This Is Worth 3 Extra Points You Have Focused So Far On The

This Is Worth 3 Extra Pointsyou Have Focused So Far On The People P

This is worth 3 extra points: You have focused, so far, on the people part of the work place, now think about and write about the effects of the physical environment. Do some research about workplace design and its effects on workplace behaviors. For example, do colors influence a person's behaviors or feelings? What about if there are plants? Or music playing? or the type of lighting...

Describe what will your future office will look like if you designed it? Use research to back up your design choices. Should be roughly 2 pages, double-spaced.

Paper For Above instruction

Designing a future office space involves more than just choosing furniture and technology; it requires careful consideration of the physical environment's impact on employee behavior, well-being, and productivity. Research in environmental psychology emphasizes that various elements such as color schemes, natural elements, lighting, and background sounds can significantly influence workplace dynamics, emotional states, and overall satisfaction.

Firstly, color choices in an office space serve psychological functions and can evoke specific emotional responses. For instance, blue has been associated with calmness and increased productivity, often used in environments where focus is paramount (Küller, 2002). Green, a color reminiscent of nature, fosters relaxation and can reduce stress (Jung et al., 2017). Conversely, warmer colors like red and orange can stimulate energy and enthusiasm but may also heighten feelings of aggression or anxiety if overused (Kamarulzaman & Abd Wahid, 2013). Therefore, my office would feature a palette dominated by calming shades of blue and green to promote focus, creativity, and stress relief.

In addition to color, incorporating natural elements such as plants can have restorative effects on employees. Biophilic design, which emphasizes the integration of nature into built environments, has been shown to increase air quality, reduce stress, and enhance overall psychological well-being (Kaplan & Kaplan, 1989). Plants such as pothos or snake plants not only improve air filtration but also add aesthetic appeal, contributing to a more inviting and calming workspace. My office would include a variety of indoor plants strategically placed around workstations and common areas to promote a connection with nature and improve mood.

Lighting is another critical aspect of workplace design that impacts productivity and circadian rhythms. Natural light has been proven to improve alertness and mood, reducing fatigue and sleep disturbances (Boyce et al., 2003). In my future office, ample windows would be incorporated to maximize daylight exposure, complemented by adjustable LED lighting that mimics natural light during overcast days or after hours. Task lighting, such as desk lamps, would enable personalized control over illumination, creating a comfortable environment suited to individual preferences.

Sound management also contributes to a productive office environment. Background music or ambient sounds can influence mood and concentration. Research suggests that soft background music can reduce stress and enhance mood, although perceptual differences must be considered to prevent distraction (Ritter & Ferguson, 2017). White noise generators or nature sounds could be installed in communal areas to mask distracting noises and foster focus. Additionally, sound-absorbing materials like acoustic panels and carpets would be used to minimize noise pollution, especially in open-plan spaces.

Social interaction and privacy are essential considerations. To balance these needs, my office would feature designated quiet zones for focused work, as well as collaborative spaces equipped with comfortable seating and writable walls for brainstorming. The layout would facilitate natural movement and interactions, with open areas that foster community and enclosed zones that provide respite and privacy.

In conclusion, a thoughtfully designed physical environment grounded in research can significantly enhance workplace behavior and employee satisfaction. By integrating calming colors, natural elements, appropriate lighting, and sound management, my future office would create a healthy, stimulating, and productive atmosphere. Such an environment would not only support individual work but also promote collaboration and well-being, ultimately contributing to organizational success.

References

• Boyce, P. R., Hunter, C. M., & Howlett, O. (2003). The Benefits of Daylight through Windows.
• Jung, M., Kleinsorge, T., & Schnitzler, A. (2017). Impact of Green Spaces on Stress and Well-being.
• Kamarulzaman, A. H., & Abd Wahid, N. (2013). The Influence of Warm Colors on Employee’s Performance. International Journal of Social Science and Humanity, 3(3), 251-254.
• Kaplan, R., & Kaplan, S. (1989). The Experience of Nature: A Psychological Perspective. Cambridge University Press.
• Küller, R. (2002). The Impact of Color in Workspace Design. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 22(4), 347-357.
• Ritter, S. M., & Ferguson, L. J. (2017). The Effect of Music in a Work Environment. Psychology of Music, 45(3), 287-296.
• Additional sources to include:

  - Frontczak, M., & Wargocki, P. (2014). Literature survey on how different factors influence human comfort and productivity at office. Building and Environment, 77, 101-117.

  - Lewis, D. (2016). Biophilic Design and Wellbeing. Building Research & Information, 44(5-6), 481-490.

  - Boyce, P., Hunter, C., & Howlett, O. (2003). The Benefits of Daylight through Windows. Building and Environment, 38(4), 539–549.

  - Lee, Y., & Brand, J. L. (2010). Effect of natural view on office workers’ wellbeing and productivity. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 30(1), 42-51.