Lisa Lombardy of TPG Architecture continues our January wellness conversation with the employee health impact behind dedicated wellness spaces in the office.
In an era where employees are increasingly selective about where they work, organizations that invest in intentional, wellness-centered design can differentiate themselves, boost morale, and create a culture of support that drives long-term success. As people step back into the office increasingly due to new policies, companies must evolve their space to meet employee needs holistically — not only to motivate them to return but to attract and retain talent. From diverse workstyle settings to programs that encourage movement and spaces that inspire mental rest, these designs aid in greater productivity, increased creativity, engagement, reduced stress, and overall improved individual well-being.
Balancing Office Floor Plans with Flexible, Purpose-Driven Spaces
Creating an environment that contributes to employee well-being starts with a thoughtful floor plan that balances collaborative areas with individual work settings. This variety is essential for supporting the diverse needs of employees, enabling them to switch between focused, independent work—which they may have gotten used to at home—and dynamic team interactions that are essential in the office.
Customizable based on an individual’s needs, preferences, and daily tasks, concentration spaces must be both well-designed and carefully arranged. For example, positioning them along the perimeter of an office maximizes access to natural light and views of the building’s surroundings—which are known to boost wellness and productivity. Similarly, incorporating quiet areas like phone booths, library nooks, and individual workrooms into the interior of the layout provides space for those seeking greater solitude. These offerings help facilitate focused work while allowing workers to disconnect, step away from the office buzz, and reset during the day.
Social areas are equally important in the workplace stack to foster creativity and connectedness, which many people are craving post-pandemic. More casual settings like cafes and lounges, or more unique spaces like gaming areas, green spaces, rock walls, golf simulators, etc. provide a comfortable atmosphere perfect for meeting new colleagues, brainstorming, and engaging in meaningful conversations. These moments of cross-functional collaboration help to break down silos, strengthen team dynamics, and retain talent.
By offering spaces that cater to both teamwork and individual focus work, employers empower staff to choose the setting that best suits the task at hand, promoting a culture of well-being, where employees feel supported, inspired, and motivated to perform at their best.
For a confidential client at the landmarked 375 Park Avenue, our team designed a two-floor workplace that exemplifies this approach. The new office balances collaboration and focused work by featuring inviting communal spaces such as a pantry with soft seating and diner-style booths, alongside private offices and state-of-the-art Zoom rooms for concentrated tasks. These purposeful design elements ensure employees have the flexibility to work in environments that enhance productivity and engagement.
Dedicated Wellness Spaces
Today, building landlords are embracing larger, communal wellness spaces—such as state-of-the-art fitness centers, minute clinics, food and beverage services, and basketball or pickleball courts—for the benefit of all building occupants. This trend allows business leaders to maximize their own square footage for more purpose-dedicated designs, reinforcing the commitment to wellness by holding space for specific, individual needs.
Tech-free zones, for example, are increasingly gaining traction amidst the broader shift toward all-inclusive flexibility. Designed to help employees unplug and mentally reset during the day, tech-free zones engage the senses through nature-inspired elements like natural light, biophilic elements, water features, and calming sounds. With built-in cubbies for storing phones or laptops, these retreats provide workers with the opportunity to relax, reduce their stress levels, and improve their focus.
As the support for new mothers continues to grow, dedicated lactation suites are also an important consideration in wellness-driven workplace design. More sophisticated than a typical wellness room, these suites are equipped with features such as sterilization equipment and personal refrigerators, ergonomic seating, and even workstations that allow mothers to work while they pump. These private sanctuaries ensure that mothers have the time and comfort they need, when they need it.
These spaces that prioritize employee wellness have become essential in the evolving workplace to balance collaboration with solitude. Companies can foster a work environment that enhances productivity, creativity, and overall employee satisfaction. The addition of dedicated purpose-driven spaces and wellness zones further strengthens this approach, encouraging movement, relaxation, and connection—all of which are key design elements that address the physical, mental, and social well-being of staff.
All photos courtesy of TPG Architecture.
