In the context of businesses increasingly prioritizing sustainable development and human resource optimization, building a people-centric workplace has become more important than ever.

Although significant progress has been made in promoting gender equality, gaps in opportunities and workplace experiences still exist in many forms. Recognizing these barriers—and understanding that workplace design can serve as a strategic support tool—businesses are making greater efforts to create environments that are not only fairer, but also capable of sustainably enhancing the economic contribution of female employees.

As a company operating in the field of office interior design and building in Vietnam, APES understands the important role that thoughtful and inclusive workplace design plays in empowering women within the working environment.

1. Understanding the Gender Gap in the Workplace

In professional environments, the gender gap is reflected through differences in salary levels, leadership representation, and career development opportunities. According to a survey conducted by Asian Development Bank, the average basic salary of male employees in certain industries remains approximately 3.39% to 7.85% higher than that of female employees. The report also stated that it could take another 135.6 years to close gender gaps in the political and economic sectors (Source: Internet).

In addition, the report highlighted that only 42% of companies organize gynecological health examinations for female employees during regular health checkups, despite this being a requirement under labor regulations (Source: Internet). Several factors continue to contribute to these inequalities, including:

• Social and cultural norms that shape gender roles
• Structural barriers within organizations
• The lack of supportive workplace policies and systems

2. The Role of Workplace Design in Promoting Gender Equality

Workplace design plays a key role in addressing these challenges and creating a more equitable working environment. Below are several strategies highlighted by APES:

• Flexible and Collaborative Workspaces
• Flexible work environments that encourage collaboration are better able to support the diverse needs of today’s workforce.

Research has shown that offering flexible working arrangements—including remote work options—can reduce employee turnover rates by up to 25%. This is especially important for female employees, who often balance professional responsibilities alongside family and caregiving roles.

From a design perspective, flexibility is not simply about furniture layouts or movable spaces. It reflects how a business understands, supports, and adapts to the real needs of its employees.

• Wellness Rooms and Nursing Rooms

(Nursing Room – Photo credit: Internet)

These spaces play an important role in supporting female employees with specific needs—especially working mothers—by providing environments designed to ensure comfort, privacy, safety, and personal dignity.

Integrating these areas into the workplace can help:

• Reduce pressure when returning to work after maternity leave
• Support female employees in balancing work and personal life
• Improve mental well-being and strengthen employee engagement
• Demonstrate a company’s commitment to creating a fair and inclusive workplace

Proactively designing these types of spaces reflects a long-term business mindset: placing people at the center and viewing employee experience as a sustainable competitive advantage.

• Strengthening Visibility and Representation

A workplace not only reflects how a company operates, but also communicates the values it chooses to uphold. Actively recognizing diversity and celebrating the contributions of women within the workplace can create a meaningful impact on employee perception, motivation, and engagement. Businesses can express this through:

• Dedicated areas that showcase company culture and values
• Visual storytelling featuring inspiring individuals and employees
• Workplace designs that create a sense of representation and inspiration

When employees can see their contributions reflected within the very spaces they work in, it reinforces their sense of belonging, increases confidence, and encourages stronger participation within the organization.

3. Conclusion

Closing the gender gap in the workplace comes not only from policies, but also from the way businesses shape and design their working environments every day. When offices are designed with people at the center, they not only support women in fully realizing their potential, but also help create a more effective, equitable, and sustainable workplace ecosystem for the entire organization.

(APES Team – Photo credit: APES)

At APES, we believe workplace design is not simply about solving aesthetic challenges—it is about solving human and performance challenges as well.

Through studying workplace behavior, optimizing functionality, and delivering fully integrated design-and-build solutions, APES helps businesses create work environments that are not only visually appealing, but also genuinely supportive of long-term team development and operational growth. Contact APES today to receive workplace design consultation tailored to your company’s people strategy and business growth goals.