High Sierra - Switch focus on windows when switch workspace
I would suggest using a series of apps to make your workflow more comfortable. An app like BetterTouchTool can be used to switch applications, or workspaces, with a trackpad gesture or other button.

A somewhat older app, like Focus 2, can be used to provide a visual indicator icon of the focused application (works best if you only have 1 monitor). When configured properly, it eliminates having to read the application's name in the Menu Bar, as a peripheral glance is all that is needed.

Finally, TotalSpaces can eliminate the annoying animation that happens when you switch spaces.

This may read like an advertisement, but trying to get MacOS to customize itself without resorting to 3-rd party enhancements is usually an exercise in futility.