Hybrid Office Spaces: Designing the Office for a Flexible Future

The concept of the office space is undergoing a significant shift. As work styles evolve and the line between the physical and digital blurs, the hybrid office emerges as an ideal solution. But what exactly does it entail and why should you consider it for your workplace?

A hybrid office is essentially a workspace designed to accommodate both in-person and remote work seamlessly. Picture dedicated areas for focused work, vibrant zones for collaboration and cosy breakout spaces for quiet retreats.

You might wonder, isn’t this just a regular office? While there are similarities, there are also significant differences. Here are some key elements of hybrid office design that distinguish it from traditional workspaces.

Optimised Space

Hybrid working implies that not all team members will be present in the office at the same time. This allows for a smaller office footprint than traditional setups. However, it’s essential to allocate enough room for occasions when everyone gathers for special events or dedicated workdays, as well as to accommodate potential growth.

Providing an Immersive Experience

With team members visiting the office only a few days a week, each visit should be memorable. Modern companies are integrating retail, residential and hospitality elements into their offices. Think of design elements that are Instagram-worthy, cosy breakout spaces with games and inviting tea points reminiscent of cafes and restaurants. These amenities provide an exceptional experience for the team, encouraging them to keep returning and spend more time in the office.

Advanced Connectivity

Staying updated on the latest workspace technologies and providing high-quality AV equipment is crucial in a hybrid office setup. Ensuring seamless connectivity between in-office and remote team members is a top priority for a successful hybrid working culture. In addition to this, the space should accommodate this connectivity; soundproofed meeting rooms, dedicated phone booths and configurable office furniture.

Social and Collaborative Spaces

Ultimately, team members come to the office for experiences they can’t replicate at home, especially social and collaborative interactions. Having dedicated spaces, breakout zones and high-quality refreshment areas encourages these interactions, boosting both well-being and productivity.

Why Embrace the Hybrid Model?

There are many reasons for adopting a hybrid work model, here are some of the top reasons.

• Employee preference: Studies show a strong preference for hybrid work arrangements, offering employees a better work-life balance and increased control over their schedules.
• Talent attraction and retention: In a competitive job market, offering a hybrid option makes your company more attractive to top talent.
• Increased productivity: When employees are happy and comfortable, they tend to be more productive.
• Reduced costs: A smaller physical footprint can lead to lower overhead costs, such as rent and utilities.

But is it here to stay?

Hybrid working emerged as a solution bridging the gap between fully remote and in-person work. While many employees favour remote arrangements for their work-life balance, employers value the office environment for fostering team culture and productivity. Hybrid working strikes a balance between the two preferences.

We firmly believe that hybrid working is not just a temporary solution but will likely become the standard practice in the future. With compelling arguments on both sides, finding a compromise was crucial. This shift underscores the importance of constantly reassessing your workspace to ensure it remains conducive to productivity and employee satisfaction. If it’s not meeting these criteria, it may be time to refresh your office space or engage in some Soul Searching!

Building Where You Belong

At Soul Spaces, we understand the complexities of designing for a hybrid work culture. We partner with the industry’s best contractors to create spaces that inspire, connect and empower teams.

In our recent project with Attensi, a global leader in 3D gamified simulation training, we transformed their London HQ to accommodate their team of around 70 on hybrid schedules. Implementing modular furniture and versatile spatial designs, we ensured flexibility for varying team sizes and work styles. The result? A workspace with diverse zones, premium furnishings and plenty of breakout areas for collaboration and socialising.

Currently, we’re finishing up our project at Cromwell House in partnership with MetSpace. This premium office space in Farringdon features 15 desks, a high-end tea point and a meeting room—ideal for hybrid teams seeking a central London location. With the latest AV setups and a focus on connectivity, it’s tailored for seamless collaboration in the hybrid work era.

Finding You Space, To Become More

As London’s only full-service workplace agency, we go beyond creative office fit outs. With expert office brokers, we navigate the market, securing the best options and negotiating rental terms that save our clients an average of 29%.

If your current office falls short of your business and team’s needs, now’s the time to explore better options. Here are some best London offices for hybrid working teams curated by our in-house search team. Reach out if any catch your eye or to explore more options!