Imagine an office. It’s not a cold space filled with identical desks, impersonal walls, and fluorescent lights. Imagine a place where, right from the start, you feel warmly welcomed—a space that seems to say, “You matter here.” Such offices are becoming a reality—especially now, as companies redefine their roles in the era of hybrid work.
The History of Offices: From Factories to Communities
Just a hundred years ago, offices resembled factories. Their layout was simple: one row of desks after another, designed to maximize space utilization. However, with technological advances and social changes, offices began to evolve. Open spaces, more employee-friendly environments, and later even additions like relaxation zones were introduced—all intended to make work more efficient and comfortable.
But the COVID-19 pandemic turned this world upside down. For two years, many of us worked from home and discovered that an office isn’t the only place where one can be productive. Moreover, new needs emerged: it was no longer just about having a workspace, but about creating an environment that supports inclusivity and a sense of belonging.
Why Does Belonging Matter?
Diversity, inclusivity, and belonging are the foundations of building community and organizational culture.
“Diversity is a fact, inclusion is an action, but belonging is the emotional outcome that people crave in their organization.”
– Christianne Garofalo, Diversity and Inclusion Expert at Heidrick & Struggles
When an employee feels a sense of belonging, they are more engaged, creative, and willing to take on challenges. However, belonging does not arise on its own. It requires the right conditions—both in interpersonal relationships and in the surrounding space.
How Can Offices Strengthen Belonging?
The MillerKnoll report identifies three key areas that can serve as the foundation for designing workplaces in the new reality:
- Flexibility and Choice
The diversity of employees’ needs requires the creation of flexible spaces that offer a wide range of working possibilities. The offices of the future should support both dynamic team collaboration and focused individual work. The key to the success of hybrid work models is providing the freedom to choose where to work—in the office, at home, or in coworking spaces—tailored to current needs. - Inclusive Design
It is crucial to create spaces that take into account the physical, neurological, and sensory needs of different groups, including people with disabilities, older individuals, or neurodiverse individuals. Examples include quiet rooms, varied spaces for both team and individual work, and solutions that eliminate social and cognitive barriers. - Universal Goals
Office spaces should be designed with the collective values and needs of the entire team in mind, not just select groups. It is key to establish standards that support the physical, social, and cognitive well-being of employees. The design should include elements such as access to natural light, high air quality, and ergonomic furnishings.
The Era of Hybrid Offices: A New Perspective on Space
The pandemic taught us that work is not tied to one location. We can work from an office, home, a café, or a coworking space. However, the best companies have understood that the office can still be the heart of the organization—provided it adapts to new realities.
For corporate real estate (CRE) teams, this means entirely new challenges. How do you design a space that simultaneously supports the diverse needs of employees and becomes a place where people want to be? The answer lies in understanding that the office is no longer just a place of work, but a community space.
What Does an Office That Builds Community and Strengthens Belonging Look Like?
Imagine a workplace that not only serves as a space for daily professional duties but also reflects the identity of the people who work there. An office that lives through the stories of its users becomes a place where everyone feels important and valued. How can such an effect be achieved?
The key is an approach centered on employees’ needs. Rather than imposing top-down solutions, the design process should be based on dialogue and collaboration. Employees know best what environment supports their productivity, comfort, and well-being. Involving them in the creation of the space not only builds engagement but also makes the office feel like “their own” place.
Solutions that Help Build a Sense of Belonging
- Team Spaces:
Areas tailored to the nature of work of individual groups, which strengthen their identity and facilitate collaboration. - Quiet and Relaxation Zones:
Cozy corners where one can take a break from the hustle and bustle, catering to both those who value interaction and those seeking concentration. - Common Areas for Informal Meetings:
Kitchens, social rooms, or relaxation zones that create a friendly environment for building relationships and promoting team integration.
Every element of an office should be designed from the user’s perspective. It is important that the space is not only functional but also evokes positive emotions. Personalizing the space—for example, with boards where employees can share their achievements or passions—further strengthens the sense of community.
The result of these efforts is not only improved employee well-being but also greater engagement and loyalty to the company. An office that takes into account the diverse experiences and needs of its users becomes a symbol of mutual respect and community—a space that truly lives through the stories of the people who create it.
The Future of Offices: More Than Walls and Desks
Modern offices are more than just places where we perform our professional duties. They are spaces that support our emotions, build relationships, and help us find meaning in our daily tasks.
For business leaders, this means the need to invest in spaces designed with diversity, inclusivity, and belonging in mind. It is also an opportunity to create offices that not only meet employees’ needs but also become a source of pride and inspiration.
The offices of the future are places where everyone can say, “This is my home. I want to be here.”
Why Is It Worth Reading the Report?
The MillerKnoll report is more than just a set of practical guidelines. It is an inspiring vision of how offices can become spaces that strengthen diversity, promote inclusion, and build a sense of belonging. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to be part of the change—from corporate real estate teams and interior designers to business owners who wish to invest in their greatest asset: people.
If you want to learn more about how to design offices that support organizational growth while enhancing the employee experience, be sure to check out the full report: Places to Belong: Practical Considerations for Creating Inclusive and Impactful Places of Work by Ryan Anderson, Jolene De Jong i Joseph White.
It is not just a document—it is an invitation to co-create a new reality where offices are spaces where everyone feels welcome.