New Study Finds Private Offices Best for Psychosocial Health and Workplace Climate

Researchers from KTH and the Stress Research Institute at Stockholm University have conducted a comprehensive study analyzing the impact of office design on employee psychosocial health and workplace climate. The study examined data from 4,352 Swedish office employees working across seven different office types, revealing significant findings about how physical work environments influence well-being and social dynamics.

The research highlighted that private offices, often called cell offices, deliver the best outcomes for nearly all psychosocial factors. The sense of control and privacy in such spaces was linked to better employee satisfaction and improved welfare. Shared offices with 2-3 people also showed benefits in providing social support, which helped with managing psychological demands.

However, not all office designs fared equally well. Men working in hot-desking environments, where no fixed workstations are assigned, reported the highest levels of difficulties related to psychosocial work environment and emotional exhaustion. For women, hybrid offices were rated lowest regarding psychosocial environment, while small open offices were associated with the greatest emotional exhaustion.

Christina Bodin Danielsson, an architectural researcher at KTH involved in the study, emphasized the significant role of office design in shaping workplace climate and colleague relationships. She urged companies to prioritize evidence-based office planning over prevailing design trends, stating, "Companies often design offices based on trends rather than the needs of the organization and what research teaches us."

The study underscores the importance of tailoring office environments to support mental health and social well-being, suggesting that appropriate office design can reduce emotional exhaustion and enhance workplace climate. This research provides valuable insights for employers aiming to foster healthier and more supportive workspaces in Sweden and beyond.