Workplace x Wellness

Workplace x Wellness explores the intersection of holistic design and human performance, presented by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and DesignOffice. The event takes place in SOM’s South Yarra studio, using the building as a live case study for how environment, leadership and operations align to support wellbeing.

Attendees will participate in a guided tour at The Commons Health Club Cafe and move through to the SOM workplace floor. The tour highlights specific design interventions, including movement, amenity and lighting, that facilitate healthy work rituals. Following the tour, a panel discussion and Q&A will feature representatives from both practices.

The discussion moves beyond traditional ‘amenity-led perks’ to examine wellbeing as a measurable strategic imperative.

Key themes include:

• Evidence-informed design and its impact on culture and behaviour change.
• Cross-sector lessons translated from industries such as law and consulting into applicable models for design and development.
• The business case for wellness, connecting spatial investment to retention, engagement and productivity.
• Inclusive design principles that address neurodiversity and mental health as foundational elements of the modern workplace.

The session is designed to equip professionals, business leaders and the public with actionable frameworks and metrics they can deploy within their own organisations.