Impact of Physical Space on Work

Personal Nostalgia

• Childhood experiences of rearranging room layout
  • Desire for open space for creativity
  • Need for barriers to create neighborhoods for toys
• Connection to how physical space impacts experiences

Significance of Physical Space

• Studies show physical space impacts:
  • How well we work
  • Productivity
  • Happiness at work
  • Company culture
• Workplace design and its importance
  • Prevailing cubicle farms vs. open spaces
  • Open floor plans can harm productivity

Elements of Good Office Design

• Number of face-to-face interactions
  • Social beings benefit from in-person collaboration
• Need for quiet, private spaces
  • Avoiding noise distractions
• Bringing nature indoors
  • Sunlight as a mood elevator
  • Plants and creativity
• Space layout influences thought processes
  • Large open spaces for creative work
  • Smaller spaces for critical/mathematical work

Flexibility in Office Design

• Importance of adaptable spaces
  • Desks, chairs, whiteboards, and walls on wheels
  • Different tasks require different spaces

Common Design Mistakes

• Poor design choices
  • E.g., blinding lighting or odd aesthetic choices
  • Inauthentic environments
• Industry-specific needs
  • Legal, medical fields have unique design requirements

Hacking Your Workspace

• Practical tips for improving personal workspace
  • Start with small changes
• Examples:
  • Scheduling meetings in distant conference rooms
  • Placing lunch in a different fridge to meet new colleagues
  • Using a designated desk for specific tasks

Importance of Recovery Spaces

• Benefits of recreational amenities (e.g., ping-pong tables, beer)
  • Contribution to productivity
  • Active recovery for the brain
  • Importance of breaks and relaxation

Conclusion

• Engaging in different activities to spark creativity
• Science supports unconventional work amenities