Finding Inspiration Beyond the Office Walls

One of the things I’ve always loved about travel is how it opens your eyes to new ways of thinking—about culture, about people, and about space. Whether I’m exploring a historic district in Europe, walking through a modern art museum in Asia, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of a national park, I find myself soaking in ideas that stay with me long after the trip ends.

What I’ve come to realize is that these travel experiences don’t just feed my personal curiosity; they also influence how I think about the workplace—especially when it comes to designing environments that support employee wellbeing. As someone who works closely with organizations on benefits and business development, I see a real opportunity to bring the creativity and mindfulness I encounter in travel into how companies shape their workspaces.

The Power of Place: Why Environment Matters

We spend a huge part of our lives at work, so the spaces we inhabit have a profound impact on our mood, productivity, and overall health. I’ve seen firsthand how a thoughtfully designed workplace can energize teams, foster collaboration, and even reduce stress. Conversely, cramped, uninspiring, or poorly lit environments can drain energy and creativity.

Travel reminds me how different cultures approach space and design. In Scandinavia, for example, the concept of “hygge” emphasizes coziness and comfort—soft lighting, natural materials, and inviting communal areas that make people feel at home. In Japan, minimalist design creates calm and clarity, often with a focus on natural elements like wood and water.

Bringing these ideas into the workplace doesn’t mean copying a style—it means thinking about how space affects people on a deeper level. How can we create environments that help employees feel calm, focused, and connected?

Natural Elements and Biophilic Design

One of the most inspiring trends I’ve noticed in architecture and interior design around the world is biophilic design—the idea of incorporating nature into our built environments. This can mean large windows that flood rooms with natural light, plants woven into office spaces, or materials like wood and stone that bring a sense of the outdoors inside.

On a recent trip, I visited a coworking space that was essentially a greenhouse—full of lush greenery, with fresh air circulating throughout. People there looked relaxed and energized. It reminded me that nature has a way of grounding us and boosting wellbeing, even in the middle of a busy workday.

For companies looking to improve their work environments, integrating biophilic elements is a powerful, low-cost way to make a difference. And it’s more than aesthetics—studies show access to natural light and greenery can lower stress, improve concentration, and even reduce sick days.

Flexible Spaces That Reflect Diverse Workstyles

Travel also exposes you to how different places accommodate human needs in creative ways. In bustling cities, public spaces often serve multiple functions—parks that become event venues, cafés that turn into co-working hubs, and streets that adapt to pedestrians, cyclists, and cars alike.

This kind of flexibility is something workplaces can borrow to support today’s varied workstyles. Whether employees are heads-down focused or brainstorming in groups, whether they prefer quiet nooks or open collaboration zones, a versatile space can make all the difference.

I’ve noticed that companies embracing flexible design often pair it with flexible benefits and wellness programs, recognizing that employees don’t all work the same way or have the same needs. Travel’s lesson here? Spaces and programs alike need to be adaptable and human-centered.

Cultural Influences and Employee Wellbeing

Travel also reminds me that employee wellbeing isn’t just about physical space—it’s about culture, too. The way people interact with their environment and each other is deeply tied to cultural norms and values.

For example, in many Mediterranean countries, the pace of life encourages regular breaks and social connection throughout the day. This idea can inspire workplaces to prioritize spaces and times for informal gatherings and relaxation, which support mental health and team cohesion.

Understanding cultural differences also helps when working with diverse teams or global companies. Recognizing that what feels supportive and nurturing in one culture might look very different in another is key to designing inclusive work environments and benefits that truly resonate.

Bringing Travel Lessons Back Home

After every trip, I come back with fresh ideas and renewed energy to help organizations rethink their approach to workplace design and employee wellbeing. I encourage leaders to step outside their usual frame of reference and consider how travel experiences can spark innovation at home.

Start by asking questions like: What did I notice about the spaces that made me feel calm or inspired? How did people interact with their environment and each other? What small changes could we make in our workplace to bring some of that positive energy in?

Even simple shifts—adding more natural light, creating quiet zones, offering flexible meeting spaces, or encouraging breaks outside—can have a big impact.

Final Thoughts: Designing Workplaces with a Traveler’s Eye

For me, travel isn’t just about visiting new places—it’s about broadening perspectives and finding inspiration in unexpected details. Bringing that traveler’s mindset to workplace design means staying curious, open, and willing to experiment.

Incorporating lessons from architecture, nature, and culture into how we design work environments can help us create spaces that don’t just function but truly support and uplift the people who use them.

As companies continue to navigate the future of work, blending creativity with wellbeing will be essential. And for those of us lucky enough to travel and see the world, there’s a wealth of ideas waiting to be discovered—and brought home.

I’m excited to keep exploring these connections and helping businesses create workplaces where people thrive—not just survive. Because at the end of the day, a great workplace is one that feels as inspiring as the best places we’ve ever traveled.