offi ce life
DESIGNS WHICH WORK
By Dr Bela Arora, chair of the Learning Spaces Pedagogic Research Group at the University of Wales, Newport
I
ncreasing attention is being paid to cost- effective space utilisation. However, is our somewhat understandable obsession with the cost of designing spaces simultaneously
destroying value? An appropriately-designed environment
which considers all the senses, essentially in a ‘sense sensitive’ way, can potentially increase levels of creativity and productivity in addition to improving a sense of wellbeing. Sadly, all too often, we see decisions for
offi ce design being determined by people who may not even work in the new environment and driven by the price tag at the one extreme or the desire to build the ultimate award-winning
statement building at the other extreme. Neither model puts the employee at the centre of the process. A survey by Fresh Business Thinking, of 100
offi ces in London, found that 57 per cent of employees felt that good working conditions would increase morale and 49 per cent said that an offi ce makeover would increase their productivity. One would be mistaken to think that this
is just about perceptions. There is research to back up the thinking. In fact, there has been extensive research, dating back to the early 20th century, categorically proving that design has a signifi cant impact on people. While it is true that ‘sense sensitive’ design
may bear an initial investment, there is no doubt that the costs would be quickly recouped in terms of increased productivity, lower levels of absenteeism and lower levels of stress in the workforce. It makes sound business sense to invest in the wellbeing of employees through consideration of the working environment as it has repeatedly shown to positively enhance the fi nancial bottom line. The impact of the working environment
should never be underestimated when it comes to the wellbeing and performance of employees. Environmental psychology literature
highlights how physical settings, including the height of ceilings, the colour of walls, levels of natural light, views from windows and temperature can dramatically impact upon everything from motivation to energy levels. By taking the recognised impacts of the environment on human behaviour into account, it becomes clear that the confi guration of a space is only part of the picture. The choice of colour in offi ce design is far
THEbusiness QUARTER 25
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