Top 5 in 2025: Trends in Workplace Design

So, What's Next?

The workplace has transformed from a mandatory destination to a deliberate choice—an environment where people go not because they have to, but because they want to. Whether it’s a bustling office five days a week or a hybrid arrangement blending home and office life, the modern workforce is prioritizing flexibility and purpose in where they work.

For companies, this shift poses an exciting challenge: how to create spaces that inspire productivity, foster well-being, and align with the evolving needs of their teams. The question isn’t just about attracting employees back to the office—it’s about designing environments that empower them to thrive.

If you’re ready to explore what’s next in workplace innovation, you’re in the right place.

01 | Inspired by Hospitality

Hotels are expertly crafted to evoke relaxation and indulgence. From elegant lobbies with plush furnishings to carefully curated artwork and decor, they create an experience that combines comfort, novelty, and luxury—elements that transport guests beyond their everyday lives. It’s this sense of escape, a break from routine, that makes hotels so enticing. Imagine if your workplace could offer that same allure.

In the hospitality world, personalized service is key to creating a memorable experience. Warm welcomes at the front desk and concierge services tailored to individual needs make guests feel genuinely cared for. Similarly, workplaces are transforming into destinations—offering environments designed to inspire, connect, and support employees in ways that go far beyond the traditional desk.

The hospitality industry’s focus on service makes people feel cared for. From warm welcomes at the front desk to concierge services that cater to individual needs, guests feel valued and pampered.

02 | Future-Proofing Flexibility

The traditional image of employees tethered to their desks is becoming obsolete. Instead, organizations are recognizing the value of offering a variety of flexible work zones to empower their teams and support diverse work styles. To better align workspaces with employees’ evolving needs, organizations can focus on reimagining both the physical environment and the tools that make it function seamlessly.

Flexible furniture arrangements take workplace adaptability a step further. By incorporating furniture that evolves with employees’ changing needs, organizations can foster an environment where workers feel supported and engaged. This approach is also a cost-effective and creative strategy to reduce the need for frequent redesigns.

Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing workplace flexibility. Digital booking systems and mobile apps allow employees to navigate spaces efficiently, reserve meeting rooms, and even access wellness features like meditation sessions. These tools create a fully integrated and personalized experience, aligning the workplace with the dynamic lives of its workforce.

Moveable wall systems create versatile spaces, seamlessly adapting to dual needs. Open ceilings with acoustical elements not only break up the space but also ensure optimal sound transmission for each use.

03 | Personalized Wellness

As we step into 2025, workplace design places a stronger emphasis on employee well-being through more personalized and impactful strategies. Drawing inspiration from the seven concepts of the WELL Building Standard®, the focus has moved beyond achieving basic benchmarks to implementing tailored solutions that support long-term mental and physical health.

You likely already have many of these tools at your disposal. With a few thoughtful adjustments—such as optimizing natural light through strategic layout changes, incorporating creative acoustic solutions, or integrating biophilic elements like plants and green walls—you can create a workspace that drives meaningful change.

The key to success in 2025 is recognizing that every workplace is unique. What works for one organization may not suit another. Engaging employees in the design process can uncover valuable insights into their specific preferences and needs. From ergonomic furniture and flexible workstations to dedicated wellness rooms, personalized adjustments can significantly enhance employee satisfaction, well-being, and retention.

On-site gyms are redefining workplaces, promoting wellness, boosting productivity, and fostering community—all while making fitness more convenient for employees.

Curated design moments that mimic natural patterns, supporting our innate movement and connection to the rhythms and forms of nature, enhance biophilic design principals.

04 | Neurodiversity & Inclusivity

As awareness of neurodiversity grows, workplace design is evolving to better support the unique needs and strengths of neurodivergent individuals—who make up an estimated 15-20% of the population, including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and sensory processing disorders. Designing inclusive spaces has never been more important.

Drawing inspiration from education design, workplaces are incorporating flexible, sensory-friendly features that enhance focus, productivity, and comfort. Quiet rooms with adjustable lighting, calming colors, and noise-canceling technology help employees manage sensory sensitivities and stay focused. Flexible workstation options—from private pods for deep concentration to open, collaborative spaces—empower employees to choose environments that best suit their tasks and energy levels.

Revamping corridors into peaceful retreats provides a simple, cost-effective strategy for offering a quick escape to those in need of a quiet moment.

05 | Locally Inspired Placemaking

The workplace of the future is more than a reflection of a company—it embodies the story of its environment. By weaving local culture, heritage, and identity into the design, workplaces foster a deeper connection between employees and their community. Brand identity plays a crucial role in this approach, drawing inspiration from the surrounding neighborhoods.

This trend manifests in distinctive features like local artwork, wayfinding inspired by iconic landmarks, or meeting spaces named after prominent figures in the area’s history. Some companies are even transforming their offices into community spaces, opening communal areas to the public and turning the workplace into a vibrant, shared neighborhood hub.

Locally inspired artwork and materials enhance placemaking, adding thoughtful details that connect people to the ‘why’ of their workspace.

NEWS & INSIGHTS

Ideas, happenings, press, and perspectives.

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Office Reimagining Program in Partnership with Henrico, Virginia

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Projects

Purposeful Placemaking: Baskervill in Hotel & Resort Magazine