Key take-aways

Noise disturbance in open offices is a common issue that disrupts workflow, reduces productivity, and impacts concentration, well-being, attitude, and energy. Regular interruptions from noise can lead to stress and decreased job satisfaction over time. Creating designated zones with varied noise-level expectations, along with quiet spaces and break-out areas like work pods, can help mitigate noise effects. By setting clear social norms and providing sound-buffered zones, workplaces can become more focused, supportive, and productive.

Exposure to ‘biological darkness’ can disrupt the body’s circadian rhythms, impacting sleep quality, reducing energy, and diminishing alertness. These effects may lead to decreased productivity, as well as potential impacts on physical and mental health. Optimal lighting involves exposure to the appropriate type and intensity of light at specific times. During work hours, sitting near a window or using high-lux lighting fixtures can help offset insufficient daylight, supporting overall health and well-being.

Work-related stress accounts for over 50% of sick leave in Europe, with 1 in 6 employees in the Netherlands affected, costing the economy €3.1 billion annually. Among young professionals, work is a leading source of stress. By anonymously monitoring and visualizing a project team’s average stress levels during meetings, teams can encourage open discussions on stress and its sources in daily tasks. This approach supports proactive stress management, fostering healthier work environments and improving team well-being.

Extended periods of sitting negatively impact health, raising the risks of health problems. Incorporating walking into meetings provides various benefits, including lower risks of diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stress and anxiety, while also improving mental well-being. By offering walking meetings as a standard option through the WorkWalk, employees are encouraged to take advantage of this alternative more frequently. Additionally, walking meetings enhance productivity by fostering better discussions and boosting creativity.

Did you know that nutrition can significantly impact work performance? Employers can play a key role in promoting healthy eating habits that boost workplace productivity and well-being, by offering nutritious snacks in common areas—think whole grains, fruits, and nuts that provide sustained energy, or mood-boosting treats, like dark chocolate, which can enhance relaxation and morale. Hosting workshops on nutrition or sponsor meal programs can also encourage employees to make better food choices. Small initiatives like these can foster a healthier, more productive workplace.

People often spend entire days sitting behind their computers or in meetings. This choice to sit down is often made unconsciously. Partly because the environment invites people to sit down. The Workplace Vitality Hub conducted research into how standing meetings can be stimulated. Research shows that various nudge interventions contribute to effectively reducing the sitting behaviour of office workers. This resulted in the ‘Standing meetings’ toolkit, with tips to create awareness and practical guidelines to stimulate stand-up meetings.

Burnout symptoms are rising among (young) workers, despite increased focus on workplace vitality. Research shows that ‘nudging’ interventions can encourage social behaviour, boosting employee well-being. Micro-breaks, especially during high-stress periods, help maintain energy levels and reduce stress. Moving during breaks improves circulation, and a supportive culture normalizes taking breaks, raising awareness among colleagues. With a safe social context, taking breaks is normalised and awareness is created among colleagues.

As work environments have shifted from shared offices to hybrid models, the experience of work has changed from a collaborative, communal practice to one that feels more individualized. This shift can make it challenging for employees to feel connected to a shared workplace culture. However, sound design offers a unique way for employers to rebuild this sense of togetherness. Sound can be a powerful tool in hybrid environments to reconnect people, even when working remotely. By introducing soundscapes, employers can foster a sense of unity among distributed teams.

Incorporating biophilic elements (greenery) into office design can greatly enhance employee well-being and productivity. Features such as natural lighting, indoor plants, natural textures, and views of greenery help reduce stress, boost mood, and improve focus. Studies show that biophilic design promotes a sense of calm and connection to nature, which is especially beneficial in high-pressure work environments. Introducing greenery is an investment in both employee health and workplace morale.

Creating workspaces that inspire employees and drive performance is no small task. Today’s workforce values collaboration, productivity, and well-being, while businesses need actionable insights to make the most of their spaces and manage costs effectively. With 81% of employers planning an office redesign in the next two years, designing environments that attract and retain talent, enhance efficiency, and support growth has become increasingly important. Now is the time to explore smart strategies for building cost-effective, people-focused workplaces using data-driven insights into space usage.

Hybrid meetings became essential during the pandemic, offering flexibility but reducing the chance for spontaneous office interactions. The impact? Lower engagement and increased turnover. With hybrid work here to stay, facilities and people managers need to reimagine offices as hubs for culture, creativity, and connection. Thoughtfully designed spaces that integrate smart technology and innovative office furniture can enhance social well-being and reinvigorate in-person collaboration, helping to build a stronger, more engaged workforce.

Gamification can motivate your employees to move more. By adding game elements and friendly competition, you can increase engagement in physical activity. Through challenges and progress tracking, employees can see how gamified apps or activities boost their energy and overall wellbeing, leading to higher productivity. This approach not only promotes health but also strengthens motivation and team spirit within your organization.