We spend approximately one-third of our lives at work, but we rarely stop to think about whether our working environment is really right for us. Over the years, I have experienced different setups: open-plan offices, teleworking and various hybrid models, and, honestly, each has its advantages and disadvantages.

The noise of the office can be stimulating; there's something about overhearing a colleague's conversation that gives you an idea you wouldn't have come up with on your own. Spontaneous chats by the coffee machine often solve problems faster than scheduled video calls. However, constant noise and interruptions can be exhausting when you need to concentrate deeply.

Working from home offers that precious quiet time. You can get work that requires concentration done in half the time it would take you in a busy office. The downside? Isolation takes hold. Some days, you realise you've barely spoken to anyone and that human connection, even if it's just a casual chat, is more important than you initially thought.

My ideal working environment would combine both worlds more smoothly. A quiet, luminous space with ergonomic furniture where I could choose my level of interaction on a daily basis. Flexible enough to collaborate when necessary, but with designated quiet areas for concentration. Access to nature would also be great: studies show that it boosts creativity and reduces stress.

In short, the best working environment is not about modern office designs or compulsory teleworking. It's about autonomy: trusting people to work where and how they are most productive.

Vocabulary for working environments

Open-plan office (noun)

An office layout without walls or cubicles where everyone works in a shared space.

"Our company moved to an open-plan office last year, which has improved collaboration but reduced privacy."

Hot-desking (noun)

A system where employees don't have assigned desks and choose any available workspace each day.

"Hot-desking can save office space, but I miss having a permanent spot for my belongings."

Conducive to (adjective phrase)

Creating conditions that make something likely to happen or exist.

"A quiet environment is more conducive to deep thinking and complex problem-solving."

Ergonomic (adjective)

Designed for efficiency and comfort in the working environment.

"Investing in an ergonomic chair has completely eliminated my back pain."

Flexibility (noun)

The ability to change or adapt working arrangements.

"The flexibility to work from different locations has significantly improved my work-life balance."

Autonomy (noun)

The freedom to make your own decisions about how and where you work.

"Employees with greater autonomy tend to report higher job satisfaction."

Collaboration (noun)

Working together with others to achieve something.

"Effective collaboration requires both physical spaces for meetings and digital tools for remote teamwork."

Distractions (noun)

Things that prevent you from concentrating on what you're doing.

"Noise-cancelling headphones help me block out distractions in busy offices."

Burnout (noun)

Physical or mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress or overwork.

"Working from home without clear boundaries can lead to burnout faster than you'd expect."

Commute (noun/verb)

The journey to and from work.

"Eliminating my two-hour daily commute has given me back precious time for exercise and hobbies."

Desk-bound (adjective)

Spending most of your working time sitting at a desk.

"Desk-bound jobs require conscious effort to stay active throughout the day."

Remote work (noun)

Working from a location outside the traditional office, usually from home.

"Remote work has become the norm for many tech companies since the pandemic."

Touch base (phrasal verb)

To briefly communicate with someone to exchange information.

"Let's touch base tomorrow morning to discuss the project updates."

Work-life balance (noun)

The equilibrium between time spent on work and personal life.

"A healthy work-life balance is essential for long-term productivity and wellbeing."

Designated (adjective)

Officially assigned for a particular purpose.

"We need designated quiet areas where people can work without interruptions."