While this book does not specifically target HR, it offers vital insights into workplace design that can significantly humanise HR practices by fostering environments that prioritise employee well-being and engagement.

Workplace Design Theories

Understanding the links between environment and employee experience is critical for HR managers in today’s corporate context, where workspace design has a growing impact on worker satisfaction and productivity. Studies reveal that thoughtfully planned work environments can enhance worker happiness by as much as 30%, which can have a direct effect on staff retention and productivity. For HR professionals who are interested in improving workplace culture, A Handbook of Theories on Designing Alignment Between People and the Office Environment is a must-read. It examines 21 theories that show how careful design may foster an atmosphere where employees thrive.

Authors Rianne Appel-Meulenbroek and Vitalija Danivska illuminate how different design theories can be applied to support the psychosocial and physical needs of employees. Their comprehensive analysis highlights the importance of aligning workplace design with employee experiences, as this connection can lead to better health, increased satisfaction, and enhanced performance. By integrating these insights into HR strategies, organisations can cultivate a more human-centric workplace that promotes employee engagement and collaboration, ultimately contributing to a more productive culture.

Although the book is rich in theory and insight, some readers might find the academic approach dense for immediate practical application. Nevertheless, I tried to look for flaws and found none. While those uninterested in workplace design may overlook its relevance, HR professionals and organisational leaders will greatly benefit from the guidance provided for fostering environments that prioritise employee well-being and productivity.

This book evokes parallels with The Healthy Workplace by Leigh Stringer, which also emphasises the direct correlation between workplace environments and employee well-being. Both texts advocate for strategies that enhance morale and productivity through thoughtful, human-centric design.

A Handbook of Theories on Designing Alignment Between People and the Office Environment serves as a guiding light for organisations navigating the complexities of workplace design, illustrating how a human-centric approach can transform employee experiences and foster a thriving work culture.

About the Authors

Dr Ir Rianne Appel-Meulenbroek is an associate professor in corporate real estate (CRE) and workplace at the Department of the Built Environment at Eindhoven University of Technology. She chairs the Transdisciplinary Workplace Research (TWR) network, co-edits the Journal of CRE, and frequently speaks at international events. Her research investigates how workplace management can strategically impact employee outcomes. Dr Vitalija Danivska is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Built Environment at Aalto University, Finland. With a focus on real estate economics, she studies workplace design and facilities management. She obtained her doctoral degree in 2018 with research on the ‘Workplace-as-a-Service’ concept and has received accolades, including the EuroFM 2020 Best Paper award.

Join the Conversation: Your Thoughts on Workplace Design

We invite you to share your thoughts on how workplace design can humanise HR in the comments below.

• How do you believe a well-designed workplace can enhance employee engagement?
• What challenges have you encountered in aligning workplace design with employee needs?
• In what ways can HR leaders leverage the insights from this book to improve workplace culture?