improve work life quality.
Human-centric design is still rare, mainly in coworking spaces where skilled design teams elevate the workspace experience. These spaces support different work styles and offer amenities that simplify and enhance employees' lives. Incorporating human-centric principles not only improves aesthetics but also helps create a supportive, engaging environment that elevates wellness, creativity, and efficiency.
In office design, layout is crucial, and coworking spaces often excel in this area. While shared workspaces are typically seen as open plan with ample opportunities for socialising and collaboration, human-centric design balances this with private spaces for focused work, one-on-one conversations, and meetings. This can include soundproof pods, private meeting rooms, brainstorming areas, private offices, and comfortable couches.
This is precisely what Studio DB was able to do to enhance KPMG’s lobby. We helped them to create a more inviting and functional space that aligns with their values and promotes community and collaboration.
The redesigned lobby now features a variety of informal and semi-formal meeting spaces, including nooks, powered work lounges, benches, and freestanding meeting rooms. The outdoor area has been transformed into a social hub with ad hoc meeting spots, lunch areas, and BBQ spaces, creating a welcoming environment for staff and clients to connect and work remotely.
A well-designed workspace is intuitive. Key amenities like a concierge and café are prominently placed at the entrance, while larger offices and quiet areas for deep concentration work are located away from high-traffic zones.
Situated on Grafton Road in Tamaki Makaurau, Starship Foundation required an 'Innovation Hub' to advance curable treatments that could be utilised globally.
Studio DB’s H.U.S.T.L.E® methodology successfully managed a complex project involving multiple parties and variables. Collaborating with the real estate agent, we supported Starship in completing due diligence and de-risking the purchase, then assembled a project team to ensure proper governance and partnership with TOA Architects.
The end result is something truly remarkable where the ground level is now a beautiful cafe and entrance, and the second level is meeting rooms, desk stations and concentration zones.
An office without top quality services and amenities will likely remain underutilised. Today, office spaces are designed with a hospitality mindset, focusing on user experience similar to hotels and resorts. This means that amenities and services provided are critical to creating a desirable workplace.
The specific amenities may vary depending on the office and its occupants, but the goal remains the same: to offer a personalised experience with features employees need and want. This can include:
These amenities not only enhance the work environment but also promote professional and personal growth, enabling employees to thrive.
Studio DB’s collaboration with Hind Management is a case study in point. Hind Management's Auckland workplace concept draws inspiration from the comfort and boldness of hotel interiors, featuring bold colours complemented by warm oak and walnut timber. This design creates a cosy, inviting atmosphere, enhanced by feature lighting, custom furniture, and interior planting. The approach reflects Hind Management's commitment to excellence in creating a welcoming and functional workspace.
Plants, an abundance of natural light, and earthy tones add more than just aesthetic charm. Plants are known to reduce stress and increase concentration, while natural light can improve mood and ease Seasonal Affective Disorder. This is a critical benefit when you consider that health reports say that If you have job depression, you are 201% more likely to be burnt out.
Including natural elements in workspace design promotes creativity and productivity, creating a more comfortable environment. Some coworking spaces also integrate design aspects that reflect their specific context. Whether in a heritage building or a new development, considering local landmarks, culture, and unique features during the design process can help the workspace connect with the local community.
In Conclusion
Creating a human-centric office design is no longer just a luxury—it's a necessity for retaining top talent and ensuring employee well-being.
Ready to transform your office into a space where people can truly thrive? Contact Studio DB today and let’s chat about how we can help you create a workspace that boosts well-being and elevates the creativity, and efficiency of your most valuable assets - your staff.
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