"Belonging has become a core element of workplace design, as organizations recognize that when people feel included and supported, they are more engaged, more productive, and more committed to their work—and this is where thoughtful design, especially flooring, can make a profound difference.” - Shannon Crider Langley, Shaw Contract Director of Marketing, Workplace

^{Confidential Workplace Project | Whitney Architects | Photographed by Hall+Merrick+McCaugherty} 

^{Article Written By: Valerie Smith: Shaw Contract, Marketing Manager, Workplace + Retail Segments. Published by: Shaw Contract}

Designing for Belonging: How Flooring Shapes Inclusive, Human-Centered Workplaces

The workplace is undergoing a powerful transformation. No longer just a place where people clock in and out, the modern office is being reimagined as a space that prioritizes connection, inclusion and well-being. This shift is part of a broader trend in Wellness Real Estate, a growing movement that emphasizes spaces designed to enhance human health and performance.

At the core of this shift? A sense of belonging.

The idea of the office has changed. Today’s spaces must do more than support productivity; they must inspire it. And that means creating environments where people feel valued, heard and connected.

Belonging is now considered a workplace essential, not an extra. Employees returning to the office are seeking more than just functionality; they want comfort, authenticity and a sense of connection. And employers are responding, creating “destination workplaces” that help attract and retain talent. 

"Belonging isn’t just a buzzword — it’s become a key part of how we design workplaces today. When people feel supported and included, they show up more engaged, more creative and more committed,” said Shannon Cryder Langley, Shaw Contract Director of Marketing, Workplace. “While many design elements shape the overall workplace experience, flooring is one of those quiet but powerful elements that often gets overlooked."

^{Confidential Healthcare Association | OTJ Architects | Photographed by Trent Bell Photography.}

Connecting People Through Space: The Role of Flooring in Inclusive Design

As one of the most interactive and continuous surfaces in a space, flooring subtly shapes how people experience their environment — impacting movement, acoustics, comfort and even emotion.

Changes in color, texture and soft and hard surfaces can define zones, guide behavior and create spaces that invite connection or provide quiet refuge. These visual and tactile cues help people intuitively understand how to engage with their surroundings.

Flooring plays a key role in workplace well-being. Carpet tile enhances acoustics by absorbing sound to reduce distractions and stress. It also provides underfoot comfort, minimizing fatigue. Inclusive design features, like smooth transitions and thoughtful patterns, support accessibility for all. And with sustainable options like EcoWorx® PVC-free carpet tile and PVC-free EcoWorx Resilient these products contribute to healthier spaces for people and planet. Together, these elements help create environments where people feel comfortable, supported and connected.

^{Confidential Healthcare Association | OTJ Architects | Photographed by Trent Bell Photography}

Bringing Belonging to Life in Workplace Design: Humility, Curiosity & People-Centric Thinking

Through our research and work with customers, we’ve found that three key principles consistently shape inclusive design. These aren’t just big-picture ideas, but rather practical, people-focused approaches that directly influence how we design spaces.

1. Humility: Humility in design means acknowledging that no single person has all the answers. It’s about listening deeply, adapting based on feedback and co-creating with diverse voices.

2. Curiosity: Curiosity invites us to ask questions. What do people need to feel safe, empowered and creative? What barriers do they face?

 A Harvard Business Review study reveals that teams rooted in curiosity tend to be more engaged and make more meaningful contributions.

3. People-Centric Thinking: This principle centers on designing with empathy by prioritizing the needs, preferences and life experiences of individuals. 

According to research, employees who feel they belong are 56% more likely to be high performers and 50% less likely to leave their organization. Maximizing Employee Potential: The Business Case for Belonging

When these principles inform flooring choices, such as selecting materials that support neurodiversity or layouts that promote collaboration, design becomes a tool for inclusion and belonging.

^{Nuro, Inc. Headquarters | Elkus Manfredi Architects | Photographed by Eric Laignel.}

Collaborative Design That Reflects Culture

^{Confidential Workplace Project | Whitney Architects | Photographed by Hall+Merrick+McCaugherty}

Traditionally, architects and interior designers led workplace projects. Today, successful environments come from collaborative design, where technologists, strategists, sustainability professionals and end-users all contribute to the overall wellness of workplace design.

This approach fosters spaces that reflect real needs — not just brand aesthetics.

“Design must shift from displaying a company’s brand to a more holistic display of its culture through the built environment and how it fosters connection and innovation.” — Rex Miller, Expert in Human and Team 

At Shaw Contract, our mission of People Together, Planet Forever, comes to life through flooring solutions that support inclusive, sustainable design.

Conclusion: Creating Spaces Where People Thrive

^{UTLX Headquarters | Whitney Architects | Photographed by  Kendall McCaugherty of Hall+Merrick+McCaugherty}

At Shaw Contract, we believe great design is about more than function or aesthetics — it’s about the end users who bring spaces to life for years to come after the design process. By choosing materials that foster connection, well-being and sustainability, we can help shape the future of workplace design.

Whether you're specifying high-performance office carpet tile, looking for sustainable, PVC-free carpet tile options or creating a workplace that aligns with Wellness Real Estate principles, we’re here to help.

Reach out to your account manager to learn more about workplace flooring and Wellness Real Estate.