Sustainable design can produce healthy work spaces which tell employees that their companies care about their well-being. For buildings to be a positive working environment, they must do more than keep the rain out and the heat in. They must meet people s mental and social well-being needs as well. The latter two are often overlooked in workplace design. In fact, Dr. Heerwagen said, more thought is put into the space needs of zoo animals than those of employees.
Wildlife show strong preferences for spaces that meet their needs.
The same applies to people, who typically spend 80 percent or more of their time indoors. Examples include an interesting visual environment, outdoor views, contact with nature, natural noise levels, opportunities for spontaneous social interaction, and ability to control lighting and temperatures to meet individual preferences. If these needs are not met, the consequences can be stress and maladjustment. For example, studies have documented that contact with nature and other living things, even if it s just a potted plant, can result in stress reduction, improved mood, and greater work satisfaction. People have varying preferences for temperature and lighting.