Rethinking the workplace in a changing context

With employees returning more frequently to the workplace, many employers are realizing that workers’ needs have evolved, widening the gap between expectations and what current work environments offer. In this context, how can workplaces be transformed to respond to this new reality while contributing to improved physical and mental health? Beyond new considerations related to infection control and a better understanding of social isolation among remote workers, a growing number of employers are questioning the future of their workspaces and the role these environments play in attracting and retaining talent. Workplace well-being has become a major concern that should directly influence how the built environment is conceived. More than ever, tomorrow’s workplaces must offer exceptional and stimulating work experiences that support both physical and mental well-being. As a result, reflections initiated in recent years have accelerated, bringing increased attention to biophilia, active design, and the built environment as a key factor influencing health and well-being at work. 

Biophilia and active design as levers for well-being

Biophilic design is one of the key emerging trends to watch. It is a holistic approach based on humans’ innate connection to nature and its positive influence on mental health. Far more than simply adding plants to workspaces, biophilic design promotes environments filled with natural light for all employees, engaging views that emphasize outdoor spaces year-round, or visual connections between colleagues. The integration of natural materials, furniture, and accessories with organic forms that create warm atmospheres also has a positive impact on occupants. Daily contact with nature in the workplace is widely recognized for reducing stress and absenteeism, while increasing creativity, well-being, and productivity.

A healthy mind in a healthy body. To encourage occupants to avoid sedentary habits, active design integrates mobility initiatives into the workplace. Initially developed to address public health concerns, this approach encourages physical activity by leveraging building features and spatial layouts. For example, a visually appealing staircase that is well positioned relative to elevators will naturally encourage more people to use it. Similarly, strategically located social spaces prompt movement and interaction throughout the workday. Creating clearances between workstations and exterior walls or windows also allows for the integration of pleasant internal walking paths, while reducing thermal discomfort caused by seasonal temperature variations at the building envelope. At an organizational level, assigned workstations can be replaced by more flexible models that promote employee mobility and team adaptability. Combined with active furniture that allows for sit-stand work or ergonomic adjustments, these strategies effectively encourage movement throughout the day.

Designing spaces that support focus, collaboration, and health

With hybrid work increasing daily movement and punctuating workdays with virtual meetings, employees are now exposed to more dynamic visual and acoustic environments. While this stimulation can be energizing for some, it may be distracting or overwhelming for others. To accommodate a range of needs, it is essential to rethink workplace layouts based on activity levels and sound conditions. Functional zoning proposes organizing workspaces along a gradient of visual and acoustic stimulation, ranging from interactive to quiet areas, with transitional spaces in between. For example, open collaborative areas are located near high-traffic circulation zones, while workstations intended for tasks requiring high levels of concentration, such as writing or data analysis, are placed further away. Transitional spaces act as buffers between these contrasting environments. Strategically positioned, they also help subdivide large floor plates into areas of acceptable social density, avoiding vast and impersonal open spaces that often contribute to visual and acoustic discomfort. Together, these strategies help maintain appropriate conditions for a variety of tasks.

Many public and private employers have embraced these trends and initiated major transformations of their work environments, particularly in the healthcare sector. Among the strategies that combine biophilic principles and active design is the removal of enclosed offices along window walls, allowing greater access to natural light and exterior views for a larger number of employees. Meeting rooms of various sizes, creative spaces, and quiet rooms are organized alongside open workstations according to spatial logics tailored to each organization. In a world where remote work will continue to play a significant role, shared spaces will become essential for maintaining team cohesion and employee well-being.

The success of these environments relies on thoughtful planning and the creation of a built ecosystem tailored to employee activities and tasks. Planning new workspaces is essential, whether within existing buildings or new construction. Identifying the needs of future occupants becomes critical to defining the types of spaces that best support daily activities and promote physical and mental health.

At STGM Planning, our team of specialized architects ensures this coherence. From gathering data on organizational needs to developing architectural strategies, planning is a crucial step in assembling all the ingredients needed to deliver the best possible project for each organization. Combined with strong design execution, effective planning enables the creation of work environments filled with light, nature, and a diversity of spaces. Projects such as the CSSDM Administrative Centre and the Pomerleau PX3 Training Centre, developed in collaboration with our design teams, are just a few examples.

While some government organizations have established general workplace guidelines, operating models, and architectural recommendations, others offer roadmaps aimed at creating environments that promote occupant well-being. In recent years, the WELL certification has introduced criteria specifically focused on physical and mental well-being, reinforcing principles of active and biophilic design. Organized around themes such as water, air, nourishment, movement, materials, acoustics, thermal comfort, light, mind, and community, WELL standards set a high benchmark for occupant well-being. WELL-certified buildings support not only physical health through air and water quality, healthy nutrition, and comfort, but also mental well-being. 

At STGM, occupant well-being is central to the work of our design professionals, from the scale of furniture to that of urban planning. Our Québec City office, LEED Platinum certified and currently pursuing WELL certification, demonstrates our commitment and expertise in creating high-quality living and working environments, as well as our desire to see our employees thrive daily in a workplace of the highest standard.