by Jill Hathorn and Shannon Robinson
As companies seek to entice employees back to the office, workers look for more than hybrid work schedules, advanced cleaning protocols, options for social distancing, and the comforts of home. Today’s office configurations have employers and designers alike thinking broadly about health, safety, and wellness in their workplace.
An Environment of Light and Visibility
Two factors can greatly enhance workplace health, safety and wellness: light and visibility. Controlling glare while layering natural and electric lighting can enhance the experience of any space. For the office, these features can significantly improve worker productivity, reduce fatigue, and establish a suitable space for the right task.
From a design’s inception, orientation for optimal natural light and views should be considered to enliven the health and spirit of users. Ample lighting, whether natural or electric, has proven to prevent eye strain and boost moods during the typical workday. Providing greater access to natural daylight can reduce the need for artificial lighting during office hours, thereby lowering energy costs. Biophilic elements and earth-toned materials further enhance connections to nature. At Stratus Midtown in Atlanta, a sky lobby on the 14th-floor amenity level features lounge-like furniture with connected indoor and outdoor spaces, inspired by the look and feel of a hotel. Natural lighting and views from the adjacent outdoor terrace create a bright and inviting space for office tenants to decompress.
Visual access throughout an office area allows employees to easily see the interior or exterior landmarks for navigation. Increased visibility not only aids employee security in the case of potential emergencies, but also allows opportunities for interaction and collaboration. Workstations with low horizons and low-sitting furniture can open office space to create an inviting layout with a clear orientation. Interior glass panels improve sightlines, enhancing both wayfinding and the spread of natural light. At Stratus Midtown, floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies on every office level offer expansive views of the Midtown Atlanta cityscape while bringing ample daylight deep into the workspace.
Flex Your Space for Less Stress
Employers are adjusting their standards for who and how many people plan to work on-site, so their organizations can right-size space, resources, desk availability, and meeting room usage. Integral to their calculations are increased and diverse break spaces. New office features include spaces designed for employees to escape and reduce mental and physical workplace stress.
Multiple breakout areas on an office floor provide spaces for employees to change their working postures. To counter feelings of isolation brought on by the pandemic without sacrificing worker autonomy, separate rooms or spaces divided by a screening system allow employees to break away from their desks and computer screens to engage with coworkers. These teaming areas within workspaces act as internal office “neighborhoods” to engage employees and create a more active coworking environment. Comfortable, versatile, and ergonomic furniture further enhances interactions between employees by encouraging relaxed conversation and fostering informal brainstorming. At the Roxboro at Venable, a two-story outdoor terrace, interior courtyard, and multipurpose lobby double as breakout spaces that encourage movement and well-being targeting life sciences tenants.
All office tenants recognize the need for flexible amenity spaces that also act as stress-free zones throughout the workday. At Horseshoe at Hub RTP, a central courtyard allows people to gather during and after work hours with access to extensive outdoor amenities, including trails, bridges, and a meadow wetland. The office building’s lobby reinforces the active landscape from the exterior courtyard with different options and zones for gathering. With zero built-in furniture, the space becomes a truly adaptable zone for individuals and small to large events. Natural and artificial light work together at different heights to enhance the interior experience and provide optimal wayfinding.
Jill Hathorn, AIA, associate at Duda|Paine, is passionate about designing buildings that respond to the environment. She has contributed to several notable projects, including Advance Auto Parts Tower, 301 Hillsborough at Raleigh Crossing, and the Home2+Tru Hotel.
Shannon Robinson, AIA, NOMA, senior associate at Duda|Paine, values sustainable and equitable practices in the built environment. She has contributed to a number of award-winning commercial projects, including 301 Hillsborough at Raleigh Crossing, 3800 Glenwood, and NCR Global Headquarters.