Designing School Spaces That Support a Thriving Staff Culture

Have you ever considered how the physical environment in your school influences your staff culture?

Building on our previous article about the importance of staff wellbeing in educational settings, this article explores how designing school spaces, (from staffrooms to shared learning environments), can have a profound impact on your school culture. Thoughtful, people-first design fosters collaboration, communication, and belonging among your team, helping to shape a culture where staff feel supported and motivated to thrive.

Design and School Culture Go Hand in Hand

School culture is more than a mission statement on the wall. It’s lived every day through the values, behaviours, and interactions of your staff team. The physical spaces in which your team works, from offices to shared planning rooms to the staffroom, play a powerful, and often overlooked, role in reinforcing that culture.

Balancing Connection and Calm

The way a school is laid out influences how staff connect and recharge. Providing a mix of collaborative spaces and quiet areas allows staff to choose environments that support how they work best. For example, breakout pods in the staffroom or designated quiet zones can offer much-needed space to reflect, while flexible planning areas can support informal collaboration between teachers and teaching assistants.

Creating a Positive Atmosphere 

School environments can be energising or exhausting. The inclusion of natural light, calming colours, and plant life can create a more uplifting atmosphere — not only for pupils, but for the adults working in the building too. By investing in biophilic elements and designing with light and comfort in mind, school leaders can actively support the mental wellbeing of staff.

Spaces that Spark Collaboration

Providing thoughtful spaces for informal connection, such as a welcoming staffroom, team meeting hubs, or ‘grab-and-go’ coffee areas, helps build relationships and a sense of belonging. When staff feel valued and have time to connect, it contributes to a more open and positive culture across the school.

Reflection Questions for School Leaders 

To help evaluate how your current environment supports a positive school culture, consider:

• How do our current spaces enable both collaboration and individual focus for staff?
• Do we have inviting, comfortable spaces where staff can connect and unwind?
• Have we involved our staff team in decisions about workspace layout and resources?
• What small design changes could support morale, communication, or mental wellbeing?

Conclusion 

Your school’s physical environment is a silent but powerful influence on how staff feel, work, and connect. By thinking carefully about design, from layout and lighting to shared spaces and furniture, school leaders can shape a culture where staff feel energised, valued, and part of a team. You don’t need a full refurbishment; small, intentional changes can make a big difference to your people and your culture.

Quick Summary 

Key elements for designing school spaces that reflect and support strong staff culture:

1. Intentional Design Supports Culture – The layout and ambience of staff spaces influence day-to-day behaviours and relationships.

2. Balance of Space – Staff need a mix of quiet zones and collaborative areas to feel supported and productive.

3. Positive Atmosphere – Natural light, calming colours, and greenery improve morale and wellbeing.

4. Foster Connection – Relaxed, social spaces like the staffroom are key for building trust and connection.

5. Staff Voice Matters – Involving staff in workspace decisions builds ownership and ensures their needs are met.

Would your school benefit from more intentional design to support a stronger, more connected culture? Contact us today to explore designing school spaces that support school staff to thrive.