Designing Brain-Healthy Workspaces for Better Business Outcomes
Experts discuss how intentional space design can significantly boost cognitive well-being, employee engagement, and business outcomes. They recommend creating diverse work environments that offer choice and control, seamlessly integrate technology for hybrid work, and prioritize investments in brain health-focused spaces linked to tangible business metrics.
Discussants:
Margaret Tarampi, PhD, Director of University Interdisciplinary Studies; Associate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Hartford – Moderator
Stevi McCoy, Chief Strategy Officer, HKS Inc.
Gale Moutrey, Global Vice President, Brand Experience and Workplace Innovation, Steelcase
Alaa Rabaa, Regional Head of Projects and Transactions, Corporate Real Estate - Americas at Macquarie Group
In a conversation centered on brain-healthy workspaces, panelists shared evidence-based approaches from their organizations, highlighting the importance of space design in enhancing cognitive well-being, employee engagement, and business outcomes. HKS, for example, conducted a pilot program revealing that space affordances such as focus, connection, and rest significantly impact performance. Steelcase's research on engagement and well-being led them to design spaces that support physical, emotional, and cognitive flourishing, emphasizing choice and control for employees. Macquarie Group, recognizing people as their strongest asset, adopted a human-centric design approach, fostering creativity and collaboration through interconnected spaces like a seven-story staircase in their New York office.
The discussion also addressed the challenges of measuring the impact of these interventions, the evolving definition of "workplace" in a hybrid environment, and the need for spaces that cater to diverse generational needs and work styles. Panelists noted that while collaboration spaces are crucial, individual focus and rejuvenation areas are equally important. The rise of remote work has introduced new expectations for workplace comfort, control, and technology integration to ensure equitable engagement for all employees. The conversation also touched upon the importance of sustainable design, natural light, and amenities like gyms in attracting and retaining talent, as well as the often-overlooked design of non-office built spaces such as healthcare environments.
"Most people don't go to work to do a bad job. They go to work to do a really good job. And so that's what I would like to see us all focus on just a little more." - Gale Moutrey
Recommendations:
Implement a range of spaces within workplaces that cater to diverse needs, including areas for deep focus, collaboration, and rejuvenation, providing employees with choice and control over their environment.
Integrate technology and physical space design from the outset to facilitate seamless hybrid work, ensuring equitable engagement for both in-person and remote employees.
Prioritize investments in brain health-focused spaces and practices, linking them to business metrics beyond revenue to include performance, engagement, and productivity.
Foster a culture of intentionality regarding space utilization, with leadership modeling behaviors that unlock the full potential of designed environments for brain health.
Incorporate sustainable design practices, including natural light and good air quality monitoring, to support employee well-being and attract talent.
Expand focus beyond traditional office spaces to consider the brain health of workers in non-office environments, such as healthcare settings and warehouses, through innovative design and feedback.
Promote awareness and education about the impact of physical space on cognitive and emotional well-being among design students, professionals, and organizational leaders.
Build networks and coalitions to foster ongoing dialogue and collaboration across industries on brain health and its spatial implications.
"I always say we want to create something that makes it worth the commute." - Stevi McCoy
Next Steps:
Implement pilot programs with employers across industries to understand the effectiveness of brain health interventions in various work environments.
Educate media and business leaders on the evolving dynamics of workplace design and its impact on employee well-being and productivity.
Implement intergenerational spaces that facilitate mentorship and learning across different age groups within the workforce.
Develop strategies to support the emotional and physical well-being of employees working from home, addressing issues like Zoom burnout and providing necessary equipment.
