office design trends

The Great Rebellion: Why Employees Are Ditching Old Office Design Trends

The way we work has changed — and so have expectations around the workplace. According to Gensler’s Global Workplace Survey 2025, employees are moving beyond traditional corporate office environments in favor of spaces that feel more creative, natural, and even residential. As new office design trends emerge, it’s clear that the conventional cubicle-filled office no longer meets the needs of today’s workforce. In fact, only 14% of workers globally prefer the conventional corporate experience.

This isn’t just a shift in style — it’s a reflection of deeper needs. Gensler’s research, which surveyed nearly 17,000 office workers across 15 countries, shows that people now crave “experiential” workplaces: nature-inspired zones, flexible labs, and home-like spaces that support both deep focus and social connection. Workers want environments that enhance well-being, allow for movement, and make room for informal, collaborative, and quiet moments alike.

Rethinking the Conference Room: A Shift in Office Space Design

One area that illustrates this shift especially well is the traditional conference room. Once the go-to for all meetings and collaboration, it’s now being reconsidered. Gensler’s data highlights that while conference rooms still have a role — especially for scheduled team meetings — they’re no longer the default. Instead, flexible co-creation spaces, soft seating lounges, and multipurpose rooms are rising in importance.

In fact, flexible co-creation spaces rank in the top three for six of the seven key types of in-person work, including informal one-on-ones and scheduled team work sessions. This demonstrates a need for variety: not just more space, but the right kinds of space for the kinds of work being done — a shift that’s central to evolving office design trends.

office design trends

Office Design Trends That Embrace Purposeful Abundance

As workplace design adapts, so must our approach to space planning. Gensler introduces the concept of “purposeful abundance”: providing employees with enough of the right types of spaces — not to waste square footage, but to ensure availability, reduce friction, and empower teams to choose the best setting for their work.

Interestingly, while 76% of employees report having a choice in their office environment, nearly half say they still choose based on availability, not comfort, acoustics, or function. This reveals a clear opportunity: when employers align space types with real work needs — and ensure those spaces are accessible — employee satisfaction and productivity improve.

office design trends

Translating Office Design Trends into Workplace Strategy

At Create Spaces, we understand that these trends reflect more than preference — they signal a fundamental evolution in how people relate to work and space. Fortunately, updating your workspace doesn’t require a complete overhaul. Through thoughtful, human-centered design, organizations can start small:

  • Convert underused meeting rooms into multi-purpose spaces with modular furniture and writable walls
  • Create biophilic nooks or activate patios and rooftops with outdoor workstations
  • Integrate quiet zones and nap or meditation rooms to support wellness and focus
  • Introduce flexible layouts that allow for reconfiguration as teams grow and change

Whether your team is in a tech startup, legal office, or nonprofit organization, the takeaway is the same: one-size-fits-all is no longer the gold standard. A workspace that’s responsive, varied, and intentional will do more than support daily work — it will help people feel engaged, valued, and connected to purpose.

office design trends

A Better Workplace Starts Here

As Gensler’s research makes clear, the office isn’t going away — but it does need to evolve. Companies that embrace this shift and design spaces for how people really work will be better positioned to attract talent, foster innovation, and build lasting culture.

We’re here to help you explore the possibilities.

Workplace Wellbeing

Why Employee Wellbeing Matters Now More Than Ever

In our Four Macro Shifts Changing Work Now series, we’ve explored Living on Screen, The AI Supercycle, and The Sustainability Mindset. If you haven’t read those yet, be sure to check them out. Now, we turn our attention to the fourth and final shift: The Employee Wellbeing Urgency.

Talk to an HR professional, and they’ll tell you one of their biggest concerns is employee mental health. Headlines and book titles say it all: The Lonely Society, Employee Mental Health is a Global Issue, and for future workers, The Anxious Generation. Stress, anxiety, depression, and difficulty concentrating are top concerns for employers worldwide, according to WorkPlace Options, a global provider of employee solutions.

Hybrid work and the flexibility it offers were supposed to improve work-life balance, yet research suggests otherwise. According to Steelcase global research, people’s satisfaction with their work-life balance has declined over the past three years, while productivity has remained consistent.

Finding Balance

People are increasingly prioritizing their wellbeing. In fact, a Steelcase global study found that employees now rank wellbeing as second in importance—only behind family. Surprisingly, work comes in fourth place. This disparity creates tension as leaders attempt to strike a balance between supporting people’s needs and driving organizational success.

What’s Going On?

It would seem logical that, with the pandemic in the rearview mirror, people should feel better. Yet multiple factors—personal, professional, and even societal—are driving mental health challenges. One major contributor is the accelerating rate of change in the workplace. Sociologist and author Brené Brown describes this as living beyond human scale.

The Numbers Speak for Themselves

A 2024 Microsoft Work Trend Index found that:

  • 68% of people struggle with the pace and volume of work.
  • 46% of employees feel burned out.
  • 66% of employees globally reported not thriving in 2023, according to Gallup.
  • 69% of employees under 35 report struggling—indicating younger generations are disproportionately affected.

The speed of change impacts both employees and managers, leading to stress and disconnection. Gallup research highlights job restructuring, budget cuts, and increased responsibilities as primary stressors. Meanwhile, hybrid work has altered the rhythm of our days, increasing meeting volume and workloads, which can lead to burnout and reduced creativity.

When employees come to the office but their colleagues don’t, they miss out on social connections that foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose. Without these, people can feel unsupported and isolated.

A Better Workplace Experience

Liz Hilton Segel, McKinsey Senior Partner, emphasizes why employee wellbeing must be a business priority:

“Businesses should treat wellbeing as a tangible skill, a critical business input, and a measurable outcome. Wellbeing not only makes for happier, more productive employees, but it’s tied to innovation and organizational success.”

Organizations are responding. According to a 2024 Steelcase study, 38% of global leaders are prioritizing employee wellbeing over the next two years—second only to improving collaboration. The study also highlights a rising focus on supporting rejuvenation.

Designing for Effectiveness and Experience

To create a thriving workforce, organizations must offer spaces that support wellbeing. Gensler’s Global Workplace Survey 2024 advises balancing effectiveness with employee experience, suggesting that companies measure how people feel about the space—not just its functionality.

Key priorities include:

  • Privacy & Rejuvenation Spaces – Employees need areas that support focus, reflection, and mental reset.
  • Inclusive Design – Workplaces must consider diverse needs, including neurodivergent individuals who require controlled sensory environments.
  • Support for Mental Health – HR initiatives, flexible work options, and open discussions help break stigmas and build supportive environments.
  • Joyful Workspaces – Natural elements and beautiful design can help reduce stress and enhance wellbeing.

A People-First Approach

As hybrid work evolves and employees return to the office more frequently, organizations must remove barriers and ensure workplaces cater to diverse needs. When employees see that their preferences are acknowledged, they feel more valued and engaged.

Steelcase research underscores this point: privacy and spaces that support employee wellbeing are the two most desired workplace attributes. Yet many employers overlook these needs, instead prioritizing collaboration spaces for hybrid workers.

To support employees holistically, organizations must incorporate lactation rooms, private spaces for physical and mental health needs, and quiet areas for reflection. A well-designed office should be welcoming, safe, and inclusive—helping people feel they truly belong.

Inclusive Design in Action

Steelcase’s Global Talent team recently redesigned their Grand Rapids campus space with inclusivity in mind. They established an Inclusive Design Advisory Group, ensuring diverse perspectives shaped the new environment. The group, composed of employees with varied lived experiences—including neurodivergent individuals, first-generation immigrants, and caregivers—helped remove barriers and create a more welcoming space.

This people-first approach demonstrates that workplace design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about fostering a culture where employees feel seen, valued, and empowered.

Wellbeing: A Win-Win Strategy

By embracing inclusive design, prioritizing rejuvenation spaces, and fostering a culture of wellbeing, organizations can drive both employee satisfaction and business success. When companies recognize employees as whole individuals—not just workers—they create environments where people can thrive.

As this series comes to a close, one thing is clear: The future of work is changing rapidly. To navigate it successfully, businesses must be intentional about how they design their workplaces, integrate technology, and support their people. Prioritizing wellbeing isn’t just good for employees—it’s essential for long-term organizational success.

*Research and article adapted from Steelcase

The Sustainability Mindset

Why Sustainability Is the New Currency of the Modern Workplace

In our ongoing series on the four macro shifts reshaping the workplace, we’ve already explored Living on Screen and The AI Supercycle. Now, we turn our focus to another major transformation: the sustainability mindset.

Shifting Skills and Culture

Terms like net zero, circular economy, and embodied carbon are becoming part of daily work for more employees than ever. Companies are setting ambitious sustainability goals, and reaching them requires a change in both mindset and skills across entire organizations.

These goals are transforming work processes and culture. To succeed, organizations need environments that foster collaboration and innovation—spaces where employees can tackle new challenges together.

These goals are transforming work processes and workplace culture. To succeed, companies need workplaces that support collaboration and innovation, enabling employees to tackle these new challenges together.

The Surge in Sustainability Commitments

Organizations worldwide are committing to carbon reduction targets at an unprecedented rate:

  • The number of companies setting science-based carbon reduction targets has doubled in the past year.

  • Nearly 40% of the global economy is now represented by these commitments, according to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

  • Sustainability-related roles are growing quickly. In fact, “sustainability manager” is now the fastest-growing job in the UK and Germany, and three of the top 10 fastest-growing jobs in the U.S. are focused on sustainability.

What Are Science-Based Targets?

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) helps companies set clear climate goals by defining how much and how quickly they need to reduce carbon emissions to limit climate change. Companies like Steelcase are using these targets to guide their sustainability strategies.

Embedding Sustainability in Workplace Culture

To meet these goals, green practices must be embedded in workplace culture. This includes:

  • Hiring for sustainability-focused roles

  • Upskilling employees through ongoing learning

  • Encouraging collaboration across departments

  • Designing workplaces that reflect environmental values

The Workplace as a Reflection of Values

A company’s workplace is a visible expression of its culture. Leaders can support eco-conscious goals by:

  • Partnering with environmentally responsible vendors

  • Investing in low-impact products and solutions

  • Designing flexible spaces that evolve rather than get replaced

Supporting a Culture of Learning

Achieving net-zero emissions demands continuous innovation. Because many sustainable solutions are still emerging, businesses must prioritize learning by:

  • Offering spaces for team learning and self-guided study

  • Teaching employees the science behind sustainability

  • Promoting knowledge-sharing across teams and industries

Building Ownership and Innovation

Sustainability goals affect every part of a business. Success requires:

  • Transparency: Make goals and progress visible to all

  • Shared ownership: Empower teams to take meaningful action

  • Cross-functional collaboration: Break down silos and encourage fresh ideas

Designing for Collective Effort

Sustainability is a team sport. Workplaces should:

  • Promote collaboration through open, flexible spaces

  • Make sustainability progress easy to see through displays or dashboards

  • Celebrate milestones and encourage feedback to stay aligned and motivated

Moving Forward Together

No single person or department can solve sustainability alone. But by designing work environments that support learning, collaboration, and shared responsibility, companies can accelerate progress toward a net-zero future—while fostering innovation and resilience.

Stay tuned for the final article in this series, where we’ll explore the fourth macro shift shaping the future of work.

Research and article adapted from Steelcase.

AI-Driven Workplace

Grab Your Edge in the AI Supercycle

This is the second article in our series exploring the four macro shifts reshaping the way we work. In our first article, we discussed Living on Screen—how technology has blurred the lines between our physical and digital lives. (If you missed it, you can read it here.)

Today, we’re diving into the AI Supercycle—an era of rapid AI adoption that’s already transforming workplaces. While many organizations are still figuring out their AI strategies, employees are embracing these tools to save time, enhance creativity, and streamline workflows. The question is: How can businesses keep up and create an AI-ready workplace?

Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening now and what steps you can take to stay ahead of the game.

AI’s Bottom-Up Revolution

AI is changing not just how we work, but what we do. New roles are emerging as companies refine their AI strategies. According to Microsoft’s 2024 Work Trend Index, there has been a 323% increase in hiring technical AI talent over the past eight years and a 28% year-over-year rise in “Head of AI” leadership roles. Organizations must rethink workforce planning, balancing automation with human expertise. AI thrives when paired with human oversight—people who can ask the right questions, input accurate information, and verify outputs.

Designing for an AI-Enabled Workplace

To fully capitalize on AI, companies need to rethink how their workplaces function. This means adapting both physical spaces and company culture to support AI-enhanced work.

Tactical Ways to Get AI-Ready

  • Enhancing Acoustics for Voice Interaction – AI assistants and voice-activated tools will become more common, making sound management a critical design factor.
  • Creating Space for AI Assistants – Some AI tools, like Logitech’s Sight camera, need physical space to operate efficiently. Organizations must plan for these tools within their office layouts.
  • Expanding Digital Displays – AI-generated content shouldn’t stay confined to chatbots. More digital surfaces will be needed to visualize AI outputs and enable collaborative decision-making.

Strategic Ways to Get AI-Ready

  • Amplifying Collaboration – As AI streamlines routine tasks, workplaces will need more collaborative spaces to refine AI outputs, ensure ethical AI use, and enhance decision-making.
  • Investing in Upskilling – Employees are at varying levels of AI adoption. Creating dedicated learning spaces and peer-to-peer training opportunities will help bridge skill gaps.
  • Designing for Flexibility – AI is evolving rapidly. Modular workspaces, mobile furniture, and adaptable layouts will allow companies to pivot as AI technologies develop.

AI-Powered Workspaces in Action

Organizations are already making changes to prepare for AI-driven work. Research from Steelcase reveals a 47% increase in adding power to social spaces, a 150% rise in boundary elements for privacy, and a 25% increase in flexible furniture in collaboration areas. These trends signal a shift toward more adaptable, AI-friendly environments.

The Next Step in the AI Supercycle

The AI revolution isn’t just about technology—it’s about people. As AI reshapes work, organizations must create environments that balance efficiency with human connection. Designing AI-ready workspaces is not just an investment in technology but in the future of collaboration, creativity, and innovation.

Are you ready to embrace the AI supercycle? Now is the time to act.

*Research and article adapted from Steelcase

The Four Macro Shifts Changing Work: Living on Screen

How to Thrive in a Digital-First World

The way we work is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Some of these changes have been building for years, while others seem to have happened overnight. The magnitude and speed of these shifts have created uncharted territory for organizations and individuals alike. By understanding these transformations, we can design workplaces that foster resilience, community, and productivity.

In this four-part blog series, we’ll explore The Four Macro Shifts Changing Work, breaking down each shift in detail to understand its impact on work behavior and the workplace. Our first topic? How to thrive in a digital-first world—a shift that has fundamentally altered the way we collaborate, communicate, and connect.

Living on Screen: The Digital Takeover

Take a look at your calendar today versus five years ago. What differences do you notice? If you’re like most people, you have more meetings, and a significant portion of them involve video. The shift from in-person to screen-based interactions has had profound implications on work behaviors, organizational culture, and even employee well-being.

The Acceleration of Screen-Based Work

The Acceleration of Screen-Based Work

The transition to virtual meetings didn’t happen overnight, but its impact was accelerated by technological advancements and, most notably, the pandemic. According to Steelcase WorkSpace Futures research, people now spend more time in virtual meetings than in fully face-to-face interactions. This shift has led to a paradox—while hybrid work offers flexibility, it has also created challenges in collaboration and engagement.

The New Meeting Norms

The way we conduct meetings has changed significantly. Many employees choose to stay at their desks rather than gather in a meeting room. According to Steelcase research:

  • 50% of employees prefer staying at their desk for video calls
  • 24% use single rooms or enclaves
  • 26% go to a designated meeting room

Convenience is winning over connection. Employees cite reasons such as a lack of time between meetings and the ease of joining from their desks as key factors. However, this behavior can negatively impact performance, engagement, and workplace culture.

More meetings are on screen than in person

The Consequences of Virtual Overload

As screen-based work increases, so do distractions. Studies show that employees often multitask during virtual meetings, with some spending at least 30% of their time on email while in a video call. This lack of engagement can lead to decision fatigue, reduced collaboration, and lower overall job satisfaction.

Additionally, Microsoft researchers identified a new work pattern called the “triple-peak day,” where employees experience peak productivity not only before and after lunch but also before bedtime. This blurring of work and personal life can contribute to burnout and stress.

Designing Workspaces for Hybrid Success

To address the challenges of screen-based work, organizations need to rethink their workplace design. Employees are seeking:

  • Privacy for focused work
  • Spaces that support well-being
  • Optimized virtual collaboration rooms
  • More accessible power sources

Organizations are already responding by investing in privacy solutions, technology-enabled collaboration spaces, and acoustic-friendly environments that support both virtual and in-person interactions.

fluffy chair collaboration room

What’s Next?

The shift toward screen-based interactions is just one of the Four Macro Shifts Changing Work. In our next blog, we’ll explore how the nature of collaboration is transforming and what that means for the future of teamwork.

Stay tuned for more insights on how we can design workplaces that not only adapt to these changes but also empower people to work better.

*Research and article adapted from Steelcase