Office space design and the changing needs of employees

Hybrid working has long since established itself as an integral part of the modern working world. The ability to work flexibly from home, combined with advances in generative AI, has revolutionised the way we work. Tasks that used to require teamwork can now often be completed alone, leading to a reorganisation of team structures and work processes. At the same time, the understanding of what constitutes work and how we connect with each other in offices and at work, is also changing.

The new view goes beyond the traditional concept of work-life balance and increasingly sees work and life as a 'blend' rather than two separate areas. This blend emphasises human well-being, which plays a central role not only in the private sphere but also at work. However, with these benefits come new challenges that need to be overcome to ensure that hybrid forms of work remain not only effective but also sustainable.

A key problem with hybrid working is the reliance on screens. Remote working is almost exclusively screen-based, which has led to a shift in interactions from the physical to the digital world. This transformation has its benefits, such as the flexibility of work, but it also brings challenges. Online collaboration in particular has a number of disadvantages: It is “context-independent”, which means that the emotional states and working conditions of team members are not immediately recognisable. This can lead to misunderstandings and less bonding within the team. There is also a lack of depth in communication, as non-verbal signals - which are so important in face-to-face interactions - are often lost in digital formats.

Working at a computer also requires a high level of concentration, especially in times of constant notifications and distractions from social media. The negative effects of this digital addiction, such as increasing social isolation and a decline in interpersonal skills, are particularly worrying, especially for the younger generations who suffer from the consequences of physical inactivity and mental stress.

While working in the office may have fewer serious problems with digital distractions, research shows that physical space still plays a crucial role. Studies from neuroscience and cognitive psychology show that interacting in a shared physical space fosters deeper neural connections and better understanding between team members. In face-to-face meetings, team members can share their knowledge and also build a stronger emotional bond, which increases team dynamics and innovation.

Physical presence also has far-reaching neurophysiological benefits: it promotes the production of oxytocin, a hormone associated with trust and empathy. This facilitates faster team building and more intensive, creative collaboration. It is therefore obvious that the cognitive and emotional value of a shared workspace, even in a hybrid working environment, should not be underestimated.

In view of these challenges and findings, the concept of “hybrid commons” is becoming increasingly important. Hybrid commons are spaces that combine the advantages of the physical and digital worlds of work. They are characterised by their flexibility and offer a variety of zones that can be adapted to the different needs of employees. These spaces allow employees to switch between different ways of working and activities, from focused work to creative team meetings or informal conversations.

Key concepts within these hybrid spaces include 'office cafés', 'arenas' and 'oases'. The office café provides a relaxed environment for informal conversations or smaller tasks, while the arena creates multifunctional areas for larger team meetings and events. The oasis, on the other hand, offers a quiet, natural atmosphere for relaxation and mental regeneration. These spaces are not only functional but also inclusive - they promote wellbeing and social interaction and provide a place for employees to connect both physically and emotionally.

The hybrid working world is turning traditional office design on its head. The workplace of the future will no longer be geared exclusively towards productivity and efficiency, but towards “qualitative” innovation that focuses on people and their social and emotional needs. Hybrid commons areas offer the ideal solution to meet these needs. They not only enable physical encounters and the exchange of ideas, but also promote collective learning and creativity within teams. The vision of an office that is more than just a workplace is becoming a reality through these hybrid concepts - a place where work, well-being and social interaction go hand in hand.

The future of the office is hybrid - and it lies in the combination of physical and digital dimensions. An office that focuses on people and their needs will be the key to a more productive, sustainable and fulfilling working environment.