Your Office Design Could Be Quietly Fueling Burnout — Here’s How to Fix It

Burnout has become one of the most pressing challenges in modern workplaces. It doesn’t always arrive dramatically; it builds gradually. One person might feel physically drained, another emotionally low. For others, it’s a mental fog or growing disengagement. But regardless of how it manifests, burnout often stems from the same root: a feeling that work is heavier, harder, and more difficult to face each day.

While many employers are investing in better management training, wellbeing schemes, or adjusted workloads, one major factor is often overlooked: the design of the physical workspace.

“Burnout starts in the brain, and the space we’re in plays a huge part in either worsening or easing that strain,” says Rachel Cox, Senior Interior Designer. at Diamond Interiors. “As well as affecting how a workplace looks, good design is also about how it supports people on a daily basis, mentally, emotionally, and physically.”

Why the Office Itself Matters More Than You Think

The role of office design in wellbeing is backed by solid research. A recent Gallup report found that global employee engagement dropped by two percentage points in 2024 — a decline estimated to cost £345 billion in lost productivity worldwide. With issues like burnout, disengagement and low morale now commonplace, businesses are searching for solutions.

“The workplace sends constant signals, from the lighting and noise levels to whether staff feel in control of their space,” explains Cox. “Most companies underestimate how deeply those signals affect people’s mindset and performance.”

Younger employees, particularly, are highly attuned to their environment. In other words, they expect a well-designed workspace. 

“For Gen Z and younger millennials, wellness-focused spaces are less a luxury and more a standard. Once you bring in better design, everyone benefits, not just the younger generation.”

4 Practical Ways to Use Design to Tackle Burnout

With more organizations encouraging a return to the office, the workplace itself is being rethought. Here are four practical steps Prescott recommends to help the working environment support wellbeing and reduce the risk of burnout:

1. Run a ‘Keep, Toss, Create’ Audit

“Don’t dive into costly refurbishments or jump on trends straight away,” Cox advises. “Start by asking your team three simple questions: What should we keep? What’s no longer serving us? And what do we wish we had?”

This kind of design audit often leads to surprisingly simple solutions, whether that’s swapping outdated furniture, improving coffee facilities, or adjusting lighting. Most importantly, it brings people into the process and creates design decisions that reflect the team’s actual needs.

2. Prioritize Autonomy Over Uniformity

“Burnout creates a feeling of powerlessness,” says Cox. “Giving people choice over how they use their space makes a bigger difference than many realize.”

Something as minor as an adjustable desk lamp, a sit-stand desk, or a breakout zone can boost morale. Even if people don’t use the features every day, knowing they have control helps them feel valued and supported.

3. Design Spaces for Different States of Mind

“We need to stop treating the office as one-size-fits-all,” says Cox. “The way a space feels should reflect what people need to do in it, as opposed to just looking good on a mood board. ”Tasks that require deep focus need calm, low-stimulation zones. Collaborative work benefits from livelier, more energetic surroundings. Use color, acoustics, layout and materials to signal what each area is for.

“Soft textures and muted tones calm the mind,” Cox adds. “Brighter colors and open layouts can encourage social interaction. It’s all about creating intentional spaces that support what people actually do in a day.”

4. Use Nature to Support Mental Recovery

The benefits of nature in the workplace (known as biophilic design) are well-documented. You don’t need a rooftop garden or floor-to-ceiling windows to see results.

“A single indoor plant, a timber finish, or even artwork depicting nature can reduce stress levels,” says Cox. “These touches reset the brain, especially during busy or high-pressure days.”

Studies have shown that natural elements, real or otherwise, can lower blood pressure, improve memory and boost creativity. In short, bringing nature in helps the brain out.

Wellbeing-Driven Design Is No Longer Optional

Burnout is often invisible until it’s too late, and addressing it demands a shift in how we see the role of physical space.

“We’re not just designing rooms anymore, we’re designing experiences,” Cox says. “And those experiences are becoming a key part of how businesses attract and retain talent.”

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EDITOR'S NOTE: Diamond Interiors is a leading provider of commercial workspace solutions. We work with businesses of all shapes and sizes who are looking to refurbish their existing office, or move to new premises.