Attracting staff to the office: The importance of social spaces, quiet zones and ‘alonement’ spaces in the workplace

29 January 2025 — Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

The Spaceful 2025 Workforce Insights Report, which surveyed over 650 Australian office workers about their views on workplace culture and organisational policies, revealed the following findings:

Additionally, through our workplace strategy studies, Spaceful has found that ‘noise’ is one of the most cited challenges in the office environment.

While many people come into the office to avoid feelings of loneliness, an equally significant number choose not to come in to escape the distractions of noise and social interaction. This is especially true for introverts, neurodivergent individuals, and those who need quieter environments to focus and recharge. While team collaboration and socialisation are essential, personal space and quiet time are equally important for employees to do their best work.

To create a truly supportive workplace that caters to diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I), it’s essential to strike a balance between social spaces, quiet zones, and ‘alonement’ areas. Offering this variety of spaces transforms the workplace into a destination that genuinely inspires employees to come in.

What are ‘alonement’ spaces?

‘Alonement’ refers to the quality time spent alone, where individuals experience joy and fulfillment in their own company. It is essentially the opposite of loneliness – Source.

Spaces for ‘alonement’ are dedicated areas where individuals can step away, close the door, and enjoy a moment of solitude to recenter themselves. These spaces aren’t necessarily designed for focused work or concentration but rather for recharging and finding personal stillness – Source. While some people regain energy through social interaction, others recharge best in solitude.

Examples of ‘alonement’ spaces:

  1. Wellness rooms – These are dedicated spaces designed to help employees recharge— a basic example of this would be a wellness room. However, spaces that go beyond the basic setup of a wellness room to include thoughtful amenities such as comfortable seating, privacy, calming lighting, and other features that promote relaxation and rejuvenation are more likely to be used as intended.
  2. Private rooms – Fully enclosed rooms (i.e., not glass walls) provide true privacy, allowing individuals to decompress without interruptions or onlookers.
  3. Quiet spaces with shared norms – Similar to a “quiet carriage” on a train, these are shared spaces designed for one or more people, where the unwritten rule is no talking or disruptions. These areas encourage the concept of being “alone, together,” creating an environment for personal focus and quiet reflection in a socially respectful setting.
  4. Innovative Furniture Solutions – Companies are also using creative furniture designs to provide spaces for solitude or perceived privacy. Examples include semi-enclosed chairs with hoods, cocoon-like seating, or discreetly positioned booths – Source.

By offering a mix of these options, not just one, companies help prevent employees from resorting to taking personal battery-charging breaks in places like bathrooms or cars, ensuring a more supportive and intentional environment for personal downtime.

The importance of spending time alone at the office

Spending time alone provides essential balance to the day, offering the mind the space it needs to unwind, reflect, and grow. The benefits include:

  1. Stress Reduction – Promotes relaxation and mental clarity.
  2. Boosted Creativity – Encourages innovative thinking and fresh ideas.
  3. Improved Self-Awareness – Improved introspection and personal growth.
  4. Enhanced Focus and Productivity – Allows for deeper concentration and efficiency.
  5. Emotional Regulation – Supports better control and understanding of emotions – Source.

Improving quiet zones

Although soundproof booths are useful for supporting video calls, they are not always ideal for focused work. Their confined space and lack of proper ergonomic support make them less suitable for longer work sessions that require sustained concentration – Source.

Instead of treating quiet zones as an afterthought, intentionally designed spaces where individuals can comfortably focus for extended periods deliver greater value. For example, exploring spaces that resemble the “quiet carriage” mentioned above, but optimised for productivity rather than relaxation. Alternatively, modern acoustic pods that offer more spacious interiors, complete with ergonomic desks and adjustable seating, provide a more comfortable and functional environment than traditional phone booths with fixed-height tables and chairs – Source.

Collaboration and social spaces remain essential

Coming into the office is vital to encourage collaboration, strengthen team dynamics, and build a sense of community. In fact, social spaces like on-site cafeterias or coffee bars were ranked as the second most requested amenity by Australian office workers – Source. However, it’s important to recognise that employees don’t always want to spend 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, socialising or working in overstimulating, noisy environments. Improving ‘alonement’ spaces and quiet zones can help address the key concerns raised by the Australian workforce, encouraging more employees to come into the office.

Learn more about office acoustics in the Spaceful Innovation Centre.