Designing Social Spaces

Workplace wellbeing isn’t just about ergonomic chairs or standing desks. It’s also about how people connect — and how a space feels throughout the day.

Well-designed social spaces give employees a place to pause, connect, and reset. Casual lounges, café-style break areas, and shared collaboration zones encourage informal interaction, which research consistently links to reduced stress, stronger relationships, and higher engagement at work. These everyday moments of connection play an important role in supporting mental wellbeing and a sense of belonging.

But wellbeing isn’t only visual — it’s auditory too.

Studies show that excessive background noise increases stress levels and mental fatigue, particularly in open or shared environments. When sound isn’t managed, even well-intentioned social spaces can feel chaotic or draining rather than restorative.

That’s where acoustic panels come in. Research has found that sound-absorbing materials improve speech clarity, reduce perceived noise, and help lower stress responses — allowing people to comfortably connect without being overwhelmed. The result is a calmer, more inviting environment that supports both collaboration and focus.

Studies show prolonged exposure to background noise can increase cortisol — the body’s primary stress hormone — even when people don’t consciously notice the sound.

The most effective social spaces strike a balance: encouraging interaction while maintaining a sense of comfort and calm. When social design and acoustics work together, the workplace quietly supports wellbeing every single day.

Reach out to Office Furniture Source to design a social space in your office that promotes workplace wellness.