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The psychology of space in the workplace

Offices

The psychology of space in the workplace

NOVEMBER 2021 | 4 minutes

In the modern world, where we spend so much of our lives in work environments, the importance of understanding how the design of these spaces affects our mental health and well-being is more relevant than ever. From the layout of furniture to the quality of lighting, every aspect of the design of a work environment can have a significant impact on employee productivity, satisfaction and wellbeing.

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What is spatial psychology?

Space psychology is a field of study that investigates how physical environments affect human behaviour, emotions and psychological well-being. It focuses on understanding how the design of spaces, both indoors and outdoors, influences the perceptions, interactions and mental states of the people who occupy them.

How does spatial psychology affect workers?

Spatial psychology has a profound influence on the work environment and the experience of workers. Office layout, air quality, lighting and furniture design can have a significant impact on our productivity, motivation and job satisfaction.

For example, a design that promotes interaction and communication between colleagues can strengthen team bonds and foster a sense of belonging. Similarly, the presence of green spaces can improve our mood and reduce stress, resulting in a healthier and more positive work environment.

Air quality and lighting also play a crucial role in employee well-being. A well-ventilated environment with good natural lighting can improve mood and concentration, thereby reducing stress and fatigue. Conversely, a poorly ventilated or poorly lit environment can have a negative impact on the mental and physical health of workers, decreasing their productivity and increasing the risk of work-related illnesses.

In addition, the ergonomic design of furniture can influence the comfort and health of employees throughout the working day. Poorly designed chairs or ill-fitting desks can cause physical discomfort and discomfort, affecting the ability to concentrate and work efficiency.

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The close relationship between interior design and psychology

Interior design is a powerful tool for influencing our experience and well-being in a space. By combining design principles with an understanding of human psychology, interior design can succeed in creating environments that are not only visually appealing, but also functionally efficient and emotionally rewarding.

New models of working have moved away from dull, rigid and drab spaces in favour of much more friendly, flexible and lively ones, increasingly closer to the home environment. The well-being and health of the worker is now a priority, as opposed to others who tried to obtain maximum productivity and performance without taking into account the human factor.

Even the choice of colours can have a direct impact on our mood and behaviour. Soft, warm tones can create a sense of calm and comfort, while bright, saturated colours can stimulate energy and creativity.

Whereas until recently the working environment was mainly limited to operational workstations, meeting rooms and the management area - where the best locations and direct natural light were usually reserved - collaborative working and breakout areasare now essential.

Spaces that make the office a human and 'soulful' place, a focus of loyalty, attraction and retention of talent, and which fosters corporate values and culture.

avito offices psychology of the work environment

Decoration elements that influence psychologically

Sustainable materials, striking chromatic ranges, references to nature and pieces of furniture and decoration that until recently were unthinkable in a work environment, are the protagonists of this new generation of workspaces. Greener and more responsible places, with eco-efficient equipment, adequate thermal and acoustic comfort, perfect air renewal, circadian lighting and biophilic design.

All of these aspects enhance the comfort, creativity, innovation and productivity of workers and, therefore, of companies that are increasingly aware of the role of multi-purposefurniture as a fundamental tool when it comes to optimising spaces.

Often relegated to the background in offices, colour has proven to be a physical, technological, cultural and psychosocial phenomenon in constant evolution and one of the aspects that most affects people's productivity and state of mind. As early as 1810, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe laid the foundations for an approach to colour that was the opposite of Newton's in his work 'Theory of Colours' and anticipated how colour can impact mood and emotion.

Since then, colour psychology has continued to analyse human behaviour in relation to different colours and the associations between shades, feelings and behaviour.

Antonyo Marestt illustration colour psychology

When combining or creating a colour palette for a particular workspace, it is essential to achieve the right colour balance, taking into account the preferences of the employees. The incidence of natural light or the combination of different tones influences how a colour is perceived, which can also be used to distort the thermal sensation or the spatial perception of certain environments. In addition to colours and lighting, materials take on special importance in these new workspaces, offering more sustainable alternatives without toxic components for better air quality and occupant health.

Actiu has been involved in this respect for the environment for some time, through initiatives such as the incorporation of 0% formaldehyde melamine in accordance with the emission standards established by the US EPA TSCA Title VI and Phase 2 of the CARB, the reuse of plastic from production waste, the use of aluminium and 100% recycled packaging and the incorporation of fabrics from recycled plastic bottles such as those of Gabriel.The company's initiatives include the incorporation of 0% formaldehyde melamine in accordance with the emission standards established by the US EPA TSCA Title VI and Phase 2 of CARB, the reuse of plastic from production waste, the use of aluminium and 100% recycled packaging and the incorporation of fabrics from recycled plastic bottles such as those of Gabriel. A firm that celebrated its 170th anniversary in Madrid, at an event in which Actiu presented its Bend programme upholstered with a fabric that combines sustainable materials with exceptional fire resistance.