Across India and around the world, a new era of workplace design is taking shape—one that puts human experience at the center. Swatasiddha Majumdar, Principal of Strategy at Unispace India, speaks to CoreNet Global about how human-centric design goes beyond efficiency to prioritize physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This shift is transforming office spaces into environments that support focus, foster belonging, and enhance performance.
India’s Evolving Workplace Landscape
India’s workplace evolution has kept pace with its economic growth. From the cubicle-heavy setups of the 1990s to today’s agile and inclusive spaces, the shift reflects a deeper understanding of employee needs. Modern workplaces now integrate quiet zones, collaboration hubs, and social areas that respect cultural nuance and individual work styles.
Flexible collaboration area designed to foster creativity at a global technology firm
Designing for Well-Being and Performance
Key design elements—like natural light, acoustic control, ergonomic furniture, and biophilic materials—are increasingly standard. Sensory diversity and wellness features such as improved air quality, nutritious food, and meditation zones are helping employees recharge and thrive, especially in high-stress urban settings.
Ergonomic furniture and biophilic materials create a wellness-focused environment at VaynerMedia Singapore
Inclusion Through Intentional Design
Indian offices are becoming more accessible for people with disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, and working parents. Features like step-free access, sensory-friendly rooms, and lactation areas demonstrate how design can reflect empathy and cultural understanding—making workspaces feel safer and more inclusive for everyone.
Accessible workspace with lowered furniture designed to support employees with physical disabilities at HSBC Kuala Lumpur
Technology as an Enabler of Flexibility
Smart systems that adapt lighting and temperature, apps for seamless hybrid collaboration, and data-driven insights are enabling agile workplace strategies. Post-pandemic, health and safety have become central—touchless access, clean air strategies, and psychological safety are now essential components of office design.
Smart lighting system enhances energy efficiency and user comfort at HP Gurgaon workplace
Sustainability Meets Human-Centricity
Sustainable and human-centric design are no longer separate priorities. Indian workplaces are leveraging local materials, passive design strategies, and green certifications to align employee well-being with environmental responsibility. Locating offices near transit hubs and designing for wellness-based commuting further support long-term impact.
Arup Auckland’s award-winning workplace showcases sustainable design excellence
Looking Ahead: A Culture-Driven Future
Challenges remain—from budget constraints to resistance from traditional leadership—but forward-thinking organizations are seeing the rewards. Better retention, stronger engagement, and spaces that act as brand ambassadors are proving the value of this approach.
As India shapes the future of work, human-centric design is not just a trend—it’s a cultural commitment to creating spaces where people can truly thrive.
About Swatasiddha Majumdar, Principal, Strategy, India
Swatasiddha Majumdar is the Principal, Strategy at Unispace India, a global design and build firm that specializes in workplace strategy, design, project management, and construction. With over two decades of professional experience, Swatasiddha leads the strategic initiatives at Unispace, where he focuses on architecture, workplace strategy, and project integration management.
He holds a Bachelor of Architecture & Planning from the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee (1996-2001) & Postgraduate in Advanced Programme in Product Marketing from Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta.
Follow Swatasiddha Majumdar on LinkedIn.
