The psychology of workspaces
Aug 2025
We often think of productivity as a matter of time management, tools, or to-do lists. But what if your biggest performance booster, or blocker, was something far more fundamental? Something as simple as the space around you.
From the amount of daylight you receive to the colour of your walls, the design of your workspace has a profound psychological effect on how you think, feel and perform.
Have you ever felt more focused in one room than another, or strangely drained by an office you can’t quite put your finger on? That’s no accident. Our surroundings affect everything from mood to motivation.
In this post we unpack the ways that office design impacts wellbeing, productivity and creativity and what that means for modern workspaces.
Natural light is one of the most powerful environmental factors in any office. Exposure to daylight supports our circadian rhythms, the internal clock that regulatessleep,alertness and mood. When we’re deprived of it, everything from focus to happiness suffers.
A landmark study by researchers at Northwestern University found that workers in offices with windows received 173% more white light exposure during work hours and slept an average of 46 minutes more per night compared to those in windowless offices. These employees also reported higher quality of life and better work performance.
Artificial lighting matters too. Cool white or daylight-spectrum bulbs can mimic the cognitive benefits of sunlight, boosting concentration and reducing fatigue, especially in winter months. Meanwhile, poor lighting has been linked to eye strain, headaches and drops in productivity.
We’re biologically hardwired to respond to nature. This is the core of biophilia, a term popularised by Harvard biologist Edward O. Wilson to describe our innate connection to the natural world. Biophilic design taps into that instinct by incorporating elements of nature such as plants, wood, stone, water and natural light intointerior spaces.
The results speak volumes. A study by Human Spaces across 15 countries found that employees working in spaces with natural elements reported 15% higher levels of wellbeing, 6% more productivity and 15% more creativity than those in environments devoid of nature.
Further research by Terrapin Bright Green found that just having a view of greenery can reduce stress, improve mood and lower blood pressure.
A study by Küller, Ballal, Laike, Mikellides, and Tonello, published in Environmental Psychology, examined how colour affects mood and performance in work settings. They found that blue and green environments help lower heart rate and encourage relaxation, creating a calm atmosphere conducive to focus. The researchers also emphasized the imp ortance of matching colour choice to the function of the space.
Employee wellbeing, both mental and physical, has become a top priority in modern office design. Since the pandemic, over 54% say their wellbeing at work matters more than ever. A workspace that supports wellbeing actively fosters health through several key elements such as air quality, movement friendly design, varied environments and ergonomics and comfort.
Good ventilation is crucial, as poor air circulation can negatively affect decision-making and lead to increased sick days. Fresh air is essential for a productive environment. Workplaces that encourage physical activity, whether through onsite gyms or incentives for walking or cycling to work, help improve both health and concentration. Providing a range of spaces, from lively social hubs to quiet zones, allows individuals to choose the setting that best suits their current task and mood. Adjustable, supportive furniture that mimics the comfort of home reduces physical strain and helps people feel more at ease throughout the workday.
These principles closely align with the WELL Building Standard, a leading framework for designing offices that prioritise occupant health. When wellbeing is central to workspace design, employees flourish. The best offices today are created not just for work, but for wellbeing. Smart design choices can increase productivity by up to 20%, improve employee satisfaction by up to 40%, reduce absenteeism and burnout, boost creativity and innovation and help attract and retain top talent. These benefits translate into tangible business results such as greater efficiency, happier teams and a stronger company culture.
At Collaborate, we create environments that empower people to work better, feel better and do their best thinking. By grounding our workspaces in science-backed design principles, we make sure every square metre works best for your wellbeing and productivity.
From the amount of daylight you receive to the colour of your walls, the design of your workspace has a profound psychological effect on how you think, feel and perform.
Have you ever felt more focused in one room than another, or strangely drained by an office you can’t quite put your finger on? That’s no accident. Our surroundings affect everything from mood to motivation.
In this post we unpack the ways that office design impacts wellbeing, productivity and creativity and what that means for modern workspaces.
Lighting: Fuel for the body and brain
Natural light is one of the most powerful environmental factors in any office. Exposure to daylight supports our circadian rhythms, the internal clock that regulatessleep,alertness and mood. When we’re deprived of it, everything from focus to happiness suffers.
A landmark study by researchers at Northwestern University found that workers in offices with windows received 173% more white light exposure during work hours and slept an average of 46 minutes more per night compared to those in windowless offices. These employees also reported higher quality of life and better work performance.
Artificial lighting matters too. Cool white or daylight-spectrum bulbs can mimic the cognitive benefits of sunlight, boosting concentration and reducing fatigue, especially in winter months. Meanwhile, poor lighting has been linked to eye strain, headaches and drops in productivity.
Biophilic design: Bringing the outside in
We’re biologically hardwired to respond to nature. This is the core of biophilia, a term popularised by Harvard biologist Edward O. Wilson to describe our innate connection to the natural world. Biophilic design taps into that instinct by incorporating elements of nature such as plants, wood, stone, water and natural light intointerior spaces.
The results speak volumes. A study by Human Spaces across 15 countries found that employees working in spaces with natural elements reported 15% higher levels of wellbeing, 6% more productivity and 15% more creativity than those in environments devoid of nature.
Further research by Terrapin Bright Green found that just having a view of greenery can reduce stress, improve mood and lower blood pressure.
Colour psychology
The colours that surround us also have a measurable psychological impact. For example: blue tones are associated with calm, focus and stability, ideal for concentrationzones. Green, often linked to nature, promotes balance and creativity. Yellow can energise and stimulate innovation (but in large doses may also cause anxiety). Red increases heart rate and urgency, great for action areas but potentially stressful for long periods.A study by Küller, Ballal, Laike, Mikellides, and Tonello, published in Environmental Psychology, examined how colour affects mood and performance in work settings. They found that blue and green environments help lower heart rate and encourage relaxation, creating a calm atmosphere conducive to focus. The researchers also emphasized the imp ortance of matching colour choice to the function of the space.
Wellbeing and effective workspaces
Employee wellbeing, both mental and physical, has become a top priority in modern office design. Since the pandemic, over 54% say their wellbeing at work matters more than ever. A workspace that supports wellbeing actively fosters health through several key elements such as air quality, movement friendly design, varied environments and ergonomics and comfort.
Good ventilation is crucial, as poor air circulation can negatively affect decision-making and lead to increased sick days. Fresh air is essential for a productive environment. Workplaces that encourage physical activity, whether through onsite gyms or incentives for walking or cycling to work, help improve both health and concentration. Providing a range of spaces, from lively social hubs to quiet zones, allows individuals to choose the setting that best suits their current task and mood. Adjustable, supportive furniture that mimics the comfort of home reduces physical strain and helps people feel more at ease throughout the workday.
These principles closely align with the WELL Building Standard, a leading framework for designing offices that prioritise occupant health. When wellbeing is central to workspace design, employees flourish. The best offices today are created not just for work, but for wellbeing. Smart design choices can increase productivity by up to 20%, improve employee satisfaction by up to 40%, reduce absenteeism and burnout, boost creativity and innovation and help attract and retain top talent. These benefits translate into tangible business results such as greater efficiency, happier teams and a stronger company culture.
The space you choose shapes the work you do
At Collaborate, we create environments that empower people to work better, feel better and do their best thinking. By grounding our workspaces in science-backed design principles, we make sure every square metre works best for your wellbeing and productivity.
This article was brought to you by Collaborate as part of our Work Science series.Collaborate is an independent business centre in central Woking and Guildford, offering Serviced Offices, Coworking Desks, Meeting Rooms and Virtual Office services. Get in touch for more information.