In the Era of Hybrid Work, Office Designs Add Comforts of Home

People don’t want a return to the pre-pandemic workplace, leading designers to rethink how an office can look and function, Andy Lantz, partner at design firm RIOS, writes for The Wall Street Journal. 

A new era of office design stresses hybrid work arrangements, employee wellness and an increased desire to make offices meaningful places to work.

During the coronavirus pandemic people got used to working from home, so now they want some of those comforts transferred to the workplace, Lantz says. A new generation of employees began their careers working remotely from home. These young workers have different expectations than those of previous generations.

Even while wanting homey touches in the office, workers also seek the social and collaborative opportunities they lack when working from home. In an atmosphere more akin to a buzzy café than an office, a coffee table might replace a conference table.

In some cases, desks are being swapped for lounge-configured soft seating. Office lighting is becoming warmer. Conference rooms are being brought out into the open. People can still reserve private workspaces when they need days to focus in the office.

New office designs also reflect a heightened concern for worker safety, with mechanical systems and ventilation that move the air within a space. In an effort to bring nature indoors, natural daylight is replacing artificial lighting, when possible. 

Reduced staff in hybrid workplaces, where some people are working from home at any given time, can make an office feel empty. Lantz suggests inviting the local community to public events in the office space.