How Office Design Affects Performance and Wellbeing

The modern workplace is far more than a location for tasks – it shapes how we feel, interact, and perform. As a workplace strategist, it’s vital to understand the connection between office design and human behaviour. With the right workplace strategy, the environment becomes a powerful enabler of wellbeing, focus, and collaboration.

How does the office impact us?

Research in neurodesign shows that lighting, sound, colour, and layout directly affect the brain – influencing how we think, feel and behave. For instance:

• Natural lighting can improve alertness and concentration
• Biophilic design reduces stress and promotes calm
• Acoustic conditions impact cognitive function and comfort

Design for performance – not just aesthetics

Beautiful interiors alone are not enough. A strategic workplace concept combines form, function, and behaviour to support productivity.

• Quiet zones for focused work
• Collaboration areas to boost idea sharing
• Social spaces to foster culture and connection

Every design choice should be grounded in data and insights into how people actually work.

Want to explore neurodesign in practice?

Check out our article on how office environments affect the brain for actionable strategies that workplace strategists can apply today, read more here.

For a deeper dive, visit workplacestrategist.eu and explore our in-depth e-learning course. It will help you align workplace strategy with behaviour, neuroscience, and business goals – the true foundation of human-centred design.

If this sparked your interest, you’ll find more at weoffice.eu.