The return-to-office conversation has evolved. For most organisations, the question is no longer whether employees should return, but how to make the office somewhere they genuinely want to be. In a world where flexibility is expected, the office has to compete with home working by offering something unique: connection, collaboration, and a sense of purpose.
Here, we’ve explored 5 elements that make the office worth the commute:
1) A balanced schedule
It is well known that the three-day model is now the most common structured approach at work. Working patterns reflect this balance: 31% of employees are primarily office-based, 19% are mostly remote, and 50% now follow a hybrid arrangement. This model has become the benchmark; it strikes a balance between structure and autonomy, giving employees time for focused work at home and purposeful collaboration in the office. When attendance feels intentional, not arbitrary, it’s far easier to sustain.
2) A technology-centred environment
Technology is now the backbone of the hybrid workplace. To truly support digital inclusivity, offices must enable remote and in-person participants to collaborate on equal terms. That means intuitive video conferencing, seamless audio-visual setups, and smart tools that make hybrid meetings effortless. With AI-driven collaboration, augmented reality, automated task management, and personalised learning advancing rapidly, the workplace is becoming increasingly dynamic. In fact, 91% of businesses now use at least one AI technology, with more than half adopting generative AI tools such as ChatGPT. Staying ahead of these trends is essential to ensure your teams benefit from the full potential of workplace technology.
3) An adaptable workplace experience
If the office is only about desks, it won’t motivate anyone to travel in. Employees who feel connected to their workplace are three times more likely to be engaged. Creating spaces that balance collaboration, social interaction, and focused work helps that connection form naturally. Reconfigurable furniture, open-plan teapoints, and dedicated wellness rooms give employees choice and comfort, ensuring the environment works around them — not the other way around.
4) Ergonomics & comfort
No matter how inspiring the design, if employees are uncomfortable, they won’t want to stay. Ergonomic furniture, adjustable seating, sit-stand desks, and well-designed breakout spaces all make a tangible difference to the daily experience. Comfort directly impacts focus and productivity, while poor ergonomics are linked to fatigue and musculoskeletal issues. By investing in comfort, businesses demonstrate their value for their employees’ health and create a workplace that feels both supportive and functional.
5) A people-first design
The most effective workplaces support wellbeing as much as productivity. Natural light, good air quality, and health-conscious layouts have a measurable impact on how people feel and perform. In the UK, poor natural lighting is estimated to cost businesses £61 billion a year through lost productivity, and inadequate exposure alone can reduce performance by up to 15%. People-first design is all about creating an environment where employees can focus, recharge, and perform at their best — whether through natural light, good ventilation, or dedicated wellness spaces.
The workplace is evolving into something far more than four walls and rows of desks. Employees now expect environments that support how they work best, whether that means collaborating face-to-face, accessing seamless technology, or simply finding a space that feels healthy and comfortable. If you’re considering a new workplace design or looking to refresh your existing space, our Office Design Process Guide is a valuable place to start.
