ABSTRACT
Place is critical to the success of a high-performing workplace and the human psychology that underpins its potential and value, namely, our innate condition for place attachment, need for belonging and evolving professional identities. Explained through the framework of self-determination theory, with evidence from Australian research, the potential of individual and organisational outcomes is outlined covering the spatial, temporal and emotive enablers which organisations need for the continuing evolution of workplace environments. Data reported illustrates motivational triggers of belonging and professional identity that drive behaviours and changes in our ways of working, office environments and organisational practices to build resilience and high performance. The nuances, shifts and future challenges that the pandemic has brought to workplace cultures, design and management for both employees and organisations is discussed with prompts for the path ahead in workplace recalibration.
