How can interior design psychology help create a sustainable workplace?

A sustainable workplace puts all the facilities of the environment at the service of humans and increases productivity in all aspects. Reducing waste and environmental pollution and optimal energy consumption will reduce the fixed costs of the workplace. Creating a sustainable workplace is effective in increasing employee satisfaction and, consequently, improving their work efficiency, because efforts are made to provide them with a healthy environment for work and create more motivation for them to do their work.

The design can influence the mood and productivity of employees. A well-designed office can create a positive work environment, enhance output, and promote job satisfaction.

A sustainable workplace manages a variety of needs without letting tradeoffs jeopardize the core priorities of any stakeholder. It tips the scale from building-centric to human-centric where it’s no longer just about managing headcount but creating an environment where people can truly succeed. It’s where people want to work and it both fulfills the needs of individuals and the objectives of the business.

Sustainability is a way of life. The less you emit, the more you preserve. The less you spend, the more you save. Train yourself to give more and take less.

A sustainable workplace directly contributes to the health and well-being of those work in an environment by careful consideration of the materials used. CFC off-gassing of building and finishing materials and ongoing use of harmful cleaning supplies, and our constant exposure to toxins such as formaldehyde, can have long lasting, life altering health impacts and reduce productivity. Choosing materials that limit our exposure, helps our planet and helps influence the market and supply chain towards production of more health-conscious materials. Improving ventilation alone should not be the only tool in the kit. The choices made speak directly to a company's brand.

One of the most well-documented mood-altering design elements is color. For many people, color is a primary component of our world experiences. Our modern understanding of psychology dates back to the 1800s when Johann Wolfgang von Goethe published Theory of Colours. Each color brings out a certain mood but plenty of research that shows how most people react to colors, personal experience with a color trumps social norms. Our personal history influences our emotions around colors. For example, If you had a carefree, happy childhood in a bright red room, red may cheer you up and make you feel content as an adult.

Color psychology can significantly contribute to creating a sustainable workplace. By carefully selecting colors, a workspace can evoke specific emotional and psychological responses that boost productivity and well-being. For instance, blue is becoming the new green, with hues that can foster calmness and concentration. Intentional color choices, tailored to various workspace areas, can enhance employee satisfaction and efficiency, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and productive work environment.

Colors are a powerful tool to set the desired atmosphere of the space. Integrate calming blues or greens for a relaxed atmosphere, energizing reds or yellows for productivity, and neutral tones to promote focus. Consider the nature of the work and choose colors accordingly. Balance is key to create a harmonious and conducive environment.

Color psychology in workplace design harnesses the emotive power of colors to influence mood and productivity. Strategically assigning hues like blue for focus, green for harmony, yellow for innovation, and red for urgency creates purposeful zones, optimizing the overall atmosphere and functionality of each space.

Craft a sustainable workplace that embraces color psychology as an art – weave serene greens and earthy browns, mirroring nature's tranquility. Infuse bursts of energetic blues or uplifting yellows strategically, creating a harmonious palette that not only stimulates creativity but also resonates with eco-conscious aesthetics through thoughtfully chosen, sustainable materials.

To optimize lighting and ventilation in the workplace, maximize natural light sources, use adjustable and energy-efficient artificial lights, and incorporate windows, skylights, plants, and air purifiers to enhance air quality. This approach contributes to a healthy and comfortable environment, positively impacting mood, productivity, and overall well-being.

Independente da geografia, os países estão sujeitos à picos de frio ou calor e os ambientes fechados precisam de uma arquitetura que amenize os desconfortos térmicos do usuário. Por exemplo: ao invés do uso excessivo de envidraçamentos (em busca de um impacto visual), buscar soluções com elementos que ofereçam maior ventilação e iluminação naturais (brise-soleil, claraboias, etc) diminuindo assim o uso do ar condicionado, que tende a gerar aumento de custo, manutenção e consumo de água (indo na contramão da sustentabilidade). Cada projeto arquitetônico/interiores deve ser pensado de acordo com o local da sua inserção, refletindo as necessidades do cliente adaptadas dentro das soluções mais eficientes que o profissional puder recomendar.

Human Centric Lighting é uma forma de projetar a iluminação artificial que visa simular as alterações de coloração da luz natural , alinhado com o ciclo circadiano. Os espaços projetados respeitam o relógio biológico, favorecendo o bem-estar dos colaboradores e potenciando suas habilidades . É uma forma humanizada de trabalhar a luz artificial que prescrevo em especial para projetos corporativos.

Optimize your sustainable workplace by maximizing natural light through well-placed windows and skylights, reducing the need for artificial lighting. Embrace energy-efficient LED bulbs when artificial light is necessary. Prioritize cross-ventilation and incorporate greenery to enhance indoor air quality. Implement smart sensors for lighting and ventilation systems to minimize energy consumption, creating an eco-friendly and comfortable work environment.

C’est pour cela qui faut à la fois favoriser la lumière naturelle mais surtout bien adapter le type d’éclairage artificiel aux moments de la journée ou du type de travail à produire par une lumière plus ou moins forte et plus ou moins blanche en fonction des heures de la journée et du type de travail que vous réalisez au travail

Highly cited Attention Restoration Theory (ART) suggests "the ability to concentrate may be restored by exposure to natural environments". Therefore incorporating spaces for people to "step-out" in any way that is designed containing nature and green is essential to help create a sustainable workplace with a positive interior psychology. These spaces can be internal like break-out areas; semi-open and sheltered like balconies or transitional areas or open like small courtyards, green roofs or gardens, where people can escape from habitual activities of work, while they are feeling immersed.

Incorporating elements of nature into the workplace has been shown to reduce stress and boost overall well-being. This connection with nature can significantly elevate creativity, productivity, and collaboration among employees. Nature's inherent beauty and diversity offer an endless source of inspiration, fostering innovative thinking and new perspectives.

Incorporate biophilic design into your sustainable workplace by integrating natural elements like plants, water features, and natural materials. Foster a connection with the outdoors through ample windows and green spaces. Use organic shapes and textures in furniture and decor, promoting a harmonious environment. Prioritize employee well-being by creating designated areas for breaks amidst nature. This approach enhances sustainability by reducing stress, increasing productivity, and fostering a healthier workplace ecosystem.

En incorporant le design biophilique dans les intérieurs, on favorise une proximité étroite avec la nature, ce qui contribue positivement au bien-être des occupants. C’est une tendance à adopter.

Biophilic design is one of the more underutilized workplace and design elements in older workplaces. We as designers need to partner with those in industrial psychology to better measure and demonstrate the value of biophilic design. There are so many options in this space depending on the budget that’s there’s always room for something. Impacts can be felt by different material selections, imagery/artwork, low-maintenance installations and of course live plants. I’m most excited for the sound solutions as we know that noise can be a major issue within the workplace. Anyone else been seeing that green/pink/brown noise commercial lately? These installations appear to be very impactful! How do we increase the exposure to such environments?

Promote ergonomics and comfort in your sustainable workplace by investing in adjustable furniture that supports good posture. Ensure proper lighting to reduce eye strain and incorporate natural materials for a tactile, comfortable atmosphere. Implement flexible workspaces to accommodate diverse tasks, fostering employee well-being and productivity. Prioritize eco-friendly materials to align with sustainability goals, creating a workspace that balances both comfort and environmental responsibility.

An ergonomic workstation is not a luxury but a necessity in today’s world. It is an essential component of a productive and healthy work environment. The benefits of ergonomics extend beyond these and encompass enhanced comfort, reduced health risks, and increased employee satisfaction. You can easily elevate your workspace to a whole new level of efficiency and functionality by investing in a good ergonomic chairs.

En el diseño de oficinas ha de prevalecer la ergonomía, la comodidad, la iluminación y la ventilación. Considera para una reforma sostenible los siguientes inputs: - Que las sillas de trabajo se regulen en altura y permitan el movimiento del trabajador, además de ser fáciles de limpiar. - Introducir mesas de patas regulables (mínimo 74 cm) que permitan que el trabajador alterne su posición. - Fomentar reuniones de forma casual gracias a los nuevos modelos de sofás y sillones smart que faciliten la comunicación. - La iluminación natural es necesaria. La artificial debe alcanzar 300 lux (con luminarias LED de al menos 600 lúmenes). - Las rejillas de retorno, impulsión y extracción han de ubicarse según el uso y el volumen del espacio.

Tailored workstations and furniture to specific tasks and job roles. For example, design workstations for computer-intensive tasks differently from those for collaborative work or creative activities. This approach ensures that the workspace is optimized for efficiency, productivity, and the well-being of employees

Ergonomically designed spaces also contribute to sustainability by supporting the longevity of office furniture and reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Al diseñar el interior de espacios de trabajo, siempre he tomado como base la imagen que tiene la empresa, marca o emprendedor a quien se la diseño, ya que es de suma importancia que las personas que trabajen ahí se sientan identificadas con lo que están haciendo en su día a día. Algunos ejemplos de cómo he logrado esto van más allá de solamente colocar el logo en un punto visible. Lo que he hecho es tomar la paleta de colores de la marca e integrarla en ciertos puntos, esto puede ser en algún mueble que simule ese tono, algún acabado que sea de algún color de la marca o incluso a través de incluir naturaleza, en caso de que la marca esté relacionada con el color verde.

Allowing employees to personalise their workspaces empowers them and enhances their sense of ownership and connection to their place of work.

Cultivating a positive culture and identity in the workplace is crucial for sustainable and fulfilling professional experiences. Communicating your vision, mission, and values, celebrating achievements and diversity, seeking feedback, recognizing contributions, and fostering trust all contribute to an environment where individuals feel aligned, engaged, and empowered. This, in turn, enhances loyalty, commitment, and collaboration among team members. If you have specific questions or need guidance on implementing these strategies, feel free to ask!

Establish reverse mentorship programs where junior employees mentor senior leaders in areas such as technology, social media, emerging trends etc. This not only promotes knowledge exchange but also breaks down hierarchical barriers, contributing to a more collaborative culture.

Creating a good workplace vibe is important. When everyone feels connected and valued, it boosts morale and teamwork. Talk about your goals, celebrate wins, listen to feedback, and show appreciation. Building trust is crucial too.

Other elemnts that needs to be considered for optimal and sustainable work spaces are acoustic solutions for noise management to create a comfortable and focused environment. Creating the affordance for personalization which allows employees to personalize their workspaces and create a sense of ownership and comfort. and wayfinding that provides intuitive navigation within the workspace 

O local também deve ser inclusivo. Tanto à deficientes, com soluções físicas (banheiros adaptados, rampas, sinalização em Braile e sonora e etc), quanto à neurodiversos (regulação sensorial dos ambientes, caminhos bem definidos, sinalização bem visível, banheiros para pessoas trans e etc).

Cuando trabajaba en Vitra, probábamos los set ups de oficina de nuestros showrooms y evaluábamos resultados. La posición del mobiliario es clave: apoyar un escritorio contra la pared puede facilitar la concentración en apariencia, pero si tenemos espacio, es mejor darle la vuelta: propicia la tranquilidad. Los colores de las superficies también tienen su influencia. Al contrario de lo que se prevé, el blanco no es lo más óptimo: es un tono que no forma parte de la naturaleza, y el wellbeing pasa por estar conectados con ella (siempre decorábamos con plantas). Más allá de lo psicológico, la ergonomía ha de ser prioritaria, así como el orden y la limpieza. La belleza del recinto es sin duda un motor que invita e incita a trabajar en él.

Feel free to share any specific examples, stories, or insights you have in mind, or let me know if there's a particular topic you'd like more information about. I'm here to assist and discuss a wide range of subjects!

Aunado a los elementos de color, iluminación, accesibilidad, etc. es importante tener espacios destinados a actividades no laborales dentro de las instalaciones de la empresa o negocio, simplemente enfocándonos en un área de descanso y alimentación digna y que cumpla con las necesidades que conlleva. El diseño interior ha sido muy encaminado a las necesidades de una oficina o el área empresarial y poco se ha enfocado a las necesidades de los empleados en retail o puntos de venta, donde ocurre la mayor inconformidad por parte de los empleados y la rotación de personal.