Companies striving for better productivity and employee well-being may already have the potential within their own walls: a better office environment.

A study conducted by JLL and neuroinformatics firm EMOTIV in Tokyo showed that a new workspace can improve employee experience, well-being, productivity, and overall satisfaction.

Participants in the study, who moved from an old to a new office, were assessed through cognitive tests and surveys to measure the impact of the move. The results showed a dip in the number of employees reporting high levels of stress.

“The physical environment plays a crucial role in reducing stress, which can lead to improved cognitive engagement, or the level of focus and immersion when performing a task,” says Ben Hamley, Data-driven Design & Innovation Director, JLL. “The dynamics of how people work together, and collaborate, can also significantly influence cognitive engagement and performance.”

To accommodate diverse creative work styles, which encompass individual habits, thought processes, and workplace preferences, offices should offer a variety of workspaces. “For instance, some individuals thrive in bustling environments and prefer to multi-task, while others need to be ‘in the zone,’ or in a quieter space to do creative, productive work,” Hamley says.

The new study provides more insights into the optimal office environment for employees.

Employees’ perception of the new office as “a good place to work” improved following targeted workspace changes, climbing to 88% from 71%.

Among the most notable improvements were enhancements in air quality, natural light, ergonomics, and noise levels, as well as the addition of indoor greenery. Employees felt that these changes positively impacted their well-being and productivity.

“These factors are becoming increasingly essential in modern workplaces,” says Hamley. “Such features consistently rank highly in terms of importance, indicating their significant impact on employee well-being, productivity, and job satisfaction.”

Even small, incremental changes to the office environment can make a big difference, according to Hamley.

“Improvements to workspaces don’t always call for a major overhaul,” he says. “Instead, organizations should focus on encouraging more intentional use of space and providing a framework for employees to choose appropriate workspaces based on their specific needs and tasks.”

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