From Home to Office: Rethinking Offices for a Post-COVID World
Designing the Workplace of Tomorrow: Insights from My 2019 Thesis on Remote Workers
In the spring of 2019, I embarked on a journey that would not only shape my understanding of interior design but also prepare me to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time: how to bring remote workers back to the workplace in a meaningful way. My 120-page thesis, Workplace Evolution: The Return of Remote Workers, explored the ways interior design can influence this transition. It combined psychological principles, design theories, and workplace trends to propose strategies that enhance both productivity and employee well-being.
While my research was conducted before the world was turned upside down by COVID-19, its relevance has only grown as companies reimagine the workplace in a post-pandemic world. With vaccines rolling out and many organizations shifting to hybrid work models, my findings can serve as a guide for designers and employers navigating this complex landscape.
To make my research more accessible, I condensed my thesis into a visually engaging and concise booklet, which you can view here. This blog post dives into the core ideas from my work and explores how interior design can transform offices into environments that employees want to return to.
The Problem: Why Employees Resist Returning to the Office
Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand the root of the problem. Remote work gained popularity due to the flexibility it offers, and many employees have embraced the autonomy it provides. However, my research revealed some critical drawbacks to working from home, including feelings of isolation, decreased collaboration, and reduced access to resources. These challenges impact productivity and employee engagement, making the office an essential space for certain types of work.
“The question then becomes: How can we design workplaces that address the reasons people love working from home while mitigating the challenges of in-office work?”
The question then becomes: How can we design workplaces that address the reasons people love working from home while mitigating the challenges of in-office work?
Key Strategies for Designing the Optimal Workplace
Through my research, I identified several key strategies for designing spaces that attract remote workers back to the office. Here are some highlights from the booklet:
1. Flexibility in Workspace Design
Flexibility emerged as a central theme. Today’s employees value the ability to choose where and how they work. By incorporating flexible work zones—such as quiet focus areas, collaborative spaces, and cubicle zones—offices can cater to diverse needs. Modular furniture, adjustable workstations, and multi-functional rooms are great ways to create a dynamic environment that evolves with the workforce.
2. Resimmercial Design: Blending Comfort and Function
One of the most exciting trends in workplace design is the incorporation of residential elements into commercial spaces, often referred to as "resimmercial" design. My thesis explored how adding soft furnishings, warm lighting, and biophilic elements can make offices feel more inviting and comfortable. These touches not only appeal to remote workers but also reduce stress and enhance overall well-being.
3. Biophilic Design: Bringing Nature Indoors
Research shows that biophilic design—integrating natural elements into the built environment—can boost productivity, reduce absenteeism, and improve mood. Strategies include adding plants, maximizing natural light, and incorporating materials like wood and stone. These elements create a calming atmosphere that mimics the restorative effects of being outdoors.
4. Private and Collaborative Spaces
The open office concept has been heavily criticized for its lack of privacy, which can hinder productivity. My research advocated for a balanced approach, where private zones for focus work coexist with open, collaborative areas. Flexible partitions, soundproof pods, and designated meeting rooms help strike this balance.
5. Personalization and Place Attachment
Allowing employees to personalize their workspaces fosters a sense of ownership and belonging. This can be as simple as providing space for personal items or offering a choice in seating arrangements. Place attachment—the emotional bond between individuals and their environments—plays a significant role in making employees feel connected to their workplace.
6. Technology Integration
Remote work wouldn’t be possible without technology, and its role in the office is just as vital. My thesis emphasized the importance of integrating tech seamlessly into the workplace. Features like video conferencing setups, wireless charging stations, and smart office systems ensure that employees can work efficiently whether they’re in the office or collaborating remotely.
The Post-COVID Landscape: Relevance and Adaptation
While my thesis was written before COVID-19, many of its principles are more applicable now than ever. The pandemic accelerated trends like hybrid work and forced companies to rethink their approach to office design. Employees returning to the office post-pandemic have new expectations, and the strategies outlined in my research offer a roadmap for meeting them.
For example, health and safety have become top priorities. Offices must now incorporate touchless technology, enhanced ventilation systems, and socially distanced layouts. These additions complement the design principles I outlined in my thesis, ensuring that workplaces are not only functional but also safe.
The Business Case for Thoughtful Design
Beyond employee satisfaction, there’s a strong business case for investing in workplace design. My research highlighted that a mere 5% increase in staff performance could cover the cost of workplace improvements. Engaged employees are also more productive, with studies showing that engaged teams can boost a company’s bottom line by 20%.
By creating spaces where employees feel valued, comfortable, and supported, companies can reduce turnover, attract top talent, and improve overall performance.
Looking Ahead: My Goals as a Designer
Reflecting on my thesis, I’m proud of the insights I uncovered and excited to apply them in my career as an interior designer. My goal is to create spaces that blend form and function, inspire creativity, and foster connection. Whether designing a corporate office, a co-working space, or a multifamily community, I strive to bring these principles to life.
To fellow designers and business leaders, I encourage you to explore the booklet and consider how these strategies can be adapted to your own projects. Together, we can shape the future of work and create environments where everyone can thrive.
Conclusion
The workplace is evolving, and interior design plays a crucial role in that transformation. By addressing the needs of both in-office and remote employees, we can create spaces that are not just functional but also meaningful. My thesis was just the beginning of this journey, and I’m excited to continue exploring how design can make a positive impact in the years to come.
