orange outdoor table

Outdoor Spaces That Attract Talent

In today’s installment of our thought starter series, we will examine outdoor spaces that attract talent. Making the right hiring decisions and finding enticing top talent to stay at an organization is vital to its future success. We will review a series of renderings to help you brainstorm outdoor spaces of your own. Then we will explore real life spaces and determine what works best for you and your company’s culture and location.

Outdoor Spaces That Make A Positive Impact

steelcase employees at outdoor table

A renewed focus on physical and mental well-being has led to an increased emphasis on outdoor workspaces and biophilic design in office environments. Access to nature, such as gardens, terraces, and outdoor offices, is essential for employee creativity and mental health. Organizations are incorporating outdoor amenities and natural elements to enhance productivity and creativity.

Renderings

A study of 2,000 office workers found that spending just 29 minutes outdoors resulted in a 45% boost in productivity. Meanwhile, 63% of participants reported feeling much better after spending time in
the fresh air.

steelcase rendering outdoor space
steelcase rendering outdoor space

These outdoor lounges offer a range of seating options, from lounge to standing height, giving users choice and control in an outdoor setting. Umbrellas provide shade and screen glare reduction for better visibility on personal devices.

steelcase rendering outdoor space

An outdoor oasis that supports users looking for a change of scenery and connection with nature. It provides a place for respite, socialization and connection with peers. Work tools like carts with markerboards can be used outside temporarily to support casual collaboration. Mobile work tools allow users to bring collaboration outside and back in when they’re finished.

steelcase rendering outdoor space

A relaxed outdoor social seating that is ideal for building connections with colleagues and catching up on emails in a more laid-back setting. The overall environment provides adequate physical distancing and circulation. Varied postures give users choice of how they prefer to connect with others. Casual lounge settings can create a feeling of inclusion and trust amongst colleagues. A canopy created with an umbrella can define space and provide a larger shaded zone.

Real Spaces

Connection to nature can boost creativity and focus for employees while simultaneously increasing their well-being and engagement with their work. To help employees, the industry trends is to allocate 20% of office space to be usable outdoors.

outdoor couch

Thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces can transform the workday experience, fostering collaboration and connection with nature.

extremis outdoor table

When the weather allows, the hosting characteristics of your outdoor space can serve as an excellent tool to entertain you clients or appreciate employees.

people in outdoor setting

Hosting is ultimately about making employees feel connected to the organization, their work and each other.

blue dot outdoor space

Outdoor working is in high demand as companies seek to coax employees back to the office.

blue outdoor seating

Effective outdoor workspaces must be designed to mitigate glare and weather, include shaded areas, and cater to various climates.

outdoor seaside setting

Outdoor spaces like terraces, balconies, and loggias are becoming essential workplace amenities, offering areas for work, relaxation, and events.

outdoor seating

Ensure your outdoor spaces are equipped with weatherproof furniture and equipment. Additionally, plan for noise control to minimize disturbances from traffic or nearby businesses.

Circular outdoor table/bench

The future of work involves integrating nature and sustainable design to create healthy, productive environments.

outdoor deck setting

Maximize your office real estate by creating outdoor spaces that take advantage of what makes your location unique.

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green and beige reception

Receptions That Make A Good First Impression

In the latest installment of our thought starter series we will go through the impact your reception space can have on your organization. From colors and textures to sizes and configurations, we will help you learn all about receptions that make a good first impression on guests.

What Makes A Good Reception?

Your organization’s reception space is the first place to make a good impression with visitors and tell a story with your brand. Colors, textures, and postures can make a big different in making guests feel welcome and relaxed. By integrating technology in these spaces, organization can provide additional messaging to their waiting guests.

blue and red reception

A welcoming and comfortable reception area can positively impact employee morale and job satisfaction.

Renderings

steelcase rendering reception blue

Today’s reception areas need to feel more like a clubhouse or coffee shop than a traditional waiting area. Create a welcoming, stylish first impression that aligns with modern expectations and enhances employee experience.

Steelcase rendering big reception

This welcoming, comfortable, and flexible environment supports a variety of users, postures, and activities.

steelcase rendering reception green

Biophilic design principles, incorporating natural elements, are also enhancing these spaces, improving employee health and productivity.

steelcase rendering reception basil
steelcase rendering modular reception

Modular furniture makes it easy to reconfigure a space so that the layout can remain flexible.

Real Spaces

wellness center reception

This waiting room setting provides a palette of postures through a variety of flexible furniture arrangements that support diverse user activities.

pink reception
black and wood reception

Adding color, artwork, and different textures as pictured in these reception spaces are great examples of how to create interesting and soothing environments that give insight into the company’s culture.

yellow reception
dark blue reception

A well-organized reception area can streamline administrative tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.

green reception
basil reception

Soothing colors, cleanable finishes and views to the outdoors help provide a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere.

blue basil reception

Seating solutions like the one pictured allows companies to create unique and inviting receptions that make a good first impression. This space is one that many individuals can share simultaneously.

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corporate training room

Training and Classrooms for Active Learning

Our next installment of thought starters will cover training and classrooms for active learning. We will showcase spaces that support flexibility, collaboration, focus work, and more.

green training room

What Are Active Learning Environments?

Training and classrooms for active learning provide students and employees options and tools to actively engage in the learning process. New design principles for these spaces include: Me + We: Spaces that equally support large groups, small groups and individuals Fixed to Fluid: Multimodal spaces support multiple purposes and pedagogies Open + Enclosed: More shielded “me” and activate more open “we” spaces Braiding Digital + Physical: Increase video use in “me” and “we” spaces.

Renderings

steelcase rendering training room

Ideal for higher education or large-group training, this traditional setup centers on a speaker at the front of the room, providing an optimal learning environment with clear focus and engagement.

steelcase rendering training room with computers

This environment is a good example of the Me + We design principle in use. The seats in front of computers are “me” spaces for individual use or support a group lesson. Additionally, a collaboration space supports group work.

steelcase rendering classroom
steelcase rendering classroom

These two grade school classrooms create an interactive learning environment with their bright colors,
collaborative spaces, and seating arrangements. Teachers can easily transition their students from one
activity to the next thanks to furniture that supports multiple learning postures.

steelcase rendering classroom

Fixed to Fluid is on display in this space. While the layout pictured supports a typical lecture format, the whiteboards and casters on these tables allow for fully functioning group work activities.

Real Spaces

Multiple studies have shown that students in active learning environments consistently outperform those in traditional lecture-based classrooms. Active learning has been linked to lower failure rates, particularly in STEM subjects.

brick training room
gray training room

Movable boundaries provide shielding in open classrooms giving students and educators more control over privacy.

green training room

In this hyflex classroom, students can choose to join the class remotely or in-person. Thoughtfully integrated technology improves both the in-person and virtual experience.

blue training room
corporate high school

Active learning is still possible even when teams are separated by distance. This flexible blended learning space includes mobile furniture, markerboards, acoustic boundaries, carts and a digital display on wheels to get people up, moving and engaged. This is an excellent example of braiding the digital and the physical.

grade school classroom

Group activities inherent in active learning enhance collaboration and communication abilities.

blue node chair classroom

This node chair with an attached worksurface is the perfect “me” space. With the ability to move and work anywhere it can function well in an open or enclosed space.

yellow and gray training room
high school classroom

Highly-mobile and versatile furniture in these classrooms supports fluid transitions between different learning modes for all the ways students learn.

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work cafe with 4 people

Culture Boosting Work Cafés

Today our series continues with Work Cafés. We will peruse work cafe renderings of and see how they support different activities. Then we will explore real culture boosting work cafés that serve as break rooms, game areas, and more.

work cafe beige stools

What is a Work Cafe?

A Work Café is a dynamic space that connects people with colleagues, their work, and their organization. It transforms traditional corporate cafeteria real estate into destinations for connection, collaboration, focus and innovation. For companies seeking to create a destination for hybrid workers, work cafés are an excellent amenity to attract employees to the office and foster community.

Renderings

steelcase rendering work cafe pink

This work café can pull double duty functioning providing a coffee shop vibe for hybrid workers or serving as a collaboration space for large groups.

steelcase rendering work cafe cafe tables

Transform your cafeteria into a welcoming environment designed to foster conversation, brainstorming, hosting, and socializing.

steelcase rendering work cafe long table with bench
steelcase rendering work cafe green
steelcase rendering work cafe mixed furniture

Real Spaces

Culture boosting work cafés should be welcoming and vibrant. Leverage design attributes that set a welcoming atmosphere and vibrant ambiance, reflecting the desired brand and culture.

work cafe green belle

A work café functioning as a meeting commons offers a system of spaces that promotes collaboration, both planned and spontaneous.

work cafe la office

Biophilia can have a significant positive impact on employees in a workplace setting as well. Incorporating elements of nature into the design of a workplace can lead to reduced stress, improved cognitive function, increased creativity, better mood and well-being, improved physical health, increased employee satisfaction, and reduced absenteeism.

work cafe marble

Integrating technology in your work café allows any worker, as an individual or as a group, to work and meet at any place. Access to power, presentation devices, and Wi-Fi is key for success.

work cafe steelcase hq

A welcoming work café is an excellent resource for hybrid workers. It can support a community of mobile workers who learn and share knowledge with each other.

work cafe green brightons

Spaces like these are important because employees who feel connected to their organization and valued are significantly more likely to stay with an organization.

work cafe tenor chairs

A work café can function as a specialty zone supporting workers with dining amenities and various food options.

work cafe sterling chairs

Creating a social zone in your organization using nourishment as an attraction increases opportunities for chance encounters and cross-pollination.

work cafe standing table with people

The hosting characteristics of your work café can serve as an excellent tool to retain talent.

work cafe games

Hosting is ultimately about making employees feel connected to the organization, their work and each other.

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Office Furniture

Hybrid Collaboration Among Teams

This week we are focusing on how to create collaboration spaces that fit what teams need to achieve success. We walk thought renderings of different layouts and discuss what kind of groups they support. Then we will wrap up with real life examples of spaces that support hybrid collaboration among teams.

Supporting Hybrid Teams

Red belle collaboration

Create better collaboration spaces for hybrid teams. Explore a range of spaces and technology experiences designed to support in-office and remote teams of all sizes – whether you need to collaborate one-to-one or many-to-many.

Renderings

Steelcase rendering collaboration

A space designed for teams to use throughout their project fosters hybrid collaboration. Tall seating accommodates various postures, while movable furniture lets teams quickly adapt the space for hybrid meetings or in-person sessions.

Steelcase rendering collaboration

Maximize natural light in your collaboration spaces while reducing screen glare. Use commercial window coverings to minimize glare and create a bright, comfortable environment for productivity.

Steelcase rendering collaboration

This space supports multiple postures. From stools in the stadium seating to table height on the bench it is easy to switch up positions and take different postures.

Steelcase rendering collaboration

This space makes collaborative meetings more approachable by removing the traditional conference table and replacing it with moveable tables. This room is perfect for informal discussions.

Steelcase rendering collaboration

With movable chairs and tables, this space can fit a large group of people or be moved to accommodate smaller groups.

Real Spaces

ocular table long

This hybrid space reimagines the traditional conference room by shifting the configuration to landscape. The Ocular table faces the long wall, optimizing the Microsoft Teams Front Row experience for seamless eye-to-eye interaction between in-person and remote participants. The Tap Touch Controller enables easy meeting access, while the Rally Bar Mini below the ultra -wide display enhances visual engagement.

small ocular table

Spaces like these are important because employees who feel heard and valued are significantly more likely to stay with an organization.

purple chair collaboration

This hybrid meeting space is designed for seamless hybrid collaboration among teams and connection with remote colleagues. Soft surfaces and acoustic tiles reduce sound distractions, while a cool-toned backdrop creates an appealing on-camera environment. The off-camera entry ensures minimal interruptions, making it ideal for focused, professional interactions.

Everwall collaboration

The Everwall system of modular privacy walls offers a flexible and aesthetically pleasing way to design adaptable spaces. This reconfigurable solution allows for easy adjustments over time and eliminates the need for permits, making it a convenient choice for dynamic environments.

Green huddle space with man

Effortlessly shift from focus work to a video call in private, tech-enabled enclaves that makes it easy to connect with remote colleagues.

yellow chair open collab table

This open collaboration space, featuring a Microsoft Surface Hub, ensures engaging brainstorming
sessions for both in-person and remote participants. The Roam cart adds flexibility, allowing remote
teammates to be positioned where the action is—whether viewing markerboards or presenters.

green couch collaboration

This conference room is uniquely designed to accommodate a variety of postures. Whether perching on a stool, standing, or sitting on a plush couch, this environment encourages open conversations.

red silq chair collaboration

Besides being more attractive, spaces with biophilia reduce stress by 15%, increase productivity by 6%, and help employees be 15% more creative.

phone booths and pods

These informal hybrid collaboration settings encourage open dialogue and comfortable, private conversations with both virtual and in-person participants.

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height adjustable workstations with karman

High-Functioning Workstations

Today we are continuing our series showcasing ways to create office and outdoor setting to help your organization function at its best. Today we are focusing on high-functioning workstations. We will show renderings and real spaces showcasing a variety of fixed to fluid solutions.

low walled workstations

Workstations That Fit The Modern Workforce

Teams need a home base – a space where they can do focus work and have spontaneous moments of collaboration or relationship building. Access to personal storage, a height adjustable desk and an ergonomic chair are a must for today’s teams.

Renderings

steelcase rendering of blue workstations

While the footprint of this space may be small, it is packed with under desk storage and file storage. With the whiteboarding panels behind the chairs, this workstation is perfect for the tech or finance industry for employees to do quick calculations. Clear glass at the top of the panels provide a sense of privacy while allowing natural light into the space.

flex screen steelcase rendering of workstation

Modern workplaces demand flexibility and innovation. Our solutions go beyond traditional cubicles, offering advanced privacy, control, and comfort tailored for hybrid environments. Enjoy quick adaptations for video calls and focused work with our adaptable, privacy-enhancing systems.

steelcase rendering of bright blue workstations
steelcase rendering of muted blue workstations
steelcase rendering of red workstations

Real Spaces

High-functioning workstations can promote collaboration which helps employees feel connected to their work and are significantly more likely to stay with an organization.

benching workstations

Providing necessary amenities like storage can boost employee morale while keeping the workspace clean and organized.

flex screen workstations

Steelcase Flex Personal Spaces give people a heightened level of privacy, control and comfort in the hybrid workplace.

flex workstations

With so many new ways to bring in interesting materials, textures and colors, your workplace can express its personality like never before.

stool workstations
coworkers in benching workstations

As workplaces evolve to meet modern needs, benching systems offer a flexible solution for hybrid employees who don’t require fixed workstations. Ideal for dynamic work environments, benching systems support collaboration and adaptability.

height adjustable workstations

Sit-stand options encourage healthy movement and celebrate individual preferences as they change throughout the day.

fixed workstations and collaboration space

Employees who feel connected to their organization and valued are significantly more likely to stay with an organization.

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home private office

High-Performing Private Offices

We are excited to publish a new series of articles that will help you discover office and outdoor spaces that are perfect for your organization. Every organization is different with unique needs, so you need spaces that support your processes and culture.

Today, we are going to go through a series of high-performing private offices.

Macinac private office

Why Private Offices Are Still Important

The movement toward more open, collaborative spaces is undeniable. Yet the need for private offices persists, especially in professions – such as legal, financial and human resources – that must promote high degrees of confidentiality and confidence. But amid economic, cultural and generational shifts, what people need from private offices is changing.

Where in the past, people may have established a routine of reporting to the office, sitting down and working all day, work is different now. It’s more dynamic, it has more dimensions – and it is significantly enabled by technology. For example, videoconferencing allows for remote work, and collaboration software allows for ongoing, agile work among distributed project teams. Additionally, organizations also face a new external reality: the rising cost of real estate, especially in dense urban areas. In response, they must do more with less.

Renderings

steelcase rendering of blue and gold private office

When designed well, you can create high-performing private offices at any size. These spaces can be assets to employee efficiency and productivity.

steelcase rendering of large private office
steelcase rendering of large private office with conference table

An existing large private office is repurposed with an intentional mix of micro zones to serve an individual or a small group. When the primary occupant is away, rather than sit empty, this space swings into service for busy coworkers.

steelcase rendering of private office with macinac

Where present, high-performing private offices are smaller in size than their predecessors and standardized for simplicity and adaptability.

steelcase rendering of green private office 2

As real estate prices escalate, private offices must make more of every square foot — including horizontal and vertical planes — in order to deliver the productive focus and collaboration needed.

Steelcase Rendering of green private office

This compact but hardworking office makes room for receiving and processing large volumes of digital and analog information, as well as collaborating with other members of the organization.

Real Spaces

blue private office

Responding to the needs and wants of top talent, private offices must help people achieve physical and emotional comfort, express identity and stimulate the cognitive process.

green private office

Loss of productivity due to noise distraction doubles in open plan offices compared to private offices.

black private office

As the workforce grows more mobile and dynamic, private offices must flex so individuals can adjust their environment in the moment, and organizations can repurpose offices for future needs.

slim leg private office

To cultivate privacy, orient desks so users can see the door and be aware of entrants to the space. Select materials and wall/door treatments that optimize visual and acoustical shielding. Offer storage that can conceal confidential materials.

pink private office
people talking in private office

Create dual purpose spaces that serve as private offices or meeting rooms.

yellow and black private office

Help employees do their best work in a 10′ x 12′ or 10′ x 10′ footprint. Ample work surfaces and deep open shelving help maintain flow as employees switch from task to task. Digital and analog tools and guest seating support collaboration and quick, frequent conversations.

Everwall private office

Create private offices within an open plan using glass walls. They offer acoustical privacy while maintaining visual connectivity with the surrounding space. This modular solution is easily movable and adaptable to changing needs.

home office

Amid stress and overload, private offices can help restore cognitive, emotional and physical wellbeing in order to enhance performance and satisfaction at work.

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yellow chair open collab table

Hybrid Work Stats & Where It Is Going 

We recently read a fantastic breakdown of hybrid work stats and what companies are planning in CBRE’s 2024 Americas Office Occupier Sentiment Survey. You can read the results in their entirety or stick with us to learn a few takeaways we found most helpful for decision-makers.  2024 Americas Office Occupier Sentiment Survey | CBRE (All graphs in this article come from the CBRE Survey Report.)  

In our synopsis of this report, we will cover how companies are responding to the following categories:  

  • Office Attendance Policies and Mandates  
  • Employer Expectations for Office Attendance vs. Actual Show-Up  
  • Measurements of Workplace Effectiveness  
  • Corporate Real Estate Technology Priorities  
  • Most Desirable Amenities for Occupiers  

Office Attendance Policies and Mandates 

CBRE Return to work policy inforcement

According to CBRE’s data, 80% of companies have a return-to-work policy in place. That means the majority of companies in the US prioritize having their employees in the office so much that 51% have mandated it. However, there is a discrepancy between the mandates, and how strictly companies enforce them. The first step to mandating a policy should be measuring whether or not it is being followed and only 45% of companies are reporting to be doing that. Additionally, only 17% of those policies are enforced.  

Employer Expectations for Office Attendance vs. Actual Show-Up   

CBRE employer expectation vs show up rate

As seen in this table, employers expect a higher in-office attendance rate than employees actually show up. While it is not a huge discrepancy, there is an expectation gap nonetheless.  

This communicates that companies want their employees in the office, but they are not willing to take harsh measures to ensure employees come in. In many cases, employers are in a stalemate position with their employees and at risk of losing talent if they enforce these mandates. The question remains, should companies adjust their policies to be consistent with what they are willing to enforce? Or, should they keep the policies in hopes the economy may influence employees to comply?   

Measurements of Workplace Effectiveness  

It all comes down to workplace effectiveness and how you measure that. When decision-makers are trying to make the best long-term decisions regarding their space, space utilization is understandably the key indicator. How many days employees are in the office directly corresponds to how well you use and manage the space. That is why 74% of companies measure how fully the spaces they provide are used. Harder to measure is employee engagement. Yet, 65% of businesses find these important hybrid work stats to track. Another easier statistic to measure is employee retention and/or attrition. If you are losing employees then your space is not effective for work. That is why 35% of companies prioritize this measurement. Unexpectedly, only 28% of companies measure workforce productivity to determine a space’s productivity. This can also be hard to ascertain because so much of the in-office work is naturally collaborative.   

No matter how you look at it, time in-office is always going to be important and decision-makers should work to create spaces that employees both want and need to be successful. 

CBRE Office Utilization

Corporate Real Estate Technology Priorities  

Some of the most important tools that support well-functioning hybrid environments are technology tools. It is a well-known fact that to support a hybrid workplace, technology must play a major role. That is why 82% of companies are prioritizing the addition of enhanced video conferencing tools followed by room booking software and building and occupancy sensors. It stands to reason that the more you know about how your space is used, and create spaces your employees need when they are in the office, the more effective your workplace will be. 

CBRE company video technology priorities

Most Desirable Amenities for Occupiers  

In addition to technology that supports employees, there is also a laundry list of other amenities that employees want and employers could use to lure them back into the office. The top draws are easy and reliable transportation (preferably with parking available), food and shopping access, and access to environments that prioritize wellness. While some of these amenities depend on location, businesses can offer some of these things in their building. For example, they could provide a fitness facility, create a cafeteria, or improve their parking situation by buying a lot or subsidizing parking for employees. 

CBRE Amenities list

In conclusion, employers want to maximize the effectiveness of their real estate and that often looks like filling it with employees. However, with the discrepancy between employer expectations and employee show-up rates, they have some work to do. They can start by supporting employees when they are in the office with the spaces, technologies, and amenities they need to be productive. Over time, they may just see the positive shifts toward in-office attendance they have been hoping for. 

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gaming in the office

Gaming in the Office

Gaming at work can get a bad reputation — conjuring up images of laziness, isolation or distractions. But the Harvard Business Review, CNBC and the Hubspot Blog suggest it’s time to toss out those antiquated ideas and embrace the power of play. In three years, more than three billion people will be playing video games worldwide. And now some organizations are taking cues from universities and leveraging gaming to make work more productive, engaging and just plain fun.

“We often try to power through the day to get more work finished, which might not be as effective as planning short breaks to make time for an engaging activity, such as video games, that can help people recharge,” says Michael Rupp, co-author of Human Factors study on the impact of video games at work.

Creating gaming spaces and forming groups pulls people into the workplace — giving them a reason to show up for much needed connection even before or after work. A gaming community at Steelcase grew to nearly 200 global colleagues who connect to play video games and Esports (a team aptly named ‘Take a Seat’), as well as board games, trivia and jigsaw puzzles, connecting people virtually and in-person.

Well Played article
A comfortable lounge with a high back provides privacy while stools and a nearby table encourage connections.

Work hard. Play hard.

Encouraging a little play at work helps to:

Create community: “You can’t make people be friends. The best you can do is provide the environment in which they do it,” says Robin Dunbar, author of “Friends” and University of Oxford professor emeritus. Friendships at work improve talent retention, and boost trust, engagement, creativity and collaboration. This is where an intentional gaming community can come into play (pun intended).

Allow for authenticity: “Games let us bring who we really are into the workplace,” says Charlie Hunt who along with Pasha Oudsema lead the Gaming Core Team at Steelcase. Hunt says the gaming community helps people feel seen by letting them express their passions outside of work.

Give our brains a break: “When work feels stressful, this space lets that weight lift. I see friends and I feel okay to take a mental break,” says Oudsema. Rupp’s study agrees: a short game break helped people reduce cognitive fatigue.

Build diverse teams: When it comes to games, identities like age, role or department don’t determine who can play. Diverse people come together based on finding joy, creating connections and networks that otherwise would not exist.

Develop key skills: Today’s gaming skills connect closely to what’s needed for success in the office. In person and distributed teammates collaborate, communicate, make quick decisions and figure out how to solve problems — sounds a lot like most days at work, right?

Here’s a few ideas to help start your gaming community.

  • Find your gaming hub. Good ergonomic chairs, tiered seating and tables, and a comfy lounge give people lots of places to connect and game online or in person.
  • Start with one game night. Don’t pressure yourself to build a community all at once.
  • Have the right intention. Encourage departments and other employee resource groups to schedule a game break to build community through play.
  • Offer puzzles and pixels. Survey employees and offer both digital and analog games that generate the most interest.
  • Connect via chat. Consistent communication is the lifeblood of global gaming. A robust digital chat leads to a vibrant gaming community in person.

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Dutch Bros Standing Height Table

Inspired Design: Morgan Marie Design at Dutch Bros

When Jill Manlove and Whitney Bachman of Morgan Marie Design began their journey designing the new Dutch Bros office space, they knew this project would be special. Not just because of the brand—one known for its vibrant energy and community focus—but because of the philosophy, they bring to every design challenge: collaboration, communication, and a smooth process from concept to completion.

Morgan Marie Design Logo
Jill Manlove and Whitney Bachman
Whitney Bachman + Jill Manlove

At the heart of this Mother-Daughter duo’s work is a belief that great design isn’t just about the final product, but also about the process. They are guides, leading their clients through the intricacies of design, construction, and implementation. A successful project is when everyone, from the principal to the contractor, walks away with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

Dutch Bros Lounge
Lounge

Building the Dutch Bros Vision

The new Dutch Bros office was designed to reflect the brand’s ethos: bold, energetic, and community-driven. But more than that, it had to serve the practical needs of a fast-growing company. So, the designers aimed to blend the high-energy, inviting feel of a Dutch Bros coffee stand with the functionality of a cutting-edge workspace.

Right from the start, they worked hand-in-hand with Dutch Bros leadership to understand their vision. The building would support group interactions on its first floor with a full kitchen, pool table, lounge, gathering space, conference room, and a couple of offices. Upstairs, they created privacy and control with plenty of private offices, small huddle rooms, and a large conference room. What emerged was a space designed to foster creativity and connection—large open spaces for collaboration, cozy corners for individual focus, and plenty of areas for relaxation and casual conversation. 

Executive Office
Executive Office

Accessing the Dutch Bros Color Pallet

Since Dutch Bros is such a recognizable brand, Jill and Whitney wanted to reflect the culture of the younger generation that works there. So, they worked on special requests like disco balls and LED signs. Additionally, they used the entire Dutch Bros color palette for inspiration with new color additions to broaden the sense of energy and interest. They worked diligently to find just the right palette to bring all of that color into each room through paint, furniture, and accents. The result was a welcoming environment that is fun, loud, and vibrant. 

“They wanted their culture embodied in their design but didn’t know how to get there. After we were done, our Dutch Bros contact said, ‘It just feels so us, yet so grown up and sophisticated.’ I think that surprised them.” -Whitney Bachman | Designer

Fortunately for Jill and Whitney, Dutch Bros fully trusted their expertise throughout the process. The designers could lean fully into their creative process, let loose, and do what they felt was the best direction for the space. 

Dutch Bros Standing Height Table
Conference Room

Everybody Loves A Challenge

One of the most challenging spaces to design was the gathering room on the main level. Naturally, the space feels a bit like a garage because of its large garage door connecting to an open room meant to support multiple uses. The challenge came in making it feel purposeful and connected to the rest of the building. Jill and Whitney achieved that through paint colors, the addition of a plant wall with an LED sign, and modular furniture. 

However, their favorite space to design was the large conference room. They got to tie together so many of the brand’s colors in one space. Working with the Create Spaces team, they selected colorful and mobile chairs that supported the brand and functionality of the space. By selecting a fantastic wallpaper, that perfectly incorporated the color of the chairs and tables, they designed a cohesive and energetic space.

Conference Room
Conference Room

Morgan Marie Design Creates A Space That Feels Like Dutch Bros

When it was finally time to reveal the new office, it was everything Dutch Bros had hoped for. From the vibrant, inviting entryway to the sleek but welcoming workspaces, the new office is a place where employees can thrive. 

“Good design is being able to look at a blueprint and see something finished in your mind.” -Jill Manlove | Principal Designer

With the success of Dutch Bros under their belts, Jill and Whitney are eager to tackle more commercial spaces. While they design for both residential and commercial projects, their approach is the same. Being a good designer is more than great finishes. It is all about creating a seamless process that everyone involved enjoys. That is what Morgan Marie Design did for Dutch Bros, and what they hope to accomplish for many more clients to come.

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