Workspace Design
Designing Workplaces For Productivity And Longevity
Jason Brown, Director of Design and Development at Knightsbridge, explores the critical role workplace interiors play in supporting productivity, wellbeing and long-term comfort across offices, healthcare facilities and education environments.
It is often said that these days, we spend more time at work than at home, and for office workers, the numbers are stark. The average individual will spend around 90,000 hours of their life sitting at a desk – almost one-third of their lifetime. With figures like that, it is clear that workplace interiors are not just about aesthetics or branding. They are about human health, wellbeing and the practicalities of sustaining productivity over decades.
While the image of “the workplace” often defaults to the office, the reality for facilities managers is much broader. Healthcare environments, education settings and mixed-use spaces are also workplaces in their own right. Each has unique requirements, shaped by the roles performed within them. For those tasked with making decisions about refurbishments, procurement, understanding these distinctions is essential.
fit-outs or In offices, the challenges are largely centred on sedentary
working. Long hours at a desk have been linked to musculoskeletal problems, reduced cardiovascular health and lower levels of concentration. Furniture, therefore, must do more than simply fill a space. It should support posture, encourage movement and offer adaptability to cater for a diverse workforce. Adjustable chairs, sit-stand desks and modular breakout furniture all have a role to play, but the real challenge for facilities managers lies in providing consistency and inclusivity. No two employees are the same and a workplace that serves hundreds of individuals must accommodate a wide range of body types, preferences and health needs while keeping budget restrictions in mind.
The psychological environment is equally important. Furniture that supports both collaboration and quiet concentration can transform productivity. Softer seating in breakout areas encourages informal discussions that can spark innovation, while quiet zones allow
individuals to manage stress and
maintain focus. A well-designed office interior, underpinned by thoughtful furniture choices, can foster a culture of flexibility, balance and long-term wellbeing.
Healthcare environments present a completely different set of priorities. Here, staff often spend long shifts on their feet, working under pressure in physically and emotionally demanding circumstances. In these settings, furniture needs to provide respite and rehabilitation. Staff rooms benefit from pieces that allow genuine rest and recovery, while patient areas require solutions that support mobility, aid rehabilitation and reduce anxiety.
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