Neuroergonomic research shows that office spaces that consider both the physical comfort of employees and brain stimulation can significantly enhance creativity and productivity.
The brain thrives on diverse stimuli—shapes, colors, fabrics, and textures that engage the senses—helping to boost focus and creative processes. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023, creativity, alongside analytical skills, is one of the key future competencies highly sought after by employers worldwide.
How does this relate to the everyday workplace?
Collaboration zones, relaxation areas, and spaces for spontaneous interactions in offices can reduce stress levels, positively affecting neurotransmitters responsible for motivation and mental comfort. These spaces activate the brain's Default Mode Network (DMN), which processes creative thoughts and supports the generation of new ideas.
On the other hand, inadequate conditions—such as lack of natural light, noise, or uncomfortable furniture—can increase cortisol levels, hindering focus and lowering efficiency. Properly designed spaces foster the development of essential skills, enable employees to fully utilize their potential, and, most importantly, contribute to overall well-being.
Designing Spaces that Support Mental Health and Creativity
Designing offices based on neuroergonomic principles should address diverse employee needs, promoting mental health and productivity. Key areas include both dynamic and quiet spaces:
Focused Workspaces
The importance of a well-chosen office chair cannot be overstated. Chairs like Profim's AccisPro, LightUp, Xenon, and Xenon Net offer adjustability and mechanisms that accommodate diverse ergonomic needs.
Research by Alyan et al. (2021) highlights the connection between workplace ergonomics and stress levels, demonstrating that ergonomic chairs improve well-being and efficiency by reducing alpha-amylase activity, a stress marker.
Dynamic Collaboration Zones
Comfortable, well-designed seating, such as Profim's Snap chairs, fosters social interactions and helps maintain eye contact. The ability to quickly change positions in these chairs stimulates creativity and productivity.
Such furniture also encourages human connections, supporting the production of oxytocin and dopamine, which are essential for collaboration and creative problem-solving.
Social Interaction Areas
Spaces designed for social interactions allow employees to exchange ideas and experiences, fostering innovation.
Furniture in these zones should offer flexibility and adaptability to meet changing needs. The modular Revo sofa system is an excellent example of a product that stimulates conversation and adapts to dynamic spatial requirements.
Quiet and Relaxation Zones
Research suggests that tactile engagement, such as interacting with diverse material textures, can stimulate the sense of touch, reducing cortisol levels and improving overall mental well-being.
Materials like velour and other structural, tactile fabrics are ideal for areas where employees can unwind and recharge. Offering sensory-stimulating finishes in these zones enhances well-being and increases readiness to work. Examples include Snap and Revo.
Both office spaces and furniture directly impact brain function and the production of neurotransmitters that regulate mood, creativity, and cognitive abilities. Designing work environments in line with neuroergonomics not only boosts efficiency but also creates a healthy and inspiring workplace.