Physical space matters profoundly at work. Have you heard of “hoteling” at work? It’s a practice where employees don’t have assigned workspaces but instead “check out” a desk for the day. These spaces come equipped with a desk, a monitor, and a place to plug in a laptop. However, employees must pack in, and pack out, everything else they need to work. It reminds me of staying in a hotel. While a hotel room technically provides everything I “need,” I never feel comfortable. I don’t sleep as well, I struggle to focus, and I long to return home. I wonder, “How productive and effective are employees in hoteling setups? Do they want, as I do, to just go home?”

A supervisor shared with me how transformative it was to move from a shared office to having his own dedicated space. Initially, it seemed like a minor change, a simple shift in physical surroundings. The impact was far deeper. In the shared office, he often felt that his authority was diluted. Instructions from his boss were delivered to the team collectively, leaving the supervisor to reiterate or delegate, sometimes feeling redundant. Stakeholder interactions also presented challenges; responding directly often felt like bypassing employees’ roles. Having his own office created a clearer communication pathway with his boss and employees. The supervisor could now act as a buffer for instructions, tailoring directives to align with his team’s needs and capabilities. Stakeholder requests became opportunities to empower employees rather than inadvertently overshadowing them and decreasing their ownership. The change in physical space created a stronger sense of leadership and enabled the supervisor to delegate effectively and energize his team.

One of my workshop participants told me a story about listening to their team. For years, employees had been mildly complaining about the state of their breakroom, which had become a running joke on-site. During the workshop, we discussed the importance of truly listening to others and how supervisors are responsible not just for the work but for their people. This leader took a serious look at the breakroom and submitted a work order. The result? Fresh paint, new countertops, chairs, and proper containers for napkins and utensils. The transformation was remarkable, physically and emotionally. Employees couldn’t stop talking about the improvements and saying thank you. The supervisor noticed a happier atmosphere and that more people were using the breakroom – and the employees were keeping it spotless.

I believe physical space impacts human happiness, productivity, and energy. When employers prioritize the quality of the work environment, they send a powerful message of respect. Have you ever spent time in a space where it felt like no one cared about your physical comfort? I’m not talking about luxury furniture or high-end finishes. I mean basic cleanliness, orderliness, functionality, and visual appeal. When I’m asked to produce quality work in an environment that disregards my dignity, I simply … don’t.

Take some time to look at the space, physical surroundings, and work conditions you provide for your team. Are they conducive to focus, efficiency, and safety? Is it possible to have dignity working in these spaces? Are you offering a space that helps employees perform at their best? Leaders who invest in thoughtful, well-maintained workspaces foster not only productivity but also morale and loyalty. A workplace that respects its people is just that – a workplace that respects people.

By: Gloria McConnell Passman