Career Journey
Work and Wellness Come Together in Office Environments
November 2025
Photo Credit: Alesia Kazantceva (Unsplash)
By Karen Maserjian Shan
Whether a person works from an at-home office, off-site workplace or hybrid arrangement, the way an office or workspace is designed can boost the well-being and productivity of the people using the space.
From exposure to daylight, adjustable furnishings, natural finishes, and more, interior spaces designed to support occupant wellness have a direct correlation to a person’s mood, focus, and stress levels, says interior designer, Ámbar Margarida, a member of the International Interior Design Association, as well as a WELL Accredited Professional, LEED Green Associate and principal at architecture and interior design firm, Spacesmith.
Whether a person works from an at-home office, off-site workplace or hybrid arrangement, the way an office or workspace is designed can boost the well-being and productivity of the people using the space.
From exposure to daylight, adjustable furnishings, natural finishes, and more, interior spaces designed to support occupant wellness have a direct correlation to a person’s mood, focus, and stress levels, says interior designer, Ámbar Margarida, a member of the International Interior Design Association, as well as a WELL Accredited Professional, LEED Green Associate and principal at architecture and interior design firm, Spacesmith.
“We spend a lot of our time in [indoor spaces],” says Margarida. “They can either help us or harm us.”
Workspaces designed with wellness in mind enhance focus, help support creative thought, and reduce fatigue, she says, with the aim to, “design a space that’s so comfortable and supportive of work that you want to go there, whether it’s at your kitchen counter or office.”
Workspaces designed with wellness in mind enhance focus, help support creative thought, and reduce fatigue, she says, with the aim to, “design a space that’s so comfortable and supportive of work that you want to go there, whether it’s at your kitchen counter or office.”
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In fact, workplace designs informed by psychological science, reports the American Psychological Association (APA), can support employee well-being, motivation, job satisfaction, and efficiency, including attention to worker engagement, growth, health and safety, work-life balance, and flexibility. But because general design strategies won’t meet every individual’s needs, adapting the practices according to personal preferences is key to ensuring the environment will be a comfortable, productive workspace for the user.
Customize with Adjustable Furnishings A person’s physical comfort has an impact on the individual’s mental state and cognitive abilities, says Margarida. Being in a comfortable position reduces physical stress, lessening the negative effects of discomfort and increasing the ability to handle the tasks at hand. For instance, she says, when working from home, forego sitting on a standard dining room chair; instead, choose a more suitable option, such an ergonomic chair with features designed for user comfort. Here, a user’s desk chair should be adjusted to an appropriate table or desk height while allowing for the person’s knees to bend at a 90-degree angle with both feet resting flat on the floor. This provides a comfortable, aligned posture that helps support the person’s focus, attention span, and creativity. “It’s not only about sitting and standing,” says Margarida. “It’s about recognizing that people have different body types.” |
Spacesmith Collaborated with Davis Brody Bond on the Design of a New Headquarters for NYU’s University Development and Alumni Relations Division
Photo Credits: Paul Rivera/Courtesy: Spacesmith |
Halletts Point: New Residential Development on the Waterfront in Astoria, Queens
Collaboration: Spacesmith/Dattner (Large Windows & Nature-Inspired Finishes & Textures) Photo Credit: Eric Laignel/Courtesy: Spacesmith |
Make the Most of Daylight Access to natural light or incorporating an artificial light system that mirrors the changing temperature and intensity of daylight within a workspace supports people’s natural biological rhythms and affects mood, says Margarida, a phenomenon that commonly aligns with typical workday schedules. “We have color sensors in our eyes that sense color temperature and tell our nervous system to be alert or wind down,” she says. Research supports this. According to a 2021 study by the Journal of Research in Health Sciences, “wavelength, color temperature, and light intensity modulate brain responses to cognitive tasks, including attention and reaction time.” With that, the morning’s bright daylight has been shown to regulate psychological and biological processes, with the mid-afternoon’s blue light enhancing cognitive function, making lighting a top design consideration for workspaces. |
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Mitigate Ambient Noise
For many people, ambient noise detracts from their focus, hampering productivity and raising stress levels, making the reduction of noise and distractions, including electronic notifications, a priority in workspaces. “We’re not wired to ignore notifications,” says Margarida. “We’re wired to pay attention to what’s new and moving” as sounds can signal a threat or novelty. One way to mitigate ambient noise is by installing sound-absorbing ceiling panels or partitions. Listening to soundscapes of nature or upbeat music also can help offset distracting sounds, says Margarida, if needed through a headset to prevent disturbing others in shared spaces. She also recommends turning off all device notifications during work hours, including phone, text and application alerts. Incorporate Elements of Nature
Outfitting workspaces with furnishings and natural finishes, along with those inspired by nature, can enhance biophilia, that is, the innate love of nature, creating a calming atmosphere, says Margarida. Choose wood grains, textured rugs and carpets, windowed views of trees, plants, and such. A comprehensive report shows prime patterns of biophilic design that promote wellness. Consider, too, using colors to inspire a desired mood, for example, pastels for a more relaxed tone and deeply saturated colors to enhance stimulation. “Biophilia matters – being around nature, natural things,” says Margarida. |
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Work Environments Matter When it Comes to Mental Health
More from: U.S Department of Health and Human Services |
Use Alternative Work Areas for Different Tasks Having a dedicated space for focused work is key to productivity, says Margarida. In open environments, for instance, a tall plant or bookcase can act as a design feature and divider. Yet, she also says it can be helpful to move around at times and work in less structured areas for different tasks. A living room nook with a reading chair and side table, for example, could be a preferred spot for less technical work. As well, an in-office lounge or café could also work as an occasional meeting area for group projects or team briefings, helping reduce the fixed nature of working from one place all day. “We’re not static, so why should we work in a static environment?” says Margarida. |
Karen Maserjian Shan is an award-winning writer, editor and journalist with an expertise in connecting people and businesses across print and digital platforms, including more than 1,600 articles for such publications as Professional Office Design, Interior Design, the Poughkeepsie Journal, Chronogram, Hudson Valley Magazine and Hudson Valley Parent, where she also was the magazine' editor. She is Sanctuary's assistant editor.
