LEFT, A PAIR OF REGENERATION
PODS WITH A NEW AGE-STYLE
SOUNDTRACK OFFER A QUIET
SPACE FOR R&R
BELOW, THE LIVING LAB IS
FURNISHED WITH BAMBOO
DESKS INCORPORATING
PLANTERS AS WELL AS THE
USUAL RAFT OF PLUGS,
SOCKETS AND CARD READERS‘Measuring wellbeing helps clients look at
stress levels and realise what that costs’
relection are available to those who sign up, sound-
tracked in a vaguely New Age way to drag you away
from the daily grind. ‘It’s a statement piece, obviously,’
says Reynoldson, but nevertheless, the company has
scrupulously tracked and monitored its employees’ use
and enjoyment – or otherwise – of the space. The study,
conducted with University College London, compared
the (self-reported) mood and wellbeing of workers
using the lab and those at a regular set of desks in
the main oice. The change of environment seems
to be working, with 81 per cent of participants
reporting the space was more appealing to work in.
This is partly due to the combination of daylight –
the winter garden spaces are naturally very bright
and also have natural ventilation, and also perhaps
the psychological boost of feeling looked after.
‘Workplaces of the future need to be much more
mindful,’ Reynoldson concludes, although obviously
Mitie has a vested interest in making its products more
attractive. The company is competing against much-
vaunted, high-proile operations such as WeWork,
with their creative client base and deep, Silicon Valley-
funded pockets. ‘Measuring wellbeing helps clients
recognise its value,’ says Kang. ‘They will look at their
employees’ stress levels and staf turnover and realise
what that costs.’ Design can change perceptions, and
with them the ambience of the future workplace. ∂
daewhakang.com; mitie.comOfficepaper*
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