This paper explores the critical role of workplace design in mitigating employee burnout and fostering engagement. The authors argue that by focusing on the six burnout predictors identified by Maslach (2017) - workload, control, reward, community, fairness, and values - workplace design can create conditions that reduce the likelihood of burnout and enhance engagement.
The study synthesizes research from various disciplines, including human factors and ergonomics, environmental psychology, and organizational behavior, to provide a comprehensive framework for designing workplaces that support employee well-being and performance. Key design considerations include:
- Supporting task performance through optimal environmental conditions
- Creating opportunities for cognitive refreshment
- Providing comfortable levels of environmental control
- Facilitating the development of community among employees
- Managing nonverbal messages sent through design
The authors present evidence-based design recommendations that align with these considerations, such as biophilic design elements, activity-based workspaces, and strategic layout planning. They emphasize the importance of considering organizational and national cultures when implementing these design strategies.
The paper concludes that while workplace design alone cannot eliminate burnout or guarantee engagement, it plays a crucial role in creating an environment that supports employee well-being and productivity. By integrating insights from various fields and focusing on both physical and psychological needs, organizations can create workspaces that contribute to reduced burnout and increased engagement.
This interdisciplinary approach to workplace design offers valuable insights for researchers, designers, and organizational leaders seeking to improve employee experiences and outcomes in the modern workplace.
