This is important because workplaces in which employees report strong social support are overall seen as healthier and this in turn predicts higher job satisfaction and morale.

Why is social support an important factor in the workplace?

Utilizing architectural features to establish group boundaries is important because this can contribute to social cohesion among work groups. Having areas such as common areas can provide instances of unplanned social interaction between employees which can foster social support that in turn alleviates stress. 

Michigan State University

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 

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


Utilizing architectural features to establish group boundaries 

Restricting the size of work sections do have limits. If the social density (number of people per area) is too large then individuals must manage more relationships which can create more stress. If the social density is too small there will not be much social interaction at all. A general rule of thumb that the design community has adopted is about 10-15 people per team space. 


Restricting the size of work sections within the boundaries

Most research done consistently reports a strong desire for privacy among employees. Privacy is largely a matter of being able to control information whether it is information about oneself or information about others. When one has the ability to control their environment and what information gets out and in, the effects of stressors are nonexistent thus allowing you to manage social interactions appropriately.


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