Beyond the Workplace Zoo: Humanising the Office
From theory to practice, a one day course

Due to an obsessive focus on space efficiency and property cost, the space per occupant in UK offices has decreased significantly over the last twenty years. This has resulted in high-density open-plan offices which deter the occupants and have a detrimental effect on their performance and wellbeing. In his latest book, “Beyond the Workplace Zoo: Humanising the Office”, Dr Nigel Oseland explores how to create workplaces that meet human needs, both psychological and physiological, making them more attractive and effective. After distilling relevant psychological and related theories, Nigel proposes workplace design principles, collectively termed the Landscaped Office, to remedy the shortfalls of modern offices.

In this one-day deep-dive course Nigel covers the theories and solutions offered in his book. In addition to short presentations and discussion, the day includes interactive practical space planning and design sessions. The key topics covered are:

• The property industry obsession with cost, density, open plan and return on investment rather than value, performance and wellbeing.
• Human needs in offices according to environmental psychology, evolutionary psychology, anthropology, motivation theory and personality.
• Designing for the range not the average – individual requirements, diversity and inclusivity.
• Space planning to accommodate psychological and physiological needs.
• Environmental conditions that meet individual requirements.
• Incorporating biophilic design principles.
• The right time and place for hybrid and agile working.

Course participants will leave fully briefed on how to design for psychological and physiological needs to improve occupant wellbeing and performance. 

Attendees will also receive a copy of Nigel's book, "Beyond the Workplace Zoo".

Who Should Attend? The day will be valuable for workplace consultants, office managers, space planners, architects and interior designers.

Places are strictly limited to ensure an interactive experience. Sign up for this unique and inspirational day to learn more and join those advancing design Beyond the Workplace Zoo.

Programme

10.00 Meet and greet

10.15 Session 1 – The emergence of the workplace zoo, environmental psychology, space planning and work-settings

11.15 Working break

11.30 Session 2 – Individual needs, personality, inclusivity, space zones and facilities

12.30 Lunch

13.00 Session 3 – Environmental conditions, international standards and individual control

14.00 Working break

14.15 Session 4 – Biophilic design principles and mood boards

15.15 Q&A

15.30 Close

Certificates of Attendance will be available for CPD purposes.

Dr Nigel Oseland is an environmental psychologist, workplace strategist, change manager, researcher, author and international speaker. Nigel works with his clients to redefine their workstyles and create cost-effective and space-efficient workplaces that enhance concentration, collaboration, creativity and business performance. Where appropriate he helps design and implement sustainable agile working environments. Nigel’s approach to consulting is to apply his knowledge, obtained through both academic research and practical experience, to workplace strategy and design. He is a firm believer in evidence based design and delivering unique workplaces that support the occupying business. As a psychologist he campaigns for workplaces that cater for all personality types. Nigel’s latest book, “The Workplace Zoo: Humanising the Office” was published in autumn 2021.