Hybrid working is here to stay — but it’s far from static. What started as a short-term response to global disruption has become the long-term reality for many organisations and their people. As employee expectations evolve and business needs shift, the role of the office must evolve too. No longer just a place for focused, individual work, today’s workplace needs to be adaptable, collaborative, and centred around people. To remain effective, it should support a range of working styles, respond to changing priorities, and give teams meaningful reasons to come together in person.
If you’re rethinking your workplace for hybrid working, here are five key principles to guide your approach:
1) Recognise diverse work preferences
Hybrid working is no longer a short-term fix; it’s a fundamental shift in how we work. According to recent data from Forbes Advisor, of 1,100 survey respondents, 63% worked remotely either all or some of the time. While flexibility is in high demand, hybrid working isn’t a one-size-fits-all model. Different teams and even individuals have varying needs, tasks, and preferences. The challenge is designing spaces that can flex around these differences while still bringing people together with a purpose.
2) Make the office a destination
In an era of flexible and remote working, the office needs to offer more than just a desk; it has to earn the commute. Increasingly, companies are turning to ‘hotelification’, a trend inspired by the hospitality sector, to create high-quality, experience-led workplaces. The modern office should foster social interaction, creativity, and collaboration. Think warm, inviting communal areas, well-equipped breakout spaces, and environments that support both focus and connection. By delivering a space that people want to spend time in, the office becomes a destination, not an obligation.
3) Prioritise digital inclusivity
Technology is the backbone of a successful hybrid workplace, but success depends not just on having the right tools; it’s about making them accessible to everyone. The workplace should be equipped with intuitive video conferencing systems that create a level playing field for remote and in-person participants. From acoustics to screen positioning, thoughtful design ensures that every voice is heard and every attendee feels equally engaged. As we explain in 5 Tech Trends Shaping the Future of the Office, it’s all about how systems are integrated into the overall workplace strategy. True digital inclusivity empowers intuitive collaboration, no matter where your team is based.
4) Build flexibility into the fabric of the workplace
A future-ready office isn’t fixed; it evolves alongside the business. Designing flexibility into the core of the workplace, through modular furniture, movable partitions, and multipurpose spaces, enables teams to adapt quickly to changing demands. Whether it’s scaling up for a growing department or reconfiguring for a new way of working, this adaptability helps businesses stay agile. A flexible environment not only future-proofs your office but also empowers your people to work in ways that suit them best.
5) Foster employee wellbeing
As hybrid working becomes more widespread, its impact on wellbeing is increasingly clear. According to the Office for National Statistics, hybrid workers report higher levels of satisfaction with their work-life balance and overall wellbeing compared to those working fully in the office. To build on these benefits, workplace design must actively support both mental and physical health. Incorporating quiet focus areas, access to natural light, indoor plants, and dedicated wellbeing zones can help reduce stress, enhance comfort, and foster a healthier, more productive workforce.
Hybrid working has redefined what people expect from the office. Flexibility, inclusivity, and well-being are no longer optional; they’re essential. The most effective workplaces are those that evolve with changing needs, supporting a variety of working styles and helping teams stay connected, productive, and engaged.
If you’re starting to plan your next office move or looking to reconfigure your current space, our Office Relocation Guide is a useful place to begin. It outlines the key responsibilities typically involved in an office project and provides a clear overview to help guide your next steps.
