Work always evolved, adapting to the tools, technologies, and social structures of its time. In the earliest human societies, basic survival was the driving force behind labor, with hunter-gatherers dividing essential tasks to meet elementary needs. The Agricultural Revolution marked a turning point, introducing permanent settlements and specialization, which led to the emergence of labor division in ancient civilizations. As time progressed, the Middle Ages saw the rise of the feudal system, while trade and guilds laid the groundwork for a monumental shift: the Industrial Revolution. This era transformed work from artisanal, home-based production to centralized, large-scale factory systems.

Beyond aesthetics, the design of our workplaces directly impacts our health. Studies reveal a clear link between poor light quality and limited access to natural views with increased sick leave. Smoke-free policies have been demonstrably effective, reducing smoking prevalence by 3.8% and lowering tobacco consumption by a significant 3.1 cigarettes per day for continuing smokers. Workplaces can either support wellbeing or be a detriment to it. Conscious office design can blend aspects of health in spaces to cultivate physical, mental, and social well-being.

The workplace is evolving beyond a collection of experiences and becoming a space designed to foster intentional transformations. This is the new Transformation Economy, where the emphasis shifts from what we do to who we become. In the Transformation Economy, the focus is on motivating and inspiring individuals to create lasting change. It’s about workspaces that connect with people on an intensely personal level. High performing companies are dedicated to helping employees grow, evolve, and achieve their fullest potential — making work not just a place to earn a living, but a place to transform personally and professionally.

The office is often misunderstood as a space designed for peak productivity, but in reality, it has always been a place of compromise. The traditional office was never meant to be a finely tuned environment for specialized work; rather, it was created to accommodate the broadest range of needs with the least amount of friction.

As Amazon, JPMorgan, AT&T, and other companies across industries ask their employees to return to the office five days a week, there’s a renewed focus on workplace design.

At first glance, this would seem to solve the ongoing issue of the glut of empty office buildings in cities around the world. That’s not what’s happening.