How Intentional Design Can Help Battle Office Burnout

Did you know that 66% of American workers are dealing with burnout in 2025? Even more surprising, 81% of younger employees (18-24) are feeling the pressure. But here’s the bright side: simple changes to your office could make a world of difference. Research from Exeter University shows that adding indoor plants to your workspace can boost productivity by 15%—a little greenery can go a long way in improving focus and relaxation. So, if you're looking to create a more energized, focused team, it's time to rethink your office design with some intentional, feel-good upgrades.

Embracing Ergonomics

Employees spending numerous hours at their desks risk falling prey to the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle, including obesity, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Moreover, around 65% of people with desk jobs develop musculoskeletal issues like back and neck pain. Good design begins by prioritizing employees’ health. Ergonomic design elements include chairs with adjustable heights and good back support, desks of an appropriate height, footrests if necessary to keep feet elevated and comfortable, and adjustable monitors placed at a proper viewing distance from screens. Natural light is also key. If your office relies mainly on artificial light, consider renovation work for replacing walls with sliding glass doors, installing a skylight on the roof, or replacing small windows with larger ones. 

The Benefits of Biophilic Design

One of the most influential movements in home and office design is biophilic design, a concept involving natural light, materials, shapes, patterns, and forms. It also seeks to foster “place-based relationships”—the reliance on local materials, native plants, and indigenous building techniques. Biophilic design seeks to create “evolved human-nature relationships,” with designers working to develop a sense of protection and refuge, awe and excitement, order and complexity, and exploration and discovery. Offices boasting this design have inviting features like living walls, water fountains, and indoor trees. In essence, these spaces blur the line between indoor and outdoor living. To see biophilic design at its best, check out The Spheres in Seattle, Amazon’s headquarters, which houses over 40,000 plants from around the world. Other gems include Apple Park in Cupertino, California; the Biotop office in Lille, France; and The Jewel at Changi Airport, Singapore. 

Spaces Celebrating Achievement

Feedback and recognition are key ways to keep teams motivated, which is why many leaders opt to celebrate employee and team achievements publicly. Google, for instance, has its iconic “Wall of Fame,” where employees’ accolades and photos are displayed. Employees can touch their photos to open digital displays of their achievements and stories. Zappos, meanwhile, has a “Spotlight on Success” wall, where stories of exceptional service and achievements are highlighted. Even if you run a small startup or office, you can use common spaces such as passageways and hallways to display framed photographs of teams and employees. One particularly captivating initiative is Southwest Airlines’ “Kudos Corner,” which focuses on peer-to-peer recognition. Featured employees are nominated by their colleagues, and the wall features photos, quotes, and other personal messages of success.

Relaxation Areas

Well-designed offices have places where workers can recharge and de-stress. Ideally, these places should have comfortable seating, shade, and plants. If possible, install both indoor and outdoor relaxation areas. Being outdoors in the presence of greenery has been found to reduce stress hormone levels and improve focus and mood significantly. Indoor settings, meanwhile, are great when the weather is rainy or cold. Just a few features to consider for an indoor space that promotes well-being include soft lighting, meditation pods, and nap rooms or sleep pods. A power nap can help keep employees bright and energetic enough to give their best even on stressful days. 

Boosting Air Quality

With the EPA warning that indoor spaces often contain worse air quality than outdoor ones, it pays to invest in an air quality monitoring system. Consider acquiring a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter system, which removes even the tiniest pollutants and allergens from the air. Installing CO2 sensors, meanwhile, will help you track air quality. Finally, rely on a trusted humidity control system to prevent mold growth and maintain healthy moisture levels. Invest in regular testing to make sure that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful substances remain at safe levels.

When you say yes to design that prioritizes employee well-being, you set your team up for success. Whether it’s adding plants for a touch of nature or investing in air quality systems, these changes can make a huge difference in motivation, focus, and productivity. And don’t forget about comfort—good ergonomics means your team stays at their best, no matter how many hours they spend at their desks. Small shifts like these lead to big results.

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Nina S. Blake is a writer with a research journalism background, who is always eager to explore new niches and tackle diverse subjects.