Being in control

You’ve probably noticed that sometimes designers and managers give you choices at work—where to sit, whether window blinds are open or closed, the height of your desk—and there’s a research-based reason for that.  When we have some control over how we work, we work better (at least from a brain perspective) and don’t feel as tense compared to situations where we can’t change or select anything; both our performance and wellbeing are better when we have choices.  People sometimes even build in extra conference rooms and similar work areas because just knowing that that sort of space will be available to us if we need it improves our attitudes toward the work to be done.