Aligning the New Work Environment With OECD Goal 8: Design for A Global Automobile Brand

Abstract

This paper explores the economic sustainability of new work environments by examining how interior design strategies
contribute to the OECD's Sustainable Development Goal 8 for decent work and economic growth. SDG 8 aims to
promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic development, as well as full and productive employment. In
pilot study, 46 employees of the brand are interviewed across nine sessions, encompassing focus groups and one-onone interactions. Using content analysis, this data is analysed qualitatively to interpret patterns related to spatial
politics, timing politics, and hybrid working culture of the new work environment. Identified patterns include
individually focused tasks, virtual collaboration, agile working, socialization, and urban interaction. These patterns are
then traced from the conceptual design crafted for the brand and finally discussed in terms of their alignment with
SDG 8.2 (diversify, innovate and upgrade for economic productivity), 8.4 (improve resource efficiency in consumption
and production), 8.8 (Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers).