Office that supports wellbeing
Office space is a place that affects not only our work, but also our sense of happiness. At Brain Embassy, we observe how a supportive environment promotes employee well-being. It also increases their focus and has a positive impact on their collaboration with others. That is why each of our offices has been designed in accordance with the principles of biophilia.
What is biophilia?
Almost everyone who is asked to imagine a place where they feel truly relaxed will think of nature. As humans, we need contact with nature to restore the balance disrupted by ubiquitous technology.
The health benefits of nature were first studied by Roger Ulrich. His experiment involved looking at the impact of various factors on the length of recovery for people who had undergone surgery. During his research, Ulrich discovered that patients who could see nature from their rooms left the hospital much faster than those who looked at artificial buildings. The results of these and other studies were later used by Edward O. Wilson of Harvard University to create the concept of biophilia.
Biophilic design is an interior design approach the office is based on solutions that promote employee well-being and increase their productivity and creativity.
So it is not just another trend popularized by modern media. It is a primal connection that our ancestors already felt. Despite urbanization and a different lifestyle, we still strive for the same thing – a moment of respite that being in nature gives us. For many of us, being close to nature is an unconscious need. After a whole day of staring at the artificial light of a computer, using social media, and being in an air-conditioned room, we sit down on the couch tired, with a feeling of emptiness of unknown origin. – Iwona Barszcz, Global Brand & Experience Manager, Brain Embassy
We spend our lives within four walls
We can spend our lives moving from one room to another. Especially when the weather is not conducive to being outdoors. Fortunately, more and more people are recognizing the omnipresence of nature and the benefits of being in it. Nevertheless, research conducted by the US Environmental Protection Agency shows that the average American spends as much as 87 percent of their life indoors and 6 percent in their car. A quick calculation shows that only 7% of Americans experience the peace that comes with being outdoors. Although the study focuses on the US, similar trends are observed worldwide. With this in mind, Polish coworking spaces are equipped with terraces that allow you to work and relax in the open air. Similarly, in Poland, Israel, and Belgium, tenants can enjoy the surrounding landscape thanks to large windows. We have also added plants to the office, which also helps to relax the mind.
As modern people, we are unable to radically change our lifestyle and work. Therefore, the most accessible solution is to adapt the spaces we inhabit. Biophilic design also focuses on well-being at work. To this end, we have flowers in the office and use natural materials and patterns that evoke associations with being in nature. Simply adding plants to the office or wood or stone to the interior design has a positive effect on the well-being of Brainers. The idea behind the design of our spaces is therefore to create a place in line with biophilic and human-centered design. By creating coworking spaces focused on human needs, we inspire tenants and show them ways that will also work in their homes. – Piotr Kwiatkowski, Deployment Manager, Brain Embassy
Proximity to nature improves well-being by as much as 15%
It also increases employee productivity by 6%. Employees are also 15% more creative. In a study by The Human Spaces conducted on 7,600 employees from 16 countries, as many as 33% of respondents admitted that the design of an office clearly influences their decision to apply to a given employer or choose a coworking space.
Space in harmony with biophilic design
Our coworking spaces are designed with comfort in mind. We wanted tenants to be able to work more efficiently with less effort. And be in a better mood! What solutions have we implemented?
We used specific colors in our coworking spaces. There is no shortage of motivating red, relaxing blue, or creativity-stimulating yellow. At Brain Embassy, we also have a rule that every Brainer (tenant) has the opportunity to work by the window. Access to natural outdoor light provides respite, allows you to maintain higher energy levels, and increases productivity.
The use of comfortable, natural furniture from Kinnarps helps to ensure well-being at work. Wooden or stone materials and earthy colors provide respite, while ergonomic solutions allow you to focus on your tasks. Some coworking spaces in Warsaw also offer tenants the opportunity to work and relax outdoors. Public terraces and private offices with balconies allow you to stretch your legs, get some fresh air, and get the vitamin D you need. Spending time outside is also one of the best ways to stimulate creative thinking! – Iwona Barszcz, Global Brand & Experience Manager, Brain Embassy
Reliable acoustics are another element that helps you focus on your work. Numerous studies show that the main distraction for employees is the sound of conversations. That is why we have equipped our coworking spaces with quiet work rooms and numerous acoustic solutions. Some of them are based on the presence of plants. Some of the coworking space walls are covered with moss, which stimulates the senses, calms the mind, and brings back memories of moments spent close to nature.
Many studies confirm the benefits of feeling connected to nature and its positive impact on our health. Connecting with nature contributes to a sense of meaning and joy in life. That is why it is so important that we spend as much time as possible in spaces created in the spirit of biophilia.
