Social relations largely has to do with any interpersonal relationship between two or more individuals. The dimensions in the workplace are important because a well designed workplace can improve social relations among co workers by utilizing architectural features to establish group boundaries, restricting the size of work sections within the boundaries, and providing proper privacy mechanisms that allow individuals to manage social interactions. 

Social Relations 

Stress reduction is a big focus when trying to figure out how to improve ones well being for individuals in the workplace. Among the many different environmental features known to aid in recovery from stressful experiences, research has shown that simply having a window with a view can greatly decrease stress. Studies have also demonstrated that patients in hospitals whose windows provided views with a view of nature recovered more quickly and used less pain medication than those with no view. On top of that, people who had offices with more attractive views reported better sleep quality and reduced discomfort. 


Stress Reduction

It is normal for people to be distracted every so often but for certain individuals it is a more persistent problem.  These are individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Researchers and Doctors now recognize that the persistence of ADHD throughout ones life has many effects on performance and success in the workplace. 

Attention Focus (ADHD)

Photobiology is the study of the effects of light on humans. Researchers have shown that having access to light from a window increases tryptophan uptake which is a precursor of serotonin and can in turn improve social behavior and alleviate stress.  This effect can also help explain how hospital patients with depression had shorter stays if they were in a room that received more sunshine than rooms that did not have direct sunlight.


Photobiology ( workplace design )

1. Social Relations 
2. Attention Focus 
3. Stress Reduction 
4. Photobiology 

Michigan State University

On-site Workplace design focuses specifically on On-site work settings in which the business has more control over design aspects. Businesses have control over the physical layout of the work environment and as such are able to make the workspace efficient. The professionalism of the workplace helps create a sense of uniformity, which promotes a sense of efficiency through grouping. Professionalism consists of office attire and uniform workspace. A Uniform workspace allows for equality in resources allocated toward employees (something that may not be the case with remote work). Working on-site allows for more face-to-face interaction, creating more transparent interaction with what employees are contributing and better communication in regards to what needs to be completed.
 


On-site Workplace design

Veitch, Jennifer. “Workplace Design Contributions to Mental Health and Well-Being.” HealthcarePapers, vol. 11, no. sp, 2011, pp. 38–46., https://doi.org/10.12927/hcpap.2011.22409. 


Workplace Design Contributions to Mental Health and Well-Being


A paper designed to explore the effects of identity signaling on both individual and group productivity. This experimental approach sorted participants into teams to examine the role ingroup versus outgroup spaces played on the completion of simple, team-oriented tasks. 

Spaces that Signal Identity Improve Workplace Productivity

Those within an educational system are among some of the most stress-triggering jobs out there. It is important to understand what triggers stress within education as well as how to address and manage this to provide a welcoming, positive environment for their students.

Stress in the Workplace

• New employee interactions

• Task-related interactions

• Private interactions

Onsite Social Interactions

“Employee engagement is a desirable condition, has an organizational purpose, and connotes involvement, commitment, passion, enthusiasm, focused effort, and energy”

Onsite Employee Engagement

On-site work is when a majority of work produced by the company/business is done by employees at a business-owned building. On-site work is normally viewed as more rigid than remote work but still may be able to offer some types of flexibility. On-site work is generally viewed as work in an office-type setting in which employees work in cubicles and/or offices.   

On-site Work

"The extent to which an employee experiences feeling fulfilled and having his or her needs met in both work and non-work facets of life"

Onsite Work-life Balance

An article that presents evidence of occupants' perception of their work environment in five different office types (Solo, Duo, 2-4, 5-8 and 8Plus offices). Used a dataset of 5000 respondents in 67 commercial and institutional office buildings on their perception of comfort and productivity in their office environments.

Does the Number of Occupants in an Office Influence Individual Perceptions of Comfort and Productivity?

- Employees put high emphasis on office layout and design
- Having a dedicated meeting space is important
- Some employees value community in design of office
- Design has impact on corporate culture

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