The way an office is designed does more than just look good—it directly influences how people work, interact, and feel. From encouraging collaboration to promoting well-being, behavioural design ensures that workplace environments are set up to drive positive habits naturally, without the need for rules or reminders.
Oktra’s insights on behavioural design highlight how psychology and design work together to shape workplace culture. But what does this look like in practice, and how can businesses apply these principles to support their people? Let’s explore how workplace design can create healthier, more productive workspaces.
Understanding behavioural design
Behavioural design is the science of shaping environments to encourage specific actions. It borrows from psychology, behavioural economics, and user experience design to influence the way people interact with their surroundings.
You see behavioural design in action all the time—on social media, for example, where infinite scrolling keeps users engaged. In public spaces, speed bumps slow drivers down without the need for constant monitoring. In the workplace, small design choices can encourage employees to collaborate, take breaks, or even choose healthier habits.
How workplace design guides behaviour
Employers often want to encourage certain behaviours in their teams—whether that’s improving collaboration, supporting well-being, or making sustainable choices. The layout and design of a workplace can be a silent but powerful way to influence these actions. Here’s how:
Visibility drives action
People are more likely to do something if it’s easy and obvious. Want employees to take breaks? Create a comfortable breakout area in a central spot. Need to boost recycling? Make recycling stations highly visible rather than hidden away.
Attractive spaces encourage use
If a space is welcoming and functional, employees will naturally be drawn to it. A quiet workspace with great views and comfortable seating will be used more often for focused tasks. A well-designed collaboration area with flexible furniture makes teamwork effortless.
Subtle cues guide movement
Design can encourage people to move through a space in specific ways. At DP World’s office, for example, LED lighting subtly directs employees through different areas, making the workplace more engaging and interactive.
Real-life examples of behavioural design
Bridging gaps between teams
Matillion’s office once struggled with a disconnect between floors, leading to a fragmented team culture. By introducing a striking central staircase, movement between levels became natural, increasing opportunities for cross-team collaboration.
Prioritising health at work
Double Eleven made employee well-being a priority by adding an on-site gym and a dining area with nutritious meals. These features make it easier for employees to incorporate healthy choices into their daily routine.
Supporting hybrid workers
With hybrid work becoming the norm, in-office time needs to be meaningful. Trayport tackled this by creating a central social space that naturally draws employees in, fostering connection when they are on-site.
Encouraging flexible working styles
Withers and Rogers moved away from a traditional office model by integrating a variety of workstations for hot desking. They placed the most desirable desks near windows with great views, encouraging employees to try different spaces rather than sticking to one fixed spot.
Using design to shape a better workplace
Behavioural design offers a powerful, non-intrusive way to shape workplace culture. By using positioning, incentives, and subtle environmental cues, businesses can create spaces that make productivity, collaboration, and well-being feel natural.
Ultimately, a well-designed workplace removes barriers and makes positive behaviours the easiest choice—helping employees and businesses thrive together.
Please find the original article from Oktra here.
While Oktra won’t have a stand at The Office Event, they are excited to meet with buyers and discuss how they can support their workplace transformation goals. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with Oktra and explore how they’re shaping the future of work.
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