Well-designed workplaces help people feel and perform their best.
Affordances are the characteristics of an object or space that encourage a particular behavior. Simply put, they’re the opportunity for action.
Haworth has studied how affordances can improve our performance and well-being in the workplace. They benefit people physically, emotionally, and cognitively.
The right furniture supports our bodies’ needs. Ergonomic seating and height-adjustable desks make us more comfortable at our workstations, and features like lighting and acoustic panels can improve our sensory experience. Spaces with physical affordances can encourage movement throughout the office, as well.
Weaving natural features into office environments subtly impacts how we feel at work. People are drawn to sunlight, plant life, and fresh air, and offices that provide those emotional affordances are more appealing. Spaces that build a sense of affinity and authenticity also improve our well-being in the workplace.
Offices should help us do our best work. Features that reduce distractions improve concentration, the right access to digital tools builds stronger communication, and objects like whiteboards externalize ideas. Cognitive affordances drive better performance in the office, as they foster critical thinking, brainstorming, and memory.
During a renovation project, our client used a pilot space and employee surveys to tailor the office to their needs. They created environments with affordances to support their people.
Workspace affordances directly affect our ability to do our best work. Well-designed spaces optimize our work while we’re in the office.
Learn how an employee survey led our client to incorporate physical, emotional, and cognitive affordances.
When people have choices in where to work, the office must be a welcoming, comfortable, productive place. Well-designed spaces and quality products help us feel better while working in the office.