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Cappuccino with HR • Apr 2, 2026

Designing How Work Feels: The Science Behind Sanofi’s Workplace Experience

Rudi Bauer , Fernando Faria , Roger Morawksi

Sanofi discovered a lemon-scented office fragrance could reduce cognitive errors by 50 percent. See how their science-backed, invisible workplace design organically pulls employees back without corporate mandates.

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#1 about 3 min

Shifting workplace ownership from finance to human resources

Moving real estate reporting to people and culture teams enables talent attraction by prioritizing employee experience over pure footprint optimization.

#2 about 4 min

Creating workplace environments that draw employees back naturally

Redesigning services and office layouts to build a compelling workspace pull before enforcing attendance mandates drives higher long-term engagement.

#3 about 3 min

Establishing four strategic pillars for comprehensive workplace design

Guiding workplace initiatives using culture, sustainability, accessibility, and technology focuses operational strategy on meaningful human outcomes.

#4 about 4 min

Implementing invisible workplace experience factors like air quality

Unseen enhancements such as heavily filtered air and trained hospitality teams provide significant wellbeing and performance benefits without being visually obvious.

#5 about 3 min

Leveraging sensory design to unify global corporate culture

Distributing a standardized signature scent across worldwide offices improves cognitive performance and builds cohesive organizational identity.

#6 about 4 min

Customizing office improvements using structured environmental sensor data

Analyzing spatial utilization and resource consumption across sites prevents ineffective design decisions and guides localized investments.

#7 about 5 min

Connecting workplace experience investments to talent acquisition success

Showcasing internal space quality and collaborative amenities through employer branding campaigns directly increases candidate application rates.

#8 about 5 min

Assessing and implementing global neurodiversity and accessibility standards

Deploying extensive assessment tools and self-service accessibility hubs supports diverse employee physical and cognitive needs without requiring medical disclosure.

#9 about 4 min

Balancing unified global brand vision with local office culture

Combining a core global design language with heavily localized amenities creates a cohesive brand identity that respects regional differences.

#10 about 4 min

Recognizing the limitations of technology in service delivery

Balancing front-end digital automation with human-driven hospitality avoids alienating employees and ensures essential connections in daily routines.

#11 about 5 min

Redefining key performance indicators for modern workplace success

Tracking overall employee satisfaction rather than cost per square meter more accurately reflects the value of physical office investments.

Matching moments

3:53 min

Designing modern workplaces around essential human needs

Rudi Bauer Rudi Bauer +1 · Cappuccino with HR

5:31 min

Rethinking return-to-office mandates with neuroinclusive spatial design

Rudi Bauer Rudi Bauer +1 · Cappuccino with HR

2:35 min

Emphasizing people and purpose in modern employer branding

Rudi Bauer +2 · Cappuccino with HR

3:29 min

Demonstrating the business value of inclusive office environments

1:27 min

Retaining talent by improving actual employee workplace realities

Ute Neher Ute Neher · WWC 2025

3:05 min

Demonstrating the business return on investment for neuroinclusion

Rudi Bauer Rudi Bauer +1 · Cappuccino with HR

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