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OPINION
W hether you’ve experienced it firsthand or heard about it on the news, you probably know that employee engagement is dropping in the United States. In a world in which employee engagement is steadily decreasing, it’s increasingly important for firm leaders to understand the psychology behind their office spaces. The psychology behind office spaces
According to research from Gallup, employee engagement saw its first annual decline in a decade , dropping from 36 percent engaged employees in 2020 to just 34 percent in 2021. In 2023, it’s estimated that only 31 percent of workers feel engaged at work. We need a rebound, and if you ask many experts, it starts with office psychology. With organizations encouraging or even requiring employees to return to the physical office, it’s crucial that the workspace they’re returning to offers beauty, comfort, and function. Incorporating design elements that make them feel “at home” can go a long way in creating a better work environment. But what exactly is the role of office spaces in fostering engagement, and how do they impact our psychology? Let’s talk about it: ■ The role of physical environment. An office’s design shapes employee behavior and mindset. It works in the background, influencing the
manner in which individuals approach tasks, collaborate, engage with others, and feel about their jobs. A carefully designed office space can boost productivity and engagement. Conversely, an outdated or poorly planned office can have the opposite effect. As the Psychology Department at the University of Southern California puts it, we’re looking at building “new spaces for a new time.” Technological advances are changing the way employees work and do business, and physical work environments need to evolve with the times. The next generation of workers wants to be happy, and that starts with workspaces that are healthy and functional. This brings us to
Jon Leach
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THE ZWEIG LETTER MARCH 4, 2024, ISSUE 1527
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