Office space design has moved on substantially over the years, with typical 20th century rows of grey cubicles giving way to media hype around outlandish features like slides and bowling alleys. But thankfully, before all office chairs were replaced with bean bags, we seem to have reached a middle ground, with the rise of spaces which offer amenities based on employee feedback, research and a desire to support productivity, motivation and staff wellbeing.

An increase in understanding around design means it is now no longer enough to provide a space which is clean and functional. Furthermore, with expectations from businesses searching for new premises now higher than ever, there are certain design features on everyone’s ‘must-have’ list of requirements.

 Artificial lighting may have been a civilisation-changing invention, but the increased time we all spend indoors has begun impacting our circadian rhythm, humans’ innate body clock which governs our waking and sleeping hours. The impact of not getting enough natural light has been highlighted by a wealth of research, especially when it comes to the optimisation of access to natural lighting in office spaces. In fact, scientists from the Polytechnic University of Madrid found productivity leapt up by more than 60% when workers had better access to natural lighting.

This finding was supported by research published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, which found those working in windowless environments had poorer sleep quality, more sleep disturbances, and reported increased physical ailments as a result. By contrast, those exposed to more natural light during their working week slept for longer and even undertook more physical activity.

Those building offices from the ground up can of course incorporate as many windows as they desire, but where that is not possible – such as in existing offices and older buildings being converted into office space – the next best alternative is to install softer or dimmable options rather than harsh overhead lights, and to ensure that desks are located as close to any sources of natural light as feasible.

 When considering the essentials in an office, we tend to think first of the functional items which directly enable workers to undertake their jobs effectively. It can be easy to sway towards keeping a space as minimal as possible, but it is also critical to consider the impact that optional extras like plants may have on enhancing the space.

The link between plants and wellbeing has long been recognised, meaning we now have a plethora of studies which point towards them being a worthwhile addition to any office. University of Exeter research claims office plants can increase productivity by 15% and a separate study by Sydney’s University of Technology found a 58% drop in depression and a 38% reduction in fatigue among workers when plants were introduced to their office.

While we may have evolved to spend our time in buildings within towns and cities, we have never lost our innate human desire to remain connected with nature – coined ‘biophilia’ by scientists – and is it this which means office designers need to consider flora as a necessary feature in the places where we spent a great proportion of our waking hours: our offices.

 Whilst it is important to include beneficial features like plants within an office, there is a balance to be struck between a completely minimalist design and a cluttered space which does not allow teams to effectively get on with their jobs.

Maximising the use of space does not mean fitting in as many desk as possible – it requires careful consideration of how exactly people will use the space, especially in a shared office where multiple businesses may have different functions and needs. Spaces which can be used flexibly are essential, to include more relaxed areas for breaks, one-to-ones and casual catch-ups, and quiet areas for focused tasks and meetings.

It is not just about ensuring staff can fully utilise the space (Forbes states two fifths of employees waste up to 30 minutes every day searching for a collaborative meeting space) but also to ensure the office is an attractive proposition (Density and Hassell found even at peak times, 66% of office space was going unused).

 Accessibility is a concept which has been at the forefront of design for many years, but this now needs to stretch well beyond the concept of installing ramps, lifts and disabled toilets. According to the ICAEW, up to 20% of the UK population is neurodivergent, meaning true accessibility and inclusivity goes well beyond the physicality of the space.

Calming colours, adjustable lighting, and sensory-friendly furnishings can all support those with autism or ADHD, while quieter nooks are bound to be appreciated by everyone, not just those with additional sensory needs. A truly great offering will go above and beyond the statutory duties of a commercial space, and utilise employee feedback and expert opinion in order to ensure parity for anyone, regardless of their health and access needs.

 The rise of remote and hybrid working has blurred the lines between home and office, inspiring designers to incorporate more homely elements into their spaces. And this is not just a case of encouraging teams to spend more of their time in the office, research shows the familiarity of a ‘home-like setting’ can help to stabilise workflow and increase creativity. In addition, professionals at Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business have identified that when an office feels more like the team’s own space, this leads to more satisfaction and more productivity.

Incorporating natural lighting, plants, proactive space management, accessibility elements and homely touches should never be an afterthought, given what we know now about their effects on everything from employee wellbeing to better utilisation of the room available. And when it comes to seeking new premises, businesses are now well keyed into the advantages of these factors for their staff, and are likely to be seeking out greenery and break-out spaces – putting offices already boasting these design elements at the top of the list when it comes to desirable workplaces.