1. Ensure Natural Light and Biophilic Elements
An office with plenty of natural light and natural elements has a proven positive effect on well-being and performance. Research shows that employees can be 6% more productive thanks to natural elements such as sunlight and greenery, while creativity and perceived well-being increase by 15%.
Integrate biophilic designs by maximising daylight, creating views of greenery, and using natural materials (wood, stone). Add plants – not only for aesthetics but also because they dampen sound and improve air quality. A green wall or planter in strategic corners has a significant effect on employee well-being.
2. Implement Activity-Based Working with Flexible Workspaces
The daily work routine does not have to be confined to one office. Activity-Based Working allows employees to choose where they perform their work based on the task – quiet for concentration, open spaces for collaboration.
Dit multispacemodel creëert werkomgevingen die zich aanpassen aan de behoeften van werknemers, in plaats van andersom. Flexibele werkplekken verhogen niet alleen tevredenheid maar ook productiviteit. Modulair meubilair: tafels en stoelen op wielen maakt snelle herschikking mogelijk.
3. Create Clearly Defined Zones for Different Types of Work
A brain-friendly office has four essential zones: concentration, communication, collaboration, and relaxation. It is crucial to fully separate these, as concentrating and communicating cannot take place in the same space.
Priorities for each zone:
Concentration zones: Private focus rooms or phone booths with sound insulation for deep work
Communication zones: Phone booths and small separate spaces for confidential conversations
Collaboration zones: Open, energetic spaces for brainstorming and meetings
Relaxation zones: Quiet lounge areas and informal spaces
A good design prevents noise from one area from intruding into another.
4. Build Ergonomic Workplaces In
Werknemers brengen veel tijd op kantoor door. Een comfortabele, gezonde werkhouding is essentieel voor gezondheid en prestaties. Investeer in ergonomische meubels: verstelbare bureaus, ondersteunende stoelen en dynamische bureaustoelen die beweging stimuleren.
Good ergonomic design leads to fewer health complaints, less absenteeism, and higher performance. Adjusting the work environment in five elements (including ergonomics) can lead to a 10% increase in employee performance.
5. Ensure Sufficient Personality and Homely Feel
An office should not feel like a dull, corporate environment. Employees feel more engaged in spaces that radiate warmth and personality. This can be achieved through selective use of colour, artwork, planters, and a warm reception atmosphere.
The office layout reflects the company identity and culture. An office with personality and a homely feel makes employees feel more welcome, encouraging them to enjoy coming to the office.
6. Encourage Collaboration with Well-Equipped Collaboration Spaces
Collaboration is the engine behind modern businesses. Create collaborative spaces that have facilities for both physical and hybrid interactions.
Ensure:
Crystal-clear video and audio quality for hybrid meetings
Advanced technology and screens
Power outlets and data ports in strategic locations
Multifunctional spaces that can be flexibly transformed
It should make it easy for employees to spontaneously exchange ideas and solve problems together.
7. Invest in Modern Technology and Connectivity
Moderne technologie is onmisbaar in het kantoor van vandaag. Dit omvat digitale kamerreserveringen, interactieve whiteboards, draadloze oplaadstations en geavanceerde collaboratie tools.
Voor hybride teams is naadloze connectiviteit kritiek, tegen 2025 zal twee derde van grote bedrijven hun online aanwezigheid gelijk stellen aan persoonlijke interacties. Zorg ervoor dat werknemers overal op kantoor kunnen werken met dezelfde technologische ondersteuning.
8. Build a Strong, Positive Company Culture
Attractive office design only works if it is supported by a strong company culture. This means:
Transparent communication and trust
Recognition and appreciation of employees
Opportunities for professional development
An environment where employees feel respected and safe
Employees who feel part of a strong culture and connected to the company mission stay much longer.
9. Ensure Sufficient Minimum Occupancy
An office only comes alive when enough people are present. A recommended minimum occupancy of 50% is needed for spontaneous meetings, collaboration, and innovation to occur.
Without sufficient presence, employees feel lonely and the office loses its strength as a place for collaboration and culture building.
10. Create Awareness of Health and Mental Wellbeing
The well-being of employees goes beyond physical ergonomics. Invest in mental health facilities:
Rest areas or quiet spaces for meditation and relaxation
Healthy food options and nutrition education
Bewegingsstimulatie, wandelzones, trap-incentives, lopende vergaderingen
78% of employees feel happier in a green environment
Employees with good physical and mental health are significantly more productive and stay longer in the company.
The Holistic Approach
The most effective is an integrated approach. Research shows that office environments that combine:
Natural light and biophilic elements
Ergonomic designs
Flexible work zones
Strong company culture
Attention to health and well-being
...not only deliver better performance but also significantly help in attracting and retaining top talent.
Strategic Advantages of a Well-Designed Office
For Recruitment
An attractive office makes a strong first impression on potential employees. Talented professionals are more likely to choose companies with inspiring work environments.
For Retention
Employees who feel good at the office and are engaged in the company are less likely to leave. This significantly reduces costly replacement costs.
For Productivity
A well-designed office leads to 10% higher performance, better teamwork, and more innovation.
For Brand Value
An office that reflects the company culture strengthens the employer brand and makes the company more attractive in the job market.
Practical Implementation
Start klein met quick wins: hergebruik vergaderruimten, voeg planten toe, verbeter verlichting. Luister naar werknemerswensen en betrek hen bij het ontwerp. Houd altijd de business-doelstellingen in oog en prioriteer op basis van impact.
Investeren in kantoorontwerp is geen uitgave, het is een investeringen in je meest waardevolle middel: je medewerkers