Future of Work: Spotlight on wellbeing part 2 – the workspace

By Peter Workman

Before the launch of Source, my career was spent in the classic corporate office in one form or another – first in four big law firms and then in two even bigger accountancy firms. I have also spent time on secondment to a PLC. So, I am very familiar with the typical white collar workplace as it has existed over the past two decades.

Architecture and aesthetics often played a part in the workplace of my early career, which could be very inspiring. Two of my four law firms had for their London HQ a spectacular, iconic building. However, the main design innovations of such premises lay in exterior features and a dramatic large atrium, typically involving a combination of steel, marble and glass. This made sense as these were the showpiece areas, often seen by clients and sometimes by the media. There was relatively scant attention paid to the areas where the hard graft was done – the working areas, where I spent my days as a junior lawyer. At the time, the generally accepted wisdom was that the appearance of these areas did not matter as much.

Up to 2020, there were two main models of workspace – the cellular and the open-plan. The cellular model involved small rooms, usually a row of them bordering a long corridor, with each containing one or two people. Open-plan involved long desks with rows of workstations. Some preferred the cellular office, as it was quieter and better for concentration. But others preferred the livelier and more communal open-plan model.

There has been a major shift in priorities since those days, including among professional firms. In recent years, and since 2020 especially, far more attention has been paid to the quality of the working areas. With the rise of hybrid working since the pandemic, firms choosing, building or refurbishing offices are moving away from the simple binary choice of cellular versus open-plan. It is common now for offices to feature a combination of both, with both workstations and quiet rooms, and attractive communal areas. Indeed, the design choices of some firms now seem to involve the hipster aesthetic of loft apartments and coffee shops, with calming pastel shades or tasteful bare bricks.

But in 2024, as in 2000, businesses are concerned with productivity and with the bottom line. So, either the design choices are window-dressing to persuade the unwary that the firm is a place of leisure, or there are real business benefits in adopting such a style. Good design choices cost, so the latter seems more likely.

In fact, modern office design reflects a growing recognition that attractive working spaces contribute to the wellbeing of employees, and therefore productivity and the bottom line. They are good for business. There is a widespread acceptance of the connection between the physical environment and mental and physical health. Hence many contemporary offices embrace open layouts, natural light, and biophilic design, which integrates elements of nature such as plants, water features, and natural materials. Research shows that exposure to natural light and greenery helps reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue. Employees who work in spaces with abundant natural light often report better mood, higher energy levels, and improved concentration.

Furthermore, the rise of hybrid working has encouraged a greater focus on flexibility. After all, the office needs to be a relaxed and helpful environment if it is to win out over the well-equipped home office, furnished to one’s personal taste. So flexibility is the order of the day and modern offices often offer a variety of spaces. From quiet zones for deep, focused work to collaborative spaces that encourage teamwork, flexibility allows employees to choose the environment that best suits their needs from time to time. The ability to switch between different settings (the standing desk, the cosy lounge area, the quiet meeting room) adds a welcome element of choice.

In-person interaction is a positive for wellbeing and can be another good reason to come into the office. Modern office design can help to facilitate human connection. Communal areas such as kitchens, break rooms and shared workspaces encourage collaboration. These spaces are often designed to be inviting and comfortable, with features like ergonomic furniture and warm lighting. Fostering social interaction strengthens team dynamics and helps reduce feelings of isolation. My own experience is that for work types involving teams, being in the office is preferable and a well-designed workplace can really boost the quality of interactions with colleagues.

It is not only mental wellbeing that is a focus in the modern office. Physical health is also affected, for good or ill, by design and furniture choices. Traditional office arrangements, with their static desks and uncomfortable chairs, have been linked to a range of adverse physical health outcomes, including back and neck problems and poor posture, and the broader range of negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle. As such, modern offices have embraced ergonomic furniture and adjustable workstations that encourage movement throughout the day. Sit-stand desks, for example, allow employees to alternate between sitting and standing, reducing the negative health effects of prolonged sitting. Additionally, some offices incorporate wellness rooms for stretching, meditation, or even napping. Many firms provide a gym within their premises or offer membership of one nearby.

I have found that I am more productive in a physical environment that is – as I would put it – inspirational. I don’t mean inspirational in the exterior façade or as one walks through a grand reception area. I mean inspirational in the areas where the work gets done. This does not require dramatic architecture, but attention to detail and empathy with workers and an understanding of their needs. Although our world of work becomes more demanding each year, with globalisation and technology reducing distance and demanding 24/7 availability, one positive feature of our trajectory is the rise of the well-designed workspace, the empathetic workspace, helping us to get things done with as little wear-and-tear as possible.

Although the future of work is unlikely to involve much reduction in pressure, I think we will continue to see a focus on wellbeing and how well the workspace equips us for work.

To find out more about flexible legal resourcing, and how Source could assist you with temporary and interim in-house placements, please get in touch with me using the contact details below.