Whether you work at an office with others, another shared location with someone else, or have a personal room at home, it’s important to create the right office space for you. With a little help, you can plan and execute the best office for yourself!
Employer Guide to the Right Office for Employees
According to Gallup, as of August 2025, 52% of work is done in a hybrid work setting. (Hybrid means a mix of being in office or working remote/at home.) With about half the time spent in an office, it’s vital that employers design and produce an office space to benefit employee wellbeing. For starters, instead of cubicles, having a more open layout can promote more interaction between employees and thus lead to more ideas and strengthen team work. Creating a quiet zone can prove to be valuable as well.This gives individuals a place where they can either zero in on what they’re doing undistracted or give them an area when they’re not feeling up to socializing. It may also be a good idea to have break areas or outdoor spaces for others to roam to. No one wants to be stuck at their desk for 8(+) hours. Furthermore, outside of employee happiness, these spaces can show potential new hires that employers consider employee needs and wants.
The International WELL Building Institute focuses on their system, called WELL Building Standard, when determining a building’s performance in a comfortable and productive environment. Although some parts of WELL are less about the physical design of an office, this can still be a good way to construct an office building to make all your staff happy. Below is a picture that outlines their ideals.
Recently, they have added additional categories which are: thermal comfort, nourishment, sound, and materials. For more information on the WELL Building standard check out this link and you can check out IWBITM’s website here. When you work at home, it’s just as vital to enhance your workspace as well.
Creating your Office Space on Your Own
Now, for the 26% of us who work exclusively at home, (or those hybrid workers), it’s time to conjure up and commit to making an outstanding workspace for yourself! First off, consider the location. If you live somewhere where there is a lot of noise, it may be best to find a space that reduces your chances of continually hearing outside distractions. Furthermore, if you are often in meetings, external sounds can take away from the importance and, for some, the professionalism of your meeting. Placing your desk by a window can also bring natural light in and fresh air; should you decide to open it. If you are still worried about sound, there are different types of soundproofing foam that are meant to absorb and diminish excess noise.
Health and comfortability are essential to everyday wellness. When it comes to your space, your chair and desk are paramount to achieve these things. A good desk chair should be cozy but also allow for good posture and mobility. Standing desks can also be a good investment for those who spend long periods at their desk. (If you are unfamiliar with this type of desk, it gives you the power to either sit or stand by alternating the height of the desk.) Next, lighting can be just as critical as everything else. For those who experience migraines or headaches, certain lights can amplify this effect. Lighting also assists in building an ambience in the room. Finally, clutter can create more stress and interfere with your focus. Consider keeping your desk and space organized with shelves, bins, and even other tools to manage all your computer’s cords.
Go on and Design the Perfect Space for you!
By thoughtfully curating your office space, you can achieve the ideal room for all your needs!
