Creating a workplace that actively supports employee happiness and wellbeing is good for business. However, designing an environment that does this requires a framework and foundation that really gets to the heart of what human beings need and want to be happy in the workplace.
At Niche Projects, we specialise in cutting-edge office design and office fitouts that not only look impressive but also support the mental, emotional and social health of your team. One of the most compelling frameworks to guide workplace design is the PERMA model in the workplace. In this article, we’ll look at what the PERMA model is, and how it can be applied to the process of designing and building your office space.
What is the PERMA model?
The PERMA model, developed by positive psychology expert Dr. Martin Seligman, outlines five core elements of wellbeing and happiness. In the context of workplace design, PERMA can serve as a practical framework to enhance employee satisfaction, engagement, and overall mental health.
The acronym PERMA stands for:
- P – Positive Emotion
Encouraging feelings like joy, gratitude, and optimism. Workplace design tip: Use natural light, warm color schemes, indoor plants, and comfortable breakout areas to promote a positive emotional climate. - E – Engagement
Being deeply involved and absorbed in tasks—commonly referred to as “flow.” Workplace design tip: Create quiet zones and focus spaces that allow for deep, uninterrupted work. Provide autonomy and flexibility to boost intrinsic motivation. - R – Relationships
Social connections and a sense of belonging are crucial for wellbeing. Workplace design tip: Design collaborative spaces such as open lounges, communal kitchens, or project hubs that foster informal interaction and teamwork. - M – Meaning
Having a sense of purpose and contributing to something greater than oneself. Workplace design tip: Reinforce the company’s mission visually (e.g., wall art, messaging) and create environments that support community impact initiatives or team volunteering. - A – Accomplishment
Pursuing and achieving goals brings a sense of pride and satisfaction. Workplace design tip: Use transparent goal-setting tools, recognition walls, and spaces to celebrate team wins. Provide professional development areas or resources.
These five pillars are the building blocks of lasting happiness and mental wellbeing. When nurtured, they contribute to a person’s ability to thrive – not just survive – at both work and in their daily lives.
You might ask: “What is the PERMA model and why is it relevant to workplace design?” In short, it gives us a structured way to consider what employees truly need from their environment. That is, not just in terms of comfort or aesthetics, but also in regards to psychological fulfilment.
How can this model be used to create a better workplace?
Office environments can play a vital role in enhancing each aspect of the PERMA model in the workplace. By designing spaces that reflect these five pillars, businesses can foster a culture that boosts morale, encourages collaboration and supports sustained productivity.
Positive Emotion: Designing for wellbeing
Natural lighting, colour psychology, and greenery all contribute to a more uplifting workplace atmosphere. Soft furnishings, breakout zones, and calming acoustics also help reduce stress and encourage moments of quiet reflection. These elements work together to promote positive emotion, the first pillar in Martin Seligman’s PERMA model.
Engagement: Spaces for deep work
When employees are absorbed in tasks that align with their strengths, they enter a state of flow. Open-plan spaces may foster collaboration, but they can also hinder concentration. A balanced workplace includes quiet zones, phone booths, and focus pods where team members can fully immerse themselves in their work—supporting the engagement aspect of the PERMA model in the workplace.
Relationships: Encouraging connection
Strong social connections at work contribute directly to employee satisfaction. Consider layouts that include communal kitchens, lounges and informal meeting zones that make it easy for people to interact organically. These thoughtfully designed spaces reinforce the relationships component of the model and help foster a supportive team environment.
A case study: Japanese Workplace: Validation of the Workplace PERMA-Profiler
A study conducted in Japan aimed to validate the Japanese version of the Workplace PERMA-Profiler, a tool designed to assess employee wellbeing based on the PERMA model. The study involved 310 Japanese workers who completed online surveys measuring job and life satisfaction, work engagement, psychological distress, and work performance.
Key Findings:
- The Japanese Workplace PERMA-Profiler demonstrated good reliability and validity.
- Positive correlations were found between PERMA dimensions and job/life satisfaction.
- Negative correlations were observed between PERMA dimensions and psychological distress.
This study supports the applicability of the PERMA model in assessing and enhancing workplace wellbeing in Japanese office settings. The findings reinforced the fact that designing for health and wellbeing can lead to higher levels of employee happiness.
The benefits of prioritising employee happiness should not be ignored
When you apply the PERMA model of wellbeing to your workspace design, the return on investment extends far beyond aesthetics. Happy employees are more productive, stay longer with their employer, and are more likely to recommend the business to others. The workplace becomes a powerful tool for retaining talent and strengthening your organisational culture.
Meaning: Aligning the space with purpose
Employees thrive when they feel their work contributes to something greater. Office design can support this by incorporating visual cues and reminders of your company’s mission—whether it’s through artwork, values displayed on walls, or sustainability-focused fitouts that reflect your business’s impact. These design elements help reinforce a sense of meaning and purpose at work.
Accomplishment: Celebrating wins
A space that encourages goal-setting and achievement is a space where employees (and even students) are more likely to feel fulfilled. Display boards showing project milestones, dedicated areas for awards or recognition, and team achievement displays can help support the accomplishment pillar. These not only motivate individuals but also create a shared sense of success within the team.
A holistic approach to workplace wellbeing
Office design should go beyond desks and meeting rooms. Consider including wellness rooms, flexible workstations, ergonomic furniture, and even on-site amenities like bike racks or showers. These additions signal that employee wellbeing matters—and help bring the entire PERMA model in the workplace to life.
Speak to one of our design consultants today
At Niche Projects, we believe that an office should be more than just a place to work—it should be a place where people can thrive. By using frameworks like the PERMA model, we help commercial clients across Sydney build spaces that boost morale, productivity and performance.
