Workplace Well-being: An Experimental Investigation into Benefits of Consciousness-based Architecture

Abstract

Consciousness is primary and unbounded and can be accessed through multiple modalities, including the qualities of the workplace environment. This research explored the proposition that a consciousness-based architecture could improve workplace well-being. It experimentally investigated the potential benefits of Maharishi Vastu Architecture® (MVA) in a business setting. MVA buildings deal with wholeness and the establishment of the parts in relation to the whole. They have a strict East-West directional orientation, and strict proportion and placement of its center and rooms, among other features. A technical consulting company relocated their offices from a conventional building into one designed according to the principles of MVA. All the available employees of the company were tested one month before and one month after the move to the MVA building using a Workplace Well-being Index specifically created for this research. Data analysis comparing the pre and post measurements showed a 8% improvement (p<0.05) in subjective well-being upon relocating to the MVA building. Organizations can thus enhance workforce well-being through holistic workplaces designed for development of consciousness.