It’s no secret that commercial space has changed in recent years; the global pandemic showed us just what could be achieved when we were no longer able to gather together to do our jobs. As a result, hybrid working has become commonplace as a working practice throughout so many industries 

Ultimately, what you want to achieve is a space that can adapt to varying numbers of office attendees from day to day, whilst maintaining it as a space that entices employees into the office on a regular basis as part of a hybrid working model. In this article, we’ll be looking at some design solutions that you could incorporate into your working environment to support your remote and hybrid employees. 

Adapting Your Commercial Space for Remote Work – Design Solutions for Hybrid Work Environments

Configurable Layouts 

With different people in the office on different days, the actual working spaces as well as the breakout areas should ideally be able to adapt to the varying attendance numbers. To make this as easy as possible, configurable layouts with modular, east-to-move office furniture are must-haves for hybrid employers. This could include modular sofas, lounge seating with desk attachments, desks that are easily separated, and quiet, closed off booths. 

Acoustic Touches 

For employees who are used to the comfort of their own home, the hustle and bustle of a busy office might be something of a sensory overload, with chatter creeping above the normal noise levels that they’ve become accustomed to. Cleverly designed offices that support hybrid workers often feature acoustic elements, such as soundproof panels and acoustic ceilings, to localise noise and stop it from disrupting everyone’s flow. 

Bringing The Outside In 

It has been suggested that adding access to natural spaces as well as details such as indoor plants to an office environment can positively impact the mental health and productivity of employees. At home, they may be used to heading out into the garden in between tasks to soak up some sunshine and breathe some fresh air, so a small garden area or at least some attractive houseplants can all help make the office seem more like a home from home. 

Smart Tech 

When it comes to how you efficiently run an office that’s not always crammed full of people, smart tech can be your friend, allowing you to heat, light and ventilate your office space depending on the conditions, and the employees present. Climate control, air quality, energy efficiency and lighting can all be programmed for control remotely so that everything is kept comfortable as well as efficient. 

Video Conferencing Technology

With many employees working from home, you may want to make it easier for those who do attend the office to communicate with them; and sometimes the laptop webcam just isn’t enough. Kitting out your meeting rooms with video conferencing systems such as screens and microphones to support collaboration between those in the office and those working from home can work wonders in bringing everyone together for productive conversations, regardless of their physical location. 

Spaces For Socialising 

When colleagues get together that don’t often see each other, it can be great to catch up, fostering better collaboration in the future, when they may be working miles apart. Therefore, it’s essential to have some spaces designed for more casual conversations within the office, like breakout zones, or outdoor seating. 

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