Rethinking Hospital Staff Areas

Rethinking Hospital Staff Areas: Designs to Enhance Productivity and Wellbeing

The Hidden Backbone of Hospitals

Behind every life saved and every treatment delivered is a dedicated team of healthcare professionals tirelessly working to ensure patients receive the best care possible. But who takes care of them?

“To truly prioritize patient care, we must first prioritize the well-being of those delivering it. A thoughtfully designed environment isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for healthcare staff,” says Kshititi Nagarkar, Principal Architect at Shree Designs.

Staff areas offer a much-needed refuge for healthcare workers to recharge amidst demanding schedules. Yet, not all staff areas are created equal – even though the design of these spaces can influence staff productivity, mental health, and even patient outcomes.

The Design Factors Shaping Staff Well-being

Research highlights six key design factors that can transform healthcare staff areas into spaces of comfort and productivity:

1. Location: Proximity to workstations ensures accessibility and frequent use.
2. Hospital Experience: Intuitive designs that enhance overall staff-patient dynamics.
3. Access to Personal Space: Dedicated zones for relaxation away from patient areas.
4. Choice of Materials: Durability and aesthetics that evoke calmness and safety.
5. Safe Environment: Safety protocols integrated into staff areas.
6. Family Commitments: Facilities like daycare or residential accommodation.

These elements collectively create a foundation for staff-centric hospital design.

Restorative Design Features: A Game-Changer

A Health Environments Research & Design Journal study found that proximity, privacy, and purpose are pivotal in creating restorative staff break areas. Key findings include:

• Proximity Matters: Break areas close to nurses’ workstations see significantly higher usage.
• Privacy is Essential: Spaces offering full privacy for patients and families are more restorative.
• Outdoor Access Elevates the Experience: Private outdoor spaces like balconies or porches are perceived as far more rejuvenating than window views, artwork, or indoor plants.

By integrating these elements, we can reduce staff stress, improve satisfaction, and indirectly boost the quality of patient care through empathetic hospital design and architecture.

Why Staff Spaces Deserve More Attention in Hospital Design

Despite their importance, staff lounges, lockers, and break rooms are often relegated to afterthoughts in hospital design and planning.

By prioritising staff lounges, break rooms, and lockers in hospital architecture design & planning, healthcare facilities can create environments that are as supportive for their staff as they are for their patients.

Tackling the Challenges

Meeting the needs of a diverse workforce requires addressing several common obstacles:

• Space Allocation: Staff break areas often compete with patient-centric zones for limited space.
• Accessibility: Poorly located lounges and lockers discourage regular use.
• Privacy Needs: Spaces must balance individual privacy with opportunities for socialisation.
• Family Support Facilities: Many staff, especially women, require on-site daycare and residential accommodations.

Building Staff Areas That Work

Hospital staff area design goes beyond just aesthetics—it’s about creating functional, comfortable, and inclusive spaces that cater to the diverse needs of healthcare professionals. Here are a few of the best principles we can use when designing a healthcare space.

1. Zoning for Purpose-Driven Spaces

• Incorporate height-adjustable desks in multi-purpose staff areas to allow for both seated and standing work, promoting posture variation and reducing strain.
• Allocate quiet, low-light areas with recliners or lounge furniture for relaxation. Position them away from high-traffic zones to minimise noise.
• Include small meeting nooks or collaboration tables for informal discussions and team huddles. Use glass partitions to maintain openness while reducing noise.
• Incorporate privacy pods, soundproof booths, or enclosed lockers for personal storage and undisturbed moments.

2. Flow and Accessibility

• Place staff areas centrally to ensure easy access for all departments, minimising walking time during breaks.
• Wide pathways with clear wayfinding to enhance accessibility for wheelchairs or staff-carrying equipment.

• Position staff lounges near windows or include outdoor spaces like patios or balconies for natural light and fresh air.

3. Multi-Purpose Design

• Use modular furniture to quickly reconfigure spaces for various needs (e.g., converting a lounge into a training room).
• Install foldable partitions to create flexible layouts between private and open settings.

4. Integration of Technology

• Incorporate tech-friendly furniture with charging stations and integrated screens for presentations or telehealth training.
• Position smart lockers near entryways to avoid clutter in lounges and allow for efficient use of space.

5. Aesthetic and Emotional Comfort

• Use calming colours like soft blues or greens to evoke relaxation in rest zones.

• Incorporate biophilic elements, natural lighting, and soundproofing.
• Opt for warm lighting in break areas and task lighting in workspaces for functionality.
• Display artwork or inspirational graphics to add a personal touch and foster a sense of belonging.

Partner with Expert Healthcare Architects for Your Hospital Project

At Shree Designs, we specialise in creating innovative and functional spaces tailored to the unique needs of healthcare professionals. With extensive expertise in hospital architecture and a deep understanding of staff dynamics, we design environments that promote well-being, productivity, and efficiency.

Our Approach to Exceptional Staff Spaces

• Understanding Staff Needs: We conduct detailed assessments to identify your staff’s specific challenges and requirements, ensuring every design decision is purposeful.
• Innovative Solutions: From ergonomic furniture to inclusive layouts, we combine functionality with creativity to deliver spaces that inspire and recharge.
• End-to-End Expertise: Whether building a new hospital or upgrading existing facilities, we provide seamless project execution tailored to your vision.

A Healthier Workplace, A Healthier Hospital

Let’s build a workplace where your staff thrives and your hospital excels.