The Psychology of Workspace Design: How Environment Impacts Productivity

Many research studies showed that the environment plays a big role in shaping cognitive function and mood. This actually means one should create an environment that supports focus, creativity and overall job satisfaction.

Most of us spend one-third of the day at work. Which we all know is a lot of time. Workplace well-being significantly impacts our overall mental and physical health. It is equally essential to understand how our workspace design affects us.

UK productivity in the workplace is dwindling. Between 1974 and 2008, workplace productivity grew by 2.3% annually, but from 2008 to 2020, that rate was just 0.5%. What’s going wrong? While many factors contribute to this decline, one often overlooked element is office design. Workspace design is psychologically driven to enhance productivity and overall job satisfaction when done well. Check out this article for more insights into creating flexible and effective workspaces.

Let us explain to you how lighting, colour, and layout can transform your workspace into a productive environment. 

Light 

Lighting plays a huge role in how we feel and work. The lighting can boost energy levels and improve focus. On the other hand, dull lighting can cause headaches and a serious lack of motivation.

Natural or Artificial Light?

Natural light is the gold standard. Studies show that workplaces with access to natural light see employees reporting an 18% increase in productivity and a 56% decrease in drowsiness. Exposure to daylight helps regulate our circadian rhythm. It also keeps us alert during the day and improves sleep quality at night.

Artificial light, on the other hand, comes in quality. Harsh fluorescent lighting can cause eye strain and headaches, while dim lighting can make employees sleepy. You can balance natural and artificial light for a productive workspace. If you are looking for inspiring workspaces with plenty of daylight, check out Top Coworking Spaces with Natural Light for some of the best options.

Light Intensity and Colour Temperature

The colour temperature of light also impacts the workspace productivity. Warm tones are great for relaxation but might not be ideal for deep focus. Cooler tones promote concentration and alertness. Cool white light between 4000K and 6500K increases alertness by up to 15%.

You can position desks near windows when possible and use sheer blinds to reduce glare. You can combine overhead lighting with task lighting to avoid eye strain. You can adjust dimmable lights or smart bulbs to allow employees to customise their workspace based on their needs. 

Optimising light can make a noticeable difference in energy levels and efficiency. How to Make Your Office Space More Productive starts with getting the lighting right.

Colour

Have you noticed how colour significantly influences our emotions and behaviours, especially in the workplace? Research indicates that different hues can impact mood and productivity.

The Psychology of Colour in the Workplace

Studies have shown that colours can evoke specific emotional responses. Nelson Mandela utilised the green colour to inspire hope and rejuvenation throughout his political campaign aimed at abolishing apartheid in South Africa.

Conversely, red can increase heart rate and stimulate activity, which might be beneficial in spaces where physical tasks are performed. Schauss conducted research on U.S. correctional facilities. It indicated that aggressive behaviour diminished after walls were painted pink, which led to its widespread adoption in prisons in both the U.S. and Canada.

It was also found that purple had a negative impact on the work environment, as CBS reported.

Here is how you can choose the right colours for productivity.

• Blue & Green are Ideal for high-focus tasks. These colours create a sense of calm and help with problem-solving. They’re great for offices where deep work is required.
• Yellow is an optimistic colour that can help stimulate creativity and increase mental clarity. It’s beneficial in brainstorming areas or creative studios.
• Red can indeed be viewed favourably by workers and effectively inspire individuals. It works well in areas where quick decision-making or physical work happens.
• Neutrals & Earthy Tones like white, grey, and soft browns create a balanced and distraction-free environment.

How to Use Colour Effectively

Balance is important when selecting colours for the workplace. Excessive use of a single colour can be overpowering. It is preferable to incorporate it as an accent in decor or furniture to foster a well-balanced and engaging atmosphere.

Colours can appear differently in different conditions. A cool blue may seem muted in warm lighting, whereas a soft pastel can glow in natural light. You can reinvent working from anywhere by designing a workspace that boosts productivity and well-being.

Layout

A well-planned workspace layout directly impacts workflow. Dell conducted a 2019 study that found that 73% of UK office workers would leave their workplace if the environment didn’t inspire them to fulfil their role.

The Impact of Layout on Workflow and Collaboration

Open layouts promote communication and idea-sharing. However, too much openness can lead to distractions, so balancing communal areas with quiet zones is important. A mix of open spaces, private nooks, and breakout areas allows employees to choose the environment that best suits their tasks.

Recent studies by Savills revealed that although 80% of the UK has the highest rate of working in open-plan offices, 37% of individuals still felt that the layout of their workspace negatively impacted their productivity.

Ergonomics and Spatial Organisation

Ergonomics design prevents strain and discomfort during long work hours. Poorly designed workspaces contribute to back pain and fatigue, which impact productivity. Research shows that ergonomic office setups can increase efficiency by up to 17%.

Beyond ergonomics, spatial organisation matters, too. A well-structured workspace reduces distractions and improves focus.

Conclusion

The design of a workspace greatly influences productivity and general well-being. Each component contributes to forming an atmosphere that fosters productivity instead of obstructing it. Small design changes can make a big impact, just like these Ways to Decorate Office Space on a Budget.

A carefully designed workspace focuses on functionality. Adequate lighting minimises fatigue, suitable colours enhance focus, and an ergonomic design aids in avoiding discomfort.

There isn’t a universal solution for designing workspaces. Trying out various design components can assist in discovering the ideal equilibrium. For flexible workspaces designed with productivity in mind, FlowSpace makes it easy to find spaces that fit the way you work best.