it's possible. at Yes, Is it Possible to Find Joy at Work? The cap on my tea kettle spout says “Whistle While You Work.” Some mornings I’m too busy to notice it as I rush out the door. And I rarely remember the chipper tune Snow White sings in the 1937 Disney movie as she cleans. Place matters too. Because the reality is that a physical change in space is a visible and tangible way to shape behavior and communicate to employees that they’re valued. The workplace has an impact on different aspects of wellbeing that we don’t always realize — our bodies, minds and emotions. Our research found that doing an office update actually influences engagement levels.

In this issue, we offer a broad range of ideas and insights for organizations about how to create workplaces that spark joy by addressing essential employee needs. We offer our latest global employee research and ideas from Steelcase designers around the world about how space can promote various dimensions of wellbeing. We explore new spaces that help people manage when real life intersects with work, whether they need to rest, pray or pump. We look at ways space can better support people doing the hard work of high-stakes business transformation or fast-paced manufacturing. And we share some solutions and spaces that just make us happy.

Our goal is to help the world work better — and that includes infusing a little more joy at work. Chris Congdon
Editor in Chief, Work Better Magazine Joy Work Researchers Sarah Johnson (right) and Melanie Redman (middle) review survey research with Work Better Editor In Chief Chris Congdon. Our most recent global research with employees from all kinds of organizations around the world confirms what many of us feel — people are struggling. Leaders are looking for increases in productivity and innovation. And while workers report their productivity is holding steady, their work-life balance has continued to drop over the past three years. Nearly half say they don’t have the health and energy they need, nor do they find their work interesting or engaging and they are concerned about their mental health.

With that backdrop, finding joy at work may sound difficult to achieve. But it is possible.

It starts with understanding that creating joy isn’t about making everyone happy every minute of the day — it’s about helping people feel like they matter as human beings and that they and their work have value. Organizations can make a difference by focusing on what people actually need to feel well at work. In fact, simply asking and taking people’s needs into consideration boosts wellbeing.

Leading organizations already pursue a variety of actions and policies to support their employees. They can redesign jobs to give more people more autonomy and control over their work, and help people connect what they do to a larger purpose. People have more flexibility than ever, yet they’re still struggling to balance work and life. See what people surveyed in 11 countries have to say. The Wellbeing Dilemma June 25 People have more flexibility than ever, yet they’re still struggling to balance work and life. See what people surveyed in 11 countries have to say. New Inclusion Center Welcomes Everyone November 4 The Wellbeing Dilemma June 25 Gathering together is one way people want to spend their tme in the office. See how Coalesse created the Coalesse Ensemble Lounge System – the new gathering place that works. The New Gathering Place June 25 Rethinking Wellbeing July 2 Wellbeing is the foundation of joy. Read about the six dimensions Steelcase researchers say spark joy and help people feel better at work. The new home to the Special Olympics of Michigan prioritizes accessibility and wellbeing. Through the inclusive design process, the people who use this space were instrumental in informing the design. June 25 Gathering together is one way people want to spend their tme in the office. See how Coalesse created the Coalesse Ensemble Lounge System – the new gathering place that works. The New Gathering Place Three schools from different parts of the world share how their new spaces engage students, create connections and foster wellbeing. July 2 Wellbeing is the foundation of joy. Read about the six dimensions Steelcase researchers say spark joy and help people feel better at work Rethinking Wellbeing World of Learning September 10 High Stakes Business Transformation September 3 Business transformation initiatives are accelerating a shift in how teams collaborate. New collaboration spaces help teams deliver results faster. July 9 Designers can help create conditions in the workplace that actually help people’s wellbeing. Eight Steelcase global designers offer their most “joyful” design edits. Designing for Joy Designers can help create conditions in the workplace that actually help people’s wellbeing. Eight Steelcase global designers offer their most “joyful” design edits. September 3 Business transformation initiatives are accelerating a shift in how teams collaborate. New collaboration spaces help teams deliver results faster. High Stakes Business Transformation Designing for Joy July 9 The New Power
of Privacy October 8 Access to privacy is critical in today’s workplace. Steelcase Researchers share insights about the new demands and motivations surrounding hybrid work​. How organizations like Bosch, Pepsi and Steelcase are creating more human-centered industrial spaces that improve employee wellbeing. September 10 Three schools from different parts of the world share how their new spaces engage students, create connections and foster wellbeing. World of Learning September 17 Discover the new spaces created by Steelcase designers that acknowledge our shared humanity and allow us to bring our whole selves to work. Making Space For Well Beings Embracing the Human Factor October 1 Making Space For Well Beings September 17 Discover the new spaces created by Steelcase designers that acknowledge our shared humanity and allow us to bring our whole selves to work. October 1 How organizations like Bosch, Pepsi and Steelcase are creating more human-centered industrial spaces that improve employee wellbeing. Embracing the Human Factor October 8 Access to privacy is critical in today’s workplace: Steelcase Researchers share insights about the new demands and motivations surrounding hybrid work.
The New Power of Privacy November 4 The new home to the Special Olympics of Michigan prioritizes accessibility and wellbeing. Through the inclusive design process, the people who use this space were instrumental in informing the design. New Inclusion Center Welcomes Everyone Inside This Issue Each week we will be exploring different aspects of wellbeing and share insights and research about how to create workplaces that spark moments of joy and help people feel good at work. Can't Wait? Read the entire issue of Work Better magazine and learn what organizations need to do to make joy at work possible. GET YOUR COPY