The future of work
The future of work is increasingly shaped by a growing awareness of wellbeing, hospitality, and community. Entrepreneurs, managers, and employees alike see these elements as the foundation of tomorrow’s office environments. The data from Sedus INSIGHTS No. 19 (page 17) highlights this development with compelling statistics:
Wellbeing: 93% of employees consider their wellbeing just as important as their salary, marking a significant increase from the previous year. Creating a better workplace environment is regarded as a top priority by 27% of HR and management professionals.
Hospitality: The concept of hospitality is becoming more relevant. 70% of employees view break areas with seating as one of the most important comfort factors. Additionally, “café-bar” concepts are already being considered as archetypes of modern workplaces.
Community: 85% of employees cite social aspects, such as “people” and “collaboration,” as the main reason they go to the office. At the same time, 79% of office workers view stronger community connections as a decisive factor in workplace atmosphere.
Approaches to addressing these needs
Promoting wellbeing through thoughtful design
Hybrid spaces, like the “Oasis,” offer employees retreat areas where they can find peace and rejuvenation. Natural elements, such as plants, daylight, and sustainable materials help reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing. Additional amenities like wellness rooms or relaxation areas amplify these effects.
- Hospitality as a new guiding principle
- Strengthening community through social spaces
- Respecting individual needs
Workplaces are increasingly seen as places of hospitality. The “Office Café” is a prime example of this approach: It provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere comparable to that of a favourite café. These spaces foster informal communication, boost engagement, and create a pleasant working environment.
Designing spaces that encourage interaction and collaboration is essential for fostering a sense of community. The “Arena,” for instance, serves as a gathering point for teams, where collaborative projects can be advanced or creative workshops can take place. Open space concepts, that enable personal conversations and spontaneous idea exchange, also play a crucial role in building connections.
Hybrid shared spaces are distinguished by their ability to meet both collective and individual needs. Employees have the freedom to decide whether to work in a dynamic environment, retreat to a quiet space, or use an area for informal conversations. This autonomy fosters both satisfaction and productivity.
Hybrid shared spaces are more than just a trend – they are a central component of the workplace of the future. They combine community, wellbeing, and innovation to create environments where people don't just work but also thrive. Their flexibility and adaptability allow companies to align with their employees’ evolving needs and build workspaces that inspire and motivate.
The insights from the data make it clear: wellbeing, hospitality, and community are not “extras” but fundamental pillars of a modern workplace. Organisations that integrate these values into their office concepts are not just investing in their employees’ satisfaction but also in their long-term performance and loyalty.
