How to design a hybrid office that works for everyone
As the shift to hybrid working becomes a reality in most workplaces, there is a need to redesign the office space to meet employees where they are.
The business case is strong: 90% of CEOs report cost savings with hybrid models, hybrid workers save up to $51 per day on commuting, and companies see 33% fewer resignations with flexible schedules. Not to mention, better daylight and airflow have been proven to increase productivity.
So, is your office designed for the future of work? Does it support your employees’ well-being and collaboration? This guide breaks down everything you need to know.
What defines a hybrid office?
A hybrid office is a workspace designed to support both remote and in-office work, giving employees the flexibility to choose where and how they work. Instead of a traditional 9-to-5 office setup, this model offers greater flexibility and accommodates diverse working styles, which supports a more adaptable work culture.
For employers, hybrid offices help reduce operational costs and help boost productivity. The focus shifts from where work happens to how effectively teams can collaborate and deliver results.
Essential design features of a hybrid office
Before an office is considered hybrid, some things must be in place to ensure a thoughtful integration of key features. Below is a list of the must-haves:
Different social spaces
One of the most important aspects of a modern office is ensuring employees can transition between private work zones and collaborative areas. The goal is to have adaptable spaces that are easy to reconfigure. Among the top spaces you should prioritise include:
Community-like spaces
These areas serve as central hubs where employees can gather for informal interactions. Add comfortable seating, open layouts with a bright palette and tables to encourage casual discussions.
Lounges
The purpose of a lounge is to provide a relaxed environment for employees to relax. Consider furnishing these spaces with soft seating, such as sofas and armchairs.
Add-ons like plants and natural lighting can also enhance the look of this space and promote a sense of well-being. When designing lounges, consider acoustics to ensure they remain a peaceful retreat within the busy office environment.
Wellness or ‘Zen’ areas
Dedicated wellness zones offer employees a place to rejuvenate and contribute to mental health and productivity. Design these areas with calming colours and elements like water features or greenery to create a serene environment. You also want to provide amenities such as yoga mats or cushions to encourage mindfulness practices. It is important to locate these spaces in quiet parts of the office to minimise disturbances.
Coffee station
Centralised coffee points act as informal meeting points where employees can interact while enjoying refreshments. Equip these areas with quality coffee machines and beverages.
If you have enough space, incorporate bar-style seating to encourage on-the-go conversations. Not just that, but ensure coffee stations are conveniently located to serve as natural gathering spots without disrupting workflow.
Agile seating
In hybrid offices, you should strive to accommodate employee presence and work styles. This approach optimises space utilisation and ensures employees can work where and how they see fit. Here, the key seating options include:
- Hot desking: Employees select available desks on a first-come, first-served basis. The hot desking system (1) encourages collaboration across teams, minimises unused space, and eliminates the need for fixed seating.
- Shared desks: Ideal for part-time or rotating staff, shared desks allow multiple employees to use the same workstation at different times. Just ensure there are enough desks and ergonomic chairs to accommodate those in the office.
- Bookable workstations: With this option, employees reserve desks in advance through a booking system. Bookable workstations helps manage occupancy levels effectively.
More focus spaces
These are areas within the office designed to minimise distractions. They allow employees to concentrate on tasks that require deep thought and attention. To create a comfortable focus space, consider indoor plants (2) that promote a sense of calm and well-being.
Another way to create focus space is to maximise natural light. Install floor-to-ceiling windows that allow light to flood in. If the office is large, you can partition it to avoid distraction.
Things to keep in mind
During the design of the office, ensure employees feel connected, even without assigned desks. Without a personal space, some workers may feel disconnected. A simple solution is to provide lockers or dedicated team shelving so employees have a place for personal belongings.
Noise is often a problem in open-plan spaces. Here, you want to install noise-dampening panels. For deeper focus, noise-cancelling pods offer a quiet refuge for tasks that require concentration.
Getting started with your hybrid office
Creating a hybrid office that works for everyone starts with thoughtful design and flexibility. From agile seating to dedicated focus zones, every element should support productivity and well-being.
If you are ready to bring this vision to life, The Langham Estate offers flexible office spaces (3) in the heart of London’s Fitzrovia. Whether you need serviced offices, meeting rooms, or a fully fitted workspace (4), you will find the perfect solution for your business.
Explore opportunities at Gilmoora House or in any of our offices in Central London to give your team a workspace designed for growth and innovation.