From “Nice-to-Have” to Non-Negotiable: Designing for Mental Health

As a Gen Z professional in the commercial real estate industry, it’s been fascinating to watch this shift unfold. Features like natural light, quiet zones, and flexible layouts aren’t just trends; they’re shaping the future of workplace design and how people feel within those spaces. 

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I sat down with Gretchen Barron, Vice President of Design at COR New England, to get her perspective on how mental health is shaping the workplace. With over 25 years of experience in furniture, project management, design, construction, and facilities, and as a member of Gen X, Gretchen has witnessed the shift from purely functional offices to spaces intentionally designed with well-being in mind. 

Here’s what we talked about: 

Q: What was the conversation around mental health like when you first started in the industry — if it existed at all? 

A: "When I started, mental health wasn’t discussed at all. The culture was about “paying your dues” in high-pressure, low-support environments. Stress was just part of the job, and support systems didn’t exist.  Conversations around creating lactation or mother’s rooms were just beginning back then, and that eventually opened the door to broader wellness conversations, including the introduction of wellness rooms." 

Q: Are there any design trends you once thought were just “nice to have” that you now see as essential? 

A: “Absolutely — wellness rooms are a perfect example. Early in my career, they felt like a luxury for large companies. Now, I see them as essential, even for small workplaces. They don’t have to be big or expensive, but having a private space for mental health breaks, medication, or simply regrouping makes a real difference. Prioritizing mental wellness isn’t a trend anymore — it’s foundational.” 

Q: Have you ever had a moment where your own perspective on workplace wellness shifted? 

A: “Definitely. I worked with a large retail client to create a wellness room standard for stores with almost no extra space. Sometimes the only private area was a bathroom. We developed a simple 'kit of parts' — a screen, a comfortable chair, and a coat hook — so even the smallest breakrooms could offer a flexible wellness space. Seeing a national chain prioritize personal needs was eye-opening. Small changes can make a big impact, especially where space is tight.” 

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to designers trying to bridge generational needs in workplace design, what would it be? 

A: "Generational differences can shape how people view wellness spaces. For those from previous generations, these rooms weren’t even a consideration, so there can be some hesitation about dedicating square footage to something they assume will sit unused. Framing these spaces as multi-functional is usually the key. Whether it’s for nursing, taking medication, mental health breaks, or quiet moments, these rooms serve many purposes. Presenting them to clients as a way to strengthen employee retention, engagement, and resilience tends to resonate across all age groups and helps get buy-in." 

As Gretchen mentioned, supporting mental health begins with rethinking how we use space. How we design workplaces reflects our values — and today, employee well-being is at the forefront. Intentional design choices, like quiet corners or flexible layouts, can create environments that support people both personally and professionally. 

Growing up in Gen Z, mental health has always been part of the conversation. At the same time, I’ve seen hesitation from previous generations — not out of resistance, but from norms that once shaped the workplace. What matters now is moving forward together, embracing new perspectives, and creating spaces where mental health is truly prioritized. It’s not just about the design — it’s about building a culture where people feel empowered to thrive. 

And that’s when you’ll see the real change — when thoughtful design is paired with a culture that champions mental health across all generations.