Enhancing Focus Through Thoughtful Space Design

In today's fast-paced world, finding focus can be a challenge, especially in the bustling environments of our workplaces. However, with the right approach to space design, we can create environments that support our ability to concentrate, thrive, and ultimately, succeed. I was fortunate to have recently interviewed for my Podcast “Distracted” 61: Designing Spaces to Enhance Focus workplace strategist and design expert, Mel Marsden about how our workspace impacts our productivity, mental health and connection to our work. So I wanted to unpack some of the themes we discussed and how you can refresh and reconnect with the energy of your work and workspace.

Understanding the Importance of Workspace Design

Mel emphasized the significant impact that our workspaces have on our overall health and wellbeing. Recognizing that we spend a significant portion of our lives at work, Mel highlights the importance of designing spaces that go beyond mere aesthetics. Instead, the focus should be on creating environments that nurture employee wellbeing and foster productivity. When you think about the amount of time you spend at work and in your workspace then you will understand the impact it can have on how you feel during your day. When you think of a busy environment, can you focus on your deep work or are you constantly being distracted by the people and the noise that  surrounds you?  For  some people open plan workspaces have become a nightmare. It hindered their productivity to the point where they're feeling frustrated more than feeling productive.

 Whereas for others where their preference is  to openly collaborate work and feed off the energy that open  planned workspace provides they thrive in these environments. It allows them to tap into their creativity and do their best work. For organizations looking to bring out their best in their  teams then careful consideration of how people in that workplace will thrive is an important consideration.

Recognizing the Need for Change

Traditional workspace designs often fail to meet the evolving needs of modern work culture. Mel explained how the factory-line mentality inherited from industrialized labor has influenced office spaces, often neglecting the requirements for focused, deep work. However, she sees the pandemic as an opportunity to reimagine and revitalize our work environments, taking into account the wellbeing of employees.

Moving Beyond Trends to Purposeful Design

While workplace design trends come and go, Mel emphasized the importance of purposeful design tailored to the unique needs and values of each organization. Rather than blindly following trends or superficial changes, she advocates for a deeper understanding of an organization's goals, values, and brand essence to inform the design process effectively. This will often feel like a luxury to have the time and space to look at goals and values however without them then workspaces can leaves employees feeling disconnected to the company and uninspired.

Creating Spaces for Deep Work and Collaboration

Mel highlighted the need for a balanced approach to workspace design, accommodating both focused, deep work and collaborative activities. By understanding the different types of work individuals engage in, organizations can create environments that support productivity and foster meaningful connections among team members.

By aligning the physical environment with the organization's values and culture, workplaces can become vibrant, inspiring spaces that enhance productivity and wellbeing.

Practical Tips for Improving Workspaces

For leaders and individuals seeking to enhance their workspaces, personalizing individual workstations, incorporating greenery, optimizing natural light, and creating designated spaces for focused work and relaxation are just some of the simple yet effective strategies to improve the overall workspace environment. It is through these small changes that employees can become energised by the environment they work in.

Through our conversation Mel showed how through  thoughtful workspace design improvements in employee wellbeing, collaboration, creativity, connection to the company and aligning the physical environment with organizational values, we can create workspaces that not only enhance focus and productivity but also cultivate a sense of belonging and satisfaction among employees.