In today's world, it is clear that the traditional idea of the office as the only place to work no longer holds. The rise of technology, changing work cultures and the need for flexibility have led employees and employers to look for new ways of working. I see these shifts all the time in conversations with clients: it has long stopped being about how many desks will fit, and is now about why anyone would still make the effort to come into the office. As an office designer, that is a question I simply cannot ignore.
To stay relevant and compete with alternative working arrangements, traditional offices need to rethink their approach. These are the strategies I most often recommend to companies, and ones I also see working in our own projects.
Flexible working policies:
One of the first steps offices can take is to introduce flexible working policies. These allow employees to work remotely, whether from home or from other convenient locations. In my experience, a hybrid working model, where employees split their time between the office and home, is now the norm rather than the exception. I see very few companies that do not have a policy on it.
Technology integration:
It is essential for offices to invest in advanced technology that enables remote collaboration, virtual meetings and seamless communication. I regularly see clients underestimate this: a beautiful fit-out is of little use if the meeting room itself does not connect smoothly to a video call. A robust IT infrastructure that supports remote working without compromising on security and efficiency is therefore one of the first things I go through with a client.
Well-designed office spaces:
Although a lot of work happens remotely, the office space remains, for me, the most important part of the working experience, precisely because it is the place where people still meet in person. Offices can increase their appeal by creating welcoming, collaborative spaces that encourage creativity and teamwork. I increasingly see companies deliberately choosing modern, flexible layouts that suit different working styles, and it works.
A focus on employee wellbeing:
Employee wellbeing must be a priority for offices that want to stay competitive. By offering wellness programmes and initiatives that support health and work-life balance, offices can create a positive working environment. Personally, I see this as one of the most important building blocks: however good an office looks, if people do not feel good there, it loses its purpose.
Professional development opportunities:
Offering opportunities for professional development and training is another way offices can stand out. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, offices can attract and retain top talent, something I increasingly hear growing companies state as an explicit requirement.
Community building:
Creating a sense of community within the office environment is vital. Team-building events, networking opportunities and social activities can strengthen relationships between employees. I also see this reflected in how offices are designed: the more room there is for chance encounters, the stronger that community grows.
Adapting to remote working trends:
Rather than fighting the rise of remote working, offices should embrace this trend and adapt their policies accordingly. Providing resources and support for remote employees is crucial to make sure they feel connected to the organisation's culture. I always tell companies: resisting the trend takes more energy than simply embracing it.
Tailored workspace solutions:
Finally, offices should offer flexible workspace solutions tailored to the needs of different businesses and industries. Coworking spaces or meeting rooms on demand can be an attractive option for companies that may not need permanent office space, something I increasingly see coming up in the enquiries we receive.
By embracing flexibility, making the most of technology and prioritising employee wellbeing, traditional offices can stay competitive and adapt to the changing landscape of working preferences. For me, it ultimately comes down to one thing: creating an environment that meets the diverse needs of today's workforce while keeping the benefits of a physical office space.
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Jeroen Van den Bossche, CEO Buro International
FAQ: The office of the future
- Why would a company still invest in a physical office if hybrid working is the norm? The office remains the main place where colleagues meet in person. By creating welcoming, collaborative spaces that stimulate creativity and teamwork, the office keeps its role alongside remote working.
- What is the biggest risk if an office does not adapt to new ways of working? The risk is that top talent loses interest or leaves. Employees and employers are actively looking for flexibility, technological support and wellbeing initiatives; offices that fall behind lose their appeal compared with alternative working arrangements.
- How do you make sure employees who often work from home still feel connected to the company? By embracing remote working instead of fighting it: provide the right resources and support for remote employees, and at the same time build a sense of community at the office through team building, networking moments and spaces that encourage chance encounters.