by Swatasiddha Majumdar, Principal Strategy, Unispace India
Imagine walking into an office where the quiet rows of cubicles have been replaced by open, light-filled spaces, cosy breakout lounges, and technologically enhanced booths. This isn't just a new design trend; it's a response to the shift in how companies work. With companies worldwide embracing hybrid work, offices are transforming to meet employees’ needs, fostering both flexibility and collaboration in ways we haven’t seen before.
Employees are now seeking an environment beyond a desk and a computer, one that can accommodate their distinct blend of personal and professional needs. Recent studies highlight the increasing popularity of hybrid work arrangements, with a Unispace survey revealing that an astonishing 97% of workers and 98% of employers in India are satisfied with their current hybrid setups. These high satisfaction levels tell a story beyond numbers. They suggest that future office designs in India will likely emphasize flexibility, comfort, and technology integration to meet this demand. We can expect to see more workspaces that feel like a home away from home, complete with collaborative spaces, quiet zones, wellness facilities, and advanced connectivity to support a blend of on-site and remote work.
Even though employees are now spending more time in the office compared to last year, with average in-office hours increasing from 3.4 in 2022 to 3.7 in 2023, the widespread support for hybrid working is fundamentally reshaping office design and use.
The survey also revealed that when working from office, workers distribute their time across various parts of the office: 64% of the time at their own desks, 10% in meeting rooms, 9% in private areas for focused work, 8% in collaborative spaces, and 9% in cafes or other areas. This diverse distribution underscores the need for modern offices to incorporate a range of multi-functional spaces to accommodate different work styles and activities.
Modern office designs are increasingly adapting to accommodate the diverse needs of various age groups, promoting a more inclusive environment that enhances employee well-being and productivity. Younger employees, particularly those aged 18-34, have emphasised the importance of dedicated relaxation areas, noting that the lack of such spaces hinders their productivity. Recognising this, many companies are rethinking office layouts to include wellness zones, exercise spaces, and areas for relaxation to support an active lifestyle at work. This shift is not only beneficial for young professionals, 33% of whom express a need for such spaces, but also resonates with 26% of middle-aged and 20% of older workers who face similar challenges. By prioritizing environments that support both mental health and professional tasks, modern offices are becoming more inclusive and responsive to the unique needs of each age group in a hybrid work setting.
As a result, dedicated wellness areas, relaxation spaces, and even meditation pods are being integrated into office layouts, transforming the workplace into a supportive environment rather than just a place of work. These well-being areas have often become crucial components, especially for younger workers who attribute a high degree of job satisfaction to mental wellness. Additionally, hygiene facilities such as showers and changing rooms are gaining importance in office design, as revealed by the survey.
Beyond areas for relaxation, there is an increasing need for facilities that support work-life balance, which is now an important consideration in attracting and retaining talent. For example, according to 80% of younger workers, amenities like on-site childcare or pet care would improve the office's appeal as a place to work. These characteristics function as strong motivators, allowing workers to concentrate on their work without compromising their personal obligations, particularly those who are juggling care giving duties. With a strong emphasis on improving the employee experience, this trend represents a significant cultural shift in workplace design.
A robust technology infrastructure is non-negotiable in the hybrid-work era. High-speed Wi-Fi, reliable video conferencing equipment, and accessible printing facilities are top priorities for workers. Offices are increasingly incorporating smart, tech-enabled spaces such as digital whiteboards and virtual meeting rooms to facilitate seamless collaboration between on-site and remote teams. Advanced technologies like AI-powered conference room booking systems, automated temperature control, and IoT-enabled lighting are becoming standard features in contemporary office design. These innovations enable employees to work efficiently regardless of their physical location. HP's new hybrid workplace in India, designed with Unispace, focuses on tech-enabled spaces that enhance productivity and employee satisfaction. Through adaptable environments such as Growthscapes for focused work, Socialscapes for collaboration, and Techscapes for innovation, HP leverages advanced tools like movable digital screens, interactive displays, and sustainable features (eg, motion-detect lighting and green walls).
Like technology and innovation, flexibility in scheduling is intrinsically linked to hybrid work. Many employees are seeking options like compressed workweeks and flexible hours to tailor their schedules to both personal and professional needs. This flexibility allows employees to find a balance that keeps them engaged and focused, which is essential for sustaining a productive hybrid staff.
To accommodate this need for flexibility, offices are moving away from assigned seating towards hot-desking and activity-based working models. This approach allows employees to choose their work environment based on the task at hand.
Finally, the survey reveals that employees are showing a strong preference for workplaces that embrace sustainability. Green energy, recycling initiatives, and other eco-friendly features are highly sought after, especially by the younger workforce concerned about the environment and the future of the planet. Companies that formalize their eco-friendly commitments through sustainability certifications, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), signal a strong dedication to sustainable practices. These certifications provide a clear standard for green building and operational practices, making employees more likely to feel engaged and motivated if they believe their workplace reflects their values. This approach benefits both the company and the environment.
Offices are thus adopting innovative design elements that significantly deviate from the traditional cubicle layout. At the forefront of this transformation are modular furniture and even movable walls, which provide unprecedented flexibility. These adaptable components allow companies to reconfigure their spaces based on daily occupancy and changing work patterns, ensuring that the office environment remains responsive to the dynamic needs of employees. Businesses are implementing facilities like gyms, walking trails, and even standing desks because many workers have expressed a desire to lead active lives at work.
Neighbourhood-style layouts are also gaining popularity to foster collaboration while maintaining flexibility. This approach involves grouping employees with similar roles or projects together, creating mini communities within the larger office space. These arrangements encourage communication and teamwork, yet still allow for the adaptability of hot-desking, where employees can choose their workstation based on their daily tasks or preferences.
Biophilic design integration, where workspaces feel alive and connected to nature, is another major trend that is increasingly popular among employers. By utilizing natural elements like plants, green walls, and natural lighting, offices can appear more open, airy, and welcoming, while ensuring employee well being.
Moving forward, we see that offices will increasingly serve as community hubs that encourage innovation, support diverse work styles, and promote overall employee satisfaction. In essence, the office of the future is a dynamic environment that adapts to its occupants' needs, fostering collaboration, supporting individual work, promoting well-being, and aligning with employees' values.
Progressive companies today view their office spaces as strategic assets, continuously evolving to meet the changing needs of their workforce. Those who adapt their spaces to these new demands are better positioned to attract and retain top talent, setting themselves up for success in the years ahead. But the future holds more changes. As hybrid models continue to evolve, the companies that stay proactive and agile will be the ones leading the charge. Are you ready to adapt your workplace to stay competitive? Embrace these shifts now to secure a stronger, more resilient future for your organisation.
