Killing Productivity, One Coffee Break at a Time? Think Again.
Ever feel guilty for stepping away from your desk? Like taking five minutes to chat by the coffee machine might trigger an apocalypse of missed deadlines? Turns out, those “unproductive” moments are actually doing more for your brain than another hour of doom scrolling emails. The truth is, unstructured time in the office isn’t wasted time. It’s the secret sauce of creativity, innovation, and, ironically, better productivity. But only if the space is designed to make those moments count.
Downtime: The Brain’s Secret Weapon
We’ve been conditioned to think that every second at work needs to be accounted for. Back-to-back meetings, open tabs multiplying like rabbits, the constant pressure to look busy. But science (and common sense) tell us otherwise: the best ideas don’t happen under fluorescent lights in forced brainstorming sessions. They happen in the in-between moments—walking to grab a coffee, casually bouncing thoughts off a colleague, staring blankly at a wall until genius strikes.
Companies that embrace these “non-work” pockets of time are the ones fostering real innovation. The trick? Creating spaces that encourage spontaneous connection and mental resets—without feeling like a corporate playground trying too hard.
Designing for the Good Kind of Distraction
Not all office distractions are bad. Some fuel collaboration, spark unexpected ideas, and make the workplace actually enjoyable. The key is balance: a space that supports deep focus and effortless interaction.
Inviting layouts that nudge people into organic conversations. Breakout areas that aren’t just sad couches in a forgotten corner. Nooks where employees can mentally recharge without feeling like they’re sneaking off to commit workplace treason.
Conclusion
If productivity was just about clocking hours, every cubicle-filled office would be a creativity powerhouse. (Spoiler: they’re not.) Smart companies aren’t just redesigning offices; they’re redefining what work looks like. Because the real game-changer isn’t squeezing more out of every minute—it’s knowing when to let the mind breathe.
And if that means an extra coffee break? We’re all for it.
Elon Musk and the Return to the Office: A Reality Check for Company Culture
In November 2022, Elon Musk took a sledgehammer to remote work policies at Twitter and Tesla with his now infamous decree: “If you don’t like it, you can leave.” His unflinching stance sparked a workforce shake-up and reignited the debate on how CEOs can build a cohesive, innovative company culture in an era when remote work reigns supreme.
But let’s flip the script: instead of coercion, what if the office became an irresistible place employees wanted to return to? Imagine a workplace that prioritises well-being, creativity, and connection, making it less “mandatory punishment” and more “personal choice.” At Altis, we believe the solution lies in the design—spaces that put psychological comfort front and centre, transforming the office from a relic of the past into a hub of inspiration.
From Workhorse to Well-being Hub
The old-school office? Sterile, functional, and frankly depressing. It was all about squeezing productivity out of people. Post-pandemic, however, employees are demanding more from their work environments. Returning to the office doesn’t have to mean sacrificing well-being or flexibility.
Instead, companies should focus on reinventing offices as dynamic spaces that support mental and physical health, proving that the traditional model can evolve into something employees actually look forward to.
Turning the Office into a Place People Want to Be
If you’re going to make people return to the office, at least make it worth their while. Create an environment that empowers, supports, and inspires. How?
Continue reading for some useful tips!
- Spaces that Promote Well-being: Incorporate natural light, greenery, and areas for relaxation to reduce stress and lift moods. Quiet zones for reflection and open spaces for collaboration? Yes, please.
- Flexibility in the Environment: Standing desks, cosy lounges, soundproof meeting rooms—let employees choose how they work. Empower them to feel in control and less like captives.
- Emphasis on Connection: Design spaces that foster human interaction, from informal lounges to communal kitchens. Build a sense of community that no Zoom meeting can replicate.
- Focus on Psychological Safety: An office isn’t just about physical security. Employees need to feel safe expressing themselves and collaborating without judgement. Create a culture where openness thrives.
A Hybrid Reality: The Office as a Magnet, Not a Cage
Hybrid work may be the new normal, but the office still holds a pivotal role. For those who’ve grown comfortable with remote setups, returning to the office can feel like being dragged back to school. Let’s change that. Make the office more than a workspace—make it an experience. One that’s dynamic, empowering, and, dare we say it, fun.
Conclusion
Elon Musk might think ultimatums are the way forward, but if you’re forcing people to come back to the office, at least ensure they don’t regret the trip. A well-designed workspace could be the difference between grudging compliance and genuine enthusiasm. After all, nobody wants to endure the daily grind in a setting that feels like a dystopian nightmare.
When Reality Shifts: Lessons from Inception and Regent Street
On 8 January 2025, Regent Street, one of London’s most bustling commercial arteries, was eerily silent. A false bomb alarm had emptied its offices and stores, leaving an atmosphere heavy with unease. In a matter of minutes, the ordinary rhythm of a weekday morning dissolved into chaos. Employees shuffled into the cold streets, uncertain and anxious, their daily routines disrupted by the shadow of a potential threat. Welcome to the show, where even a misplaced alarm can turn your average morning into a thriller.
This incident underscores a fascinating, albeit unsettling, truth: our perception of danger can transform the way we experience reality. The manipulation of this perception, intentional or accidental, has the power to alter emotions, behaviours, and even physical spaces. It’s a phenomenon strikingly reminiscent of Christopher Nolan’s Inception, where carefully constructed dreamscapes reshape the minds of its protagonists. Just as Cobb’s team builds elaborate worlds to influence thoughts, the false alarm at Regent Street reminded us how an external suggestion—“there is danger here”—can warp our immediate experience of safety. Inception? More like Deception, right?
Inception: why creating Architecture means creating a World
In Christopher Nolan’s film “Inception”, the architecture of dreams is a tool to implant ideas, blurring the line between reality and illusion. A city’s streets bend upwards, an elevator descends into the subconscious, and what appears safe can suddenly fracture into chaos. Similarly, the Regent Street evacuation revealed how fragile our sense of stability is. The buildings didn’t change; their foundations were as solid as ever. But for those inside, the perception of a threat turned familiar hallways into potential traps and transformed their workspaces into zones of vulnerability. So much for the ‘invincible fortress’—it turns out it’s all in your head.
This shared thread between film and reality lies in the human mind’s response to suggestion: in both scenarios, whether within the surreal landscapes of a dream or during a real-world evacuation, our perception of reality is shaped as much by external cues as by our internal interpretations. A single suggestion—be it a visual distortion in a dream or the sound of an alarm in an office—can be enough to alter how we engage with our environment. The mind’s ability to reinterpret spaces based on perceived threats shows how easily the familiar can become uncertain, reshaping how we navigate and experience the moment.
One alarm, and suddenly your cubicle is a warzone. Welcome to the office apocalypse.
The Fragility of Perceived Safety
The incident at Regent Street invites a deeper exploration: what truly makes us feel safe in environments like offices? Is it the presence of security measures, the predictability of daily patterns, or something more intangible, like trust in those around us? Maybe we’ve all been fooled into thinking that a couple of CCTV cameras and a fire drill checklist make us invincible.
Safety, it seems, is as much about perception as it is about reality. A workspace can have reinforced doors, surveillance systems, and emergency protocols, yet a single alarm—false or not—can dismantle the sense of security. On the flip side, an open and supportive office culture, where communication flows freely and employees trust their leaders, can instill a sense of safety even in moments of uncertainty. Turns out, the best security system isn’t a lock; it’s a team that talks to each other.
Building Resilient Spaces, for Today and for Tomorrow
To counter the fragility exposed by incidents like the Regent Street alarm, organisations must prioritise resilience—not just structurally, but psychologically. Here’s how:
- Transparent Communication: employees must be informed promptly and clearly during emergencies, even if the threat turns out to be unfounded. Trust is well-built when information flows. “Because nothing says ‘I’ve got your back’ like a timely text that says, ‘No bomb, just bad coffee today.’”
- Designed for Flexibility: Modern offices can feature adaptable spaces that evoke a sense of resilience, subtly fostering an unconscious feeling of comfort and safety. Just as dream architects in Inception anticipate disruptions, real-world architects can design with unpredictability in mind.
- Cultivating Emotional Safety: beyond physical security, workplaces should foster environments where employees feel psychologically safe. Team cohesion and trust mitigate fear, enabling people to navigate uncertainties with confidence. “Let’s face it: If you can’t trust your team during a false alarm, you might as well be in a hostage situation.”
The Architecture of Trust
The Regent Street incident is a reminder that our environments are as much mental as they are physical. Like the layered dreamscapes of Inception, our offices exist simultaneously as places of productivity and as canvases for our emotions and perceptions. Understanding this duality is the first step in creating spaces that not only function but also adapt to the fluid nature of human experience. “In the end, the real architecture is the one built between the walls of your mind.”
So, the next time you step into an office, consider this: what invisible architecture is shaping your experience? Is it the design of the building or the shared belief that it is a place of safety? Perhaps it’s a little of both, intertwined in ways we’re only beginning to understand. “Or maybe it’s just the espresso machine—let’s be real, that’s the true foundation of any workplace.”
Cultivating Positive Emotions in the Workplace
From the Interview to David Papini - 3 of 3
Introduction
In this last step of our exploration with the Psychologist and Coach, David Papini, we focused on the transformative power of positive emotions in the workplace. Work is a central part of our lives, yet for many, it is often synonymous with stress and pressure. Imagine, though, a workplace where positive emotions like joy, gratitude, and inspiration are not just occasional moments but integral to the everyday experience. Embracing positive emotions at work isn’t just about fostering happiness; it’s a proven strategy for enhancing performance, creativity, and well-being.
Why Positive Emotions Matter
Positive emotions influence how we think, feel, and perform. Research shows that when individuals experience emotions like gratitude or enthusiasm, their cognitive flexibility improves, allowing them to solve problems more effectively and engage more meaningfully with their work. Beyond individual benefits, fostering a positive emotional climate can transform team dynamics and drive organisational success.
The Broaden-and-Build Theory in Action
The Broaden-and-Build Theory by psychologist Barbara Fredrickson suggests that positive emotions expand our awareness and encourage us to build lasting personal resources. In the workplace, this can translate into stronger interpersonal connections, greater resilience, and a capacity to tackle challenges with creativity and confidence. For instance, moments of shared laughter during a team meeting or a leader expressing genuine gratitude can create ripple effects, improving communication and collaboration.
Practical Strategies for Enhancing Positive Emotions
- Designing Spaces that Inspire: The physical environment plays a significant role in influencing mood and productivity. Bright, open spaces with natural light and elements of nature can uplift spirits, while quiet zones allow for reflection and focus.
- Celebrating Achievements: Acknowledging milestones, both big and small, fosters a sense of accomplishment and belonging. Whether it’s a formal recognition program or spontaneous praise, these gestures reinforce positivity.
- Encouraging Autonomy and Purpose: When employees feel they have control over their tasks and understand how their work contributes to the organisation’s mission, they are more likely to experience satisfaction and motivation.
- Integrating Mindfulness Practices: Initiatives like guided meditation sessions or simply encouraging short breaks for reflection can help employees manage stress and maintain emotional balance.
The Ripple Effect of Positivity
Positive emotions are contagious. When leaders model optimism and gratitude, they set the tone for the workplace culture. Teams that operate in a positive emotional climate report higher levels of trust and engagement, which directly impacts organisational outcomes. Moreover, positivity at work doesn’t remain confined to the office; it influences employees’ interactions outside of work, creating a wider societal impact.
Conclusion
Fostering positive emotions in the workplace isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for organisations that aim to thrive in today’s complex world. By consciously designing environments and practices that promote well-being, organisations can unlock the full potential of their teams. Ultimately, a workplace that values positive emotions is one that values its people, creating a cycle of success that benefits everyone involved.
Shaping the Responsive Workplace: A New Era of Adaptability
From the Interview to David Papini - 2 of 3
Introduction
In this second step of our exploration with the Psychologist and Coach, David Papini, we delved deeper into the evolving needs of workplaces and how they can better support employees’ emotional and practical demands. In a rapidly evolving world, the workplace must do more than keep up; it must anticipate and adapt. The concept of a “responsive workplace” captures this dynamic, offering an environment that evolves with the changing needs of its occupants. As organisations navigate new challenges—technological advancements, shifting employee expectations, and global disruptions—building a workplace that prioritises adaptability has never been more critical.
A New Understanding of Responsiveness:
A responsive workplace is not just a physical space but a dynamic ecosystem designed to support both organisational goals and individual needs. This approach goes beyond functionality, focusing on creating environments that inspire collaboration, well-being, and innovation.
Key characteristics of a responsive workplace include:
- Flexibility: Spaces designed for multiple purposes, easily reconfigurable to meet shifting demands. For example, an open-plan area can be transformed into smaller meeting rooms or brainstorming hubs as needed.
- Technology Integration: Seamlessly incorporating digital tools to enhance communication, productivity, and accessibility. From virtual collaboration platforms to smart sensors monitoring space utilisation, technology plays a pivotal role in enabling responsiveness.
- Human-Centric Design: Recognising that employees’ needs are diverse and evolving, a responsive workplace prioritises comfort, inclusivity, and mental well-being. Features such as natural lighting, ergonomic furniture, and spaces for relaxation are becoming essential.
The Benefits of Adaptability:
Creating a responsive workplace yields significant benefits for organisations and employees alike:
- Enhanced Collaboration: Flexible spaces and advanced tools foster better communication and teamwork, whether in person or remotely.
- Increased Employee Engagement: By prioritising individual needs and creating an environment that supports growth, organisations can boost morale and productivity.
- Future-Proofing: A responsive workplace is prepared to meet the demands of tomorrow, from scaling operations to accommodating new working models like hybrid or remote setups.
Strategies for Implementation:
Building a responsive workplace requires intentional effort and strategic planning. Some practical steps include:
- Engage Employees: Actively involve teams in the design process to ensure their needs and preferences are met.
- Invest in Versatile Design: Opt for modular furniture, mobile partitions, and other adaptable elements to future-proof spaces.
- Leverage Data: Use workplace analytics to understand how spaces are utilised and identify areas for improvement.
- Embrace Continuous Learning: A responsive workplace evolves over time. Regularly gather feedback and stay open to innovations that can enhance adaptability.
Conclusion
The responsive workplace represents more than just a trend—it’s a commitment to meeting the challenges of a complex, ever-changing world. By embracing adaptability and prioritising the human experience, organisations can create environments where employees thrive, innovation flourishes, and businesses succeed. The journey towards responsiveness is an ongoing one, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
This vision of a responsive workplace doesn’t only future-proof businesses but ensures they become resilient, employee-focused, and capable of driving positive change in the years to come.
Space affects us all: the Altis proprietary research
Introduction to Altis Proprietary Research Project
Altis is proud to announce the launch of an ambitious research project titled Wellbeing in the Workplace, spearheaded by Nicoletta Brancaccio, Head of Research at Altis and PhD candidate at the University of the West of England. Nicoletta’s work delves into the intricate relationship between space and the behavioural responses of its occupants, exploring how the environments we inhabit shape our experiences and wellbeing.
For architects, the opportunity lies in understanding how we interpret and construct space—how these processes influence not only our actions but also our sense of wellbeing. Altis is embarking on a vital investigation that unites workplace design with human emotional and cognitive responses, paving the way for architecture and interiors that are more responsive, inclusive, and attuned to neurodiversity.
This research considers a multitude of factors that influence, impact, or enhance the quality of life. The foundation of this complex inquiry is a simple yet profound question: What can architecture do for people? Not just in terms of boosting productivity, but in empowering individuals and making them feel better at work.
Decoding Space and Reality
We experience and “code” space largely through interruptions—what researchers call discontinuities. A blank, featureless surface offers no stimulus, no activation for the brain. But when a line, a break, or any kind of interruption disrupts that blankness, we begin to see and interpret. This is the act of coding space.
However, the construction of reality is an entirely different process. We do not merely decode reality—we actively build it. Each individual’s perception is unique, shaped by their background, culture, experiences, and the meanings they assign to objects and spaces. As James Gibson described with the concept of affordance, objects and spaces inherently suggest actions, but the meaning of these suggestions is deeply personal and contextual.
The real challenge today is not only to recognise these pre-existing meanings but also to attribute new ones—meanings that align with and promote wellbeing.
The PERMA Model and Architecture’s Role
According to Martin Seligman, a leading theorist on wellbeing, flourishing is enabled by five core building blocks: Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment (PERMA™). Each of these can be nurtured through strategic interventions, and architecture has the power to influence all five.
Architecture can inspire engagement by encouraging interaction with spaces. It can foster relationships by creating environments that bring people together. It can shape the meanings we associate with our surroundings, enhancing our emotional connection to the workplace. In essence, architecture is not just about structures; it is about creating experiences that enable people to thrive.
A Collaborative Approach
This research journey will involve collaboration with professionals from diverse fields, including psychologists and workplace specialists, to gain a deeper understanding of emotions and experiences tied to work environments. We aim to differentiate between emotions and feelings, exploring their connections to specific types of spaces.
By integrating knowledge from various disciplines, we hope to develop actionable insights for architects and designers, enabling them to create environments that significantly enhance the quality of life for employees and all who experience these spaces.
The Wellbeing in the Workplace project seeks to redefine how we think about architecture—not just as a backdrop to work, but as an active participant in shaping human wellbeing.
Embracing Downtime: The Hidden Benefits of Unstructured Office Spaces
Introduction
In today’s fast-paced work culture, the idea of having moments of ‘nothingness’ might seem counterproductive. However, creating spaces in the office where employees can experience unstructured time—moments free from specific tasks or pressures—can significantly enhance psychological well-being and overall productivity.
Unstructured time allows the mind to wander, fostering creativity and reducing stress. By integrating areas within the workplace designed for relaxation or informal interactions, companies can promote a healthier work environment.
Key insights include:
- Mental Rejuvenation: Allowing periods of unstructured time can help prevent burnout and improve mental health. The pressure to remain constantly productive can lead to significant stress, negatively impacting cognitive functions and overall well-being. Research has shown that prolonged periods of stress can elevate cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress, which negatively affects memory, concentration, and decision-making. Incorporating quiet, unstructured spaces within the office can provide employees with a mental break, encouraging relaxation and allowing the mind to recover.
In fact, chronic boredom at work can be more detrimental than burnout, often leading to feelings of disconnection and a lack of engagement. Creating a space where employees can have a break from high-stress tasks allows them to return to their work with a refreshed mindset. The occasional boredom experienced in these spaces may actually serve to rest the mind, leading to increased focus and performance once they return to their responsibilities. (Forbes)
- Enhanced Creativity: Unstructured time provides employees with the freedom to explore new ideas without immediate constraints, potentially leading to innovative solutions. Creativity thrives when individuals have the opportunity to disconnect from the routine pressures of work. Studies have shown that allowing employees downtime not only prevents burnout but can also lead to a surge in creative output. For instance, companies like 3M have implemented ‘15% time’, a period during which employees can work on projects outside their usual responsibilities. This initiative has been credited with some of the company’s most groundbreaking innovations, like the development of the Post-it Note. Providing unstructured time gives employees the opportunity to think freely, leading to new perspectives and ideas that might not arise in a strictly task-oriented environment. (Innovation Vivint)
- Improved Job Satisfaction: Providing spaces for unstructured time can lead to higher employee satisfaction, as it allows for a balance between structured tasks and personal time. A work environment that acknowledges the need for breaks and relaxation can prevent mental exhaustion and promote a healthier work-life balance. Studies have shown that workplaces offering flexibility and restorative spaces experience lower rates of employee turnover. According to a study published in National Institutes of Health (NIH), employees who are given the opportunity to engage in restorative activities—whether through quiet spaces, mindfulness rooms, or social break areas—report feeling more engaged, satisfied, and loyal to their organisation. Additionally, organisations that understand the need for balance are more likely to attract and retain top talent, as employees are seeking environments that prioritise their well-being. (PMC)
Conclusion
By recognising the importance of unstructured time and designing office spaces that accommodate it, organisations can create a more supportive environment that values employee well-being alongside productivity. These types of spaces aren’t about offering ‘time off’ but about fostering the right conditions for the mind to recharge, thereby making employees more effective and content in their roles.
