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The Future of Workplace is Workspace

Hybrid workplaces, or workspaces? Learn how today's successful companies are evolving to a multi-dimensional approach.

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Human-Centered Workplaces: Designing for Employee Wellbeing and Success

Where and how work happens continues to evolve, but new data suggests we’re at a pivotal moment. Today’s most successful organizations are moving beyond thinking about workplaces as mere physical environments — a welcome shift, considering people spend a third of their lives at work. These organizations are embracing the idea that workplaces can be ecosystems designed to enhance comfort, foster connection, and drive innovation. 
 
This isn’t about trendy furniture or sleek office design. It reflects a deeper understanding of the relationship between space and human performance, and how an environment impacts people’s ability to think, connect, and create. Companies that invest in thoughtfully designed workplaces see improved employee engagement, performance, and retention. The message for today’s leaders is clear: workplace design goes beyond facilities management; it can be a strategic lever for unlocking potential and driving success individually and organizationally.

The 2024 HP Work Relationship Index (WRI) underscores this development, revealing that when knowledge workers feel their work environment addresses their individual needs, from noise levels to ergonomic setups, their performance and wellbeing soar.1

48%

of workers prioritize distraction-free spaces for focus and stress management.

42%

of workers value flexible, customizable workplace options.

professional man at desk using HP laptop
“A workplace isn’t just about where people sit—it’s about how they think, feel, and connect.
 
“When companies invest in their employees’ emotional and mental well-being, they’re not just supporting their people—they’re unlocking their best work.”

— Dave Shull, President, HP Solutions

Why Emotional Wellbeing Matters

The conventional office has undergone a radical transformation in recent years. Open floor plans, remote work setups, and coworking spaces have expanded the idea of what a workplace can be. While these changes have modernized how we think about physical work environments, there’s an often-overlooked element: emotional wellbeing. And it’s becoming clear that tackling this dimension holistically—through policies, design, and technology—is key to employee satisfaction and performance. 
 
The connection between emotional wellbeing and performance isn’t simply theoretical. Employees who feel emotionally supported are more engaged, experience fewer stress-related illnesses, and demonstrate greater creativity. Factors such as workplace relationships, stress management resources, and open communication channels all play a role in nurturing emotional wellbeing. HP’s research found that environments designed with emotional wellbeing in mind — like quiet spaces and resources for mental health — can significantly improve how employees approach their work, enabling them to focus, manage stress, and maintain emotional equilibrium. 
 
Creating these in-person and digital workplaces requires thoughtful intention. This might include team-building activities that foster trust and empathy, access to counseling or meditation sessions, or tech platforms that empower employees to set work boundaries and tailor their workflows. Such tools help individuals manage their time, energy, and focus, enabling resilience and wellbeing.

Holistic Solutions for Wellbeing

How can organizations create workplaces that truly support their people?

Step 1: Actively Listen

Conduct regular surveys or feedback sessions to understand what employees need. Tailor solutions to your unique workforce — what works for one organization might not work for another. ​

Step 2: Prioritize Employee Experience

Integrate wellbeing initiatives into company policies and culture. For instance, flexible schedules can alleviate burnout, while regular check-ins provide opportunities for employees to express concerns or celebrate wins. ​

Step 1: Actively Listen

Conduct regular surveys or feedback sessions to understand what employees need. Tailor solutions to your unique workforce — what works for one organization might not work for another. ​

4 Key Dimensions for a Truly Effective Workplace Wellbeing Strategy

two men in light, bright office cubicle talking with HP curved dual monitors and HP laptop on desk

Physical Wellbeing

The basics matter — half of knowledge workers in HP’s study emphasized the need for an adequate space with comfortable and ergonomic seating. But physical design needs to go further, incorporating healthy snack options and spaces that encourage movement throughout the day.

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Mental Wellbeing

Nearly half of workers prioritize distraction-free spaces, for productivity as well as mental clarity. Forward-thinking companies are creating dedicated focus zones and integrating stress management programs, mindfulness training, and clear work-life boundaries.

two woman in facing cubicles smiling at one another over their divider wall, with HP monitors and a red balloon

Emotional Wellbeing

Companies are finding success fostering a culture of trust, providing access to mental health resources, and creating systematic ways of recognizing employee achievements. In this way, emotional support gets embedded into daily work life

professional man and woman seated in an office lounge, using HP laptops

Personal Fulfillment

It’s essential to provide employees with personalized workplaces that serve their unique role, work style, and professional needs. Smart companies are responding by creating flexible environments that both support individual work styles and professional growth opportunities.

Workplaces of the future will do more than house employees—they will inspire them.

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The Future of Workplaces

Workplaces of the future will do more than house employees—they will inspire them. Forward-thinking organizations are designing environments and integrating technology that provide essential elements for meaningful and innovative work: comfort and efficiency, opportunities for connections and collaboration, emotional engagement, and cognitive flow. 
 
When these elements come together, the impact is transformative. Employees flourish as individuals and as teams, becoming more engaged, more creative, and better equipped to meet tomorrow’s challenges. In these spaces, people don’t just work — they thrive.

Learn how the right technology can reshape the work experience.

HP Future of Work

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Disclaimers

  1. The 2024 HP Work Relationship Index: HP commissioned an online survey managed by Edelman Data & Intelligence (DXI) that fielded between May 10 – June 21, 2024 in 12 countries: the US, France, India, UK, Germany, Spain, Australia, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, Canada, and Indonesia. HP surveyed 15,600 respondents in total – 12,000 knowledge workers (1,000 in each country); 2,400 IT decision makers (200 in each country); and 1,200 business leaders (100 in each country).
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