Making Space for Well Beings What do you think about when your alarm goes off in the morning? Everyone carries unique wants and worries. But we all have one thing in common — our humanity – and all of its reality – comes to work with us. Some leaders encourage people to “bring their whole selves to work,” yet many people don’t feel they can.* They worry about perceptions and potential biases if others see their vulnerabilities. But the workplace can help make it a little easier to be yourself, challenges and all. It can not only signal a culture of acceptance but communicates that the organization actually cares about employees as human beings. When people have to cover up or downplay parts of their lives and identities, it can be a distraction that takes a toll on how they feel and how they work – negatively impacting their wellbeing, commitment to the organization and job performance.* There is a growing acknowledgement of the need to support mental health more fully, although many companies focus their wellbeing resources and benefits on physical health outcomes. Aside from gyms or meditation rooms, a holistic approach to employee wellbeing and acceptance doesn’t always feel tangible or integrated into the everyday work experience. Creating a variety of spaces to support employees’ wellbeing in ways that recognize their real life communicates an inclusive and caring culture and also lifts a significant cognitive burden to let people focus more fully on why they are in the office — to do great work and build strong relationships.

Steelcase designers worked with a diverse group of employees who shared their personal experiences at work to create a range of spaces that support their very human needs. Wellbeing spaces can be located near each other to create a larger hub or be spread across the workplace.
*Deloitte Uncovering Culture Report 2023

“I’m on the autism spectrum and, while I really like my co-workers, I get overwhelmed if there’s too much interaction. Some noises really startle me.” Restorative Room Control the color and light levels for anyone who needs to step away to get more control over the stimulation around them. The tactile lounge acts like a big hug. A side table stores blankets with a nearby tray for fidget spinners. Felt wall tiles help absorb sound and a water feature brings nature in. “When I was diagnosed with cancer I wanted to keep working, partly as a distraction, and partly because I didn’t want to be written off. The treatments left me wiped out and nauseous – I needed a place to lie down or just have a bathroom to myself.” Wellness Room This reservable space with natural light includes a sleeper sofa, laptop table and adjacent bathroom for people who manage their health and need to follow care plans. A built-in sink and storage accommodates medical supplies, personal items, and supports some medical exams.
“I’m excited to get back to work after maternity leave, but I’m also tired and anxious. How will I manage nursing and pumping without feeling awkward in the office?” Lactation Room Accessible lactation rooms include lockers, a fridge, sink and microwave for sanitation. Ample surfaces and power for a laptop, pumping equipment and food let people multitask. Furniture supports an upright posture, frosted glass and curtains add privacy while back-painted glass encourages people to leave a message to create community.
“I’ve wanted to pray at work. But I don’t want people looking at me and wondering why I’m using the bathroom sink to wash before prayer.” Reflection Room This minimalist sanctuary is tailored for diverse spiritual rituals, meditation or quiet reflection. It features separate storage for prayer rugs and meditation mats, dimmable lighting, wall coverings with acoustic absorption properties and exterior shoe storage. Enclosed wash facilities built away from the direction of prayer allow for purification rites and shelving provides storage for religious items. “My gender transition is a huge step forward, but scary too. I feel like people are looking at me all the time and judging me. It’s exhausting to be out in public sometimes – almost like adding another full-time job.” All-Gender Multi-Use Bathroom + Shower
This all-gender shower and changing room can meet a variety of needs. Anyone can get cleaned up in privacy and it provides an alternative to gendered bathrooms. This space has a bench and can also be used as a lactation room.

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