Discover how forward-thinking organizations are transforming office spaces into must-visit destinations by reducing workplace barriers and amplifying culture-driving magnets—read on to elevate your hybrid work strategy.
There’s little we can say with certainty about the future of office life following the historic shift to remote and hybrid work, but one thing is clear: hybrid work works. Remote flexibility is now a valued and expected benefit, and while distractions can occur in any setting, employees have proven they can be productive outside of the office. Still, the physical workplace offers distinct advantages, especially in moments that benefit from in-person interactions.
To make a compelling case for those key moments in the office, the workplace must feel like a destination worth the commute. This is particularly important for organizations with predominantly hybrid workforces looking to foster in-person collaboration, strengthen culture and support long-term resilience and retention.
The most effective way to maximize the value of physical office space is to understand the specific magnets and barriers that most influence employees within an organization’s unique culture—then address them in a way that enhances the strengths of individuals, teams and the organization itself.
REDUCING BARRIERS
Lowering barriers to office attendance is a smart first move for any organization, as these obstacles are often the key reasons employees prefer working remotely.
There are a variety of factors that can deter employees, and they often fall into one of three categories: connection, flexibility and convenience.
A lack of meaningful connection can be a barrier that discourages hybrid employees from spending time in the office. Many employees still spend the majority of their workday on conference calls, regardless of location. Organizations can help minimize related barriers by integrating intuitive technology supporting a seamless transition between home, office and meeting spaces—while also reducing feelings of isolation and fostering effortless connection for a more equitable experience across the board. An ease in connection can shift the common behavioral norm of always taking a call at one’s desk toward utilizing a collaboration room for teams to gather, combating the in-office isolation that is becoming common practice. The layout and design of the physical office can either encourage collaborative behaviors or isolate staff further. As designers, we can make the thoughtful layout choices that will promote spontaneous and intentional connection, making collaboration easy and accessible for all.
In the case of the Weyco Group headquarters, where collaboration is at the heart of the company’s operations, teams can cultivate their talents and creativity in a variety of spaces from formal to informal, small to large and private to open, with flexibility and technology infused throughout. The headquarters was configured to support Weyco Group’s design process with workstation optionality that supports heads-down focus work, small one-on-one meetings and impromptu connections, while brand-specific pin-up areas with wall-to-wall magnetic boards are directly adjacent to workstations promoting ease in team ideation.
The autonomy and flexibility of remote work can make the physical office feel restrictive by comparison—creating another barrier for employees. It’s important to foster a dynamic work environment where employees have the freedom to choose throughout their day. Designers can not only create dynamic spaces people want to be in, but can also help define the right mix of spaces that are best suited to meet an organization’s needs. Many organizations are also implementing flexible policies for in-office time, including everything from flexibility integrated into core hours of the day to relaxing dress codes and allowing dogs in the office.
In terms of convenience, it’s critical to account for employees’ daily routines that must continue seamlessly from the home office through to the corporate workspace. By strategically locating offices, companies can start to remove this common barrier through the maximization of proximity to employees as well as the services they regularly need, such as childcare, dog sitters or dry cleaning. Furthermore, parking can be a significant barrier. Policy changes as well as colocation near mass transit or access to convenient parking can make all the difference for employees in this regard.
HGA’s Washington, D.C. office recently relocated to the vibrant heart of the city. Located directly above Metrorail’s Metro Center Station, the office is strategically positioned to ease staff commutes, client access and teams’ access to client sites. Sitting just above street level, the office draws on energy from the streetscape below. Local retail and dining provide an extension of lunch and happy hour culture and create convenience for errands including those to pharmacies, coffeeshops or gyms for a midday workout.
In some cases, it may make sense for a company to provide amenities as part of their office space instead of strategically locating near them. Workplace consultants and designers can provide data-led input to help determine what’s best for a given company based on its location, resources and more. Workplace tools including surveys, benchmarking and visioning sessions can also help inform unique real estate needs.
MAXIMIZING MAGNETS
Magnets can differ widely by organization, role and even individual, making it essential to identify specific, meaningful factors that draw employees to the workplace. To successfully identify effective magnets for a specific organization, consider engaging a workplace consultant early to uncover what will truly resonate with and motivate employees for the greatest impact, setting the organization and its real estate up for long term success.
Well-chosen and thoughtfully implemented magnets can make the office more appealing than working from home. Many organizations are focusing on employees’ health and well-being, along with acoustics, to go beyond the basics and provide spaces and experiences they didn’t even know they desired. Natural daylight, ergonomic furniture and sound controlled environments are baseline expectations for most individuals when coming into the office. There is now also an increasing demand for more indoor/outdoor integration, optimized air quality and more thermal control as well as more spaces that support health and mental well-being such as mediation and prayer rooms or sensory lounges.
Dropbox found that for its San Francisco headquarters, a sensory-inspired design with flexible options best supported employees’ creativity, productivity and healthy workstyles. The new office includes a variety of community spaces that encourage movement across four distinct zones—each designed to support different sensory, social or business experiences. Beyond the lobby, each floor offers a variety of spaces that promote a holistic approach to work-life balance, collaboration and wellness. Every space reflects a distinct sensory aesthetic, with finishes, furnishings, lighting and acoustics to enhance the specific activity or experience.
Acoustic design, in particular, is a powerful and often overlooked magnet for employee wellness. The most successful office strategies balance the private and social areas—both acoustically and sometimes physically—to support a comfortable and dynamic work environment.
When redesigning a workspace for PayPal, HGA adopted a neighborhood-based model, thoughtfully tailored to the layout and function of each zone and its corresponding social anchor points. These elements empower employees to shift between focused, heads-down work and collaborative engagement throughout the day, based on their needs. Strategically placed anchor points also offer opportunities for teams to pause, reset and socialize without disrupting surrounding work, thanks to integrated acoustic treatments.
Hospitality-driven environments within the office can serve as powerful magnets, especially when they go beyond standard residential-style amenities. This often involves designing intentional moments for relaxation, rejuvenation and spontaneous connection—fostering both individual well-being and a stronger workplace culture. Hospitality elements might include anything from diverse food offerings, barista coffee services and onsite gyms to a concierge service that replaces the traditional reception desk, providing a more personalized experience.
For instance, if an employee forgets an item at home, the concierge team can step in to offer essentials, temporary tech and more to help keep the day on track.
The new Cushman & Wakefield Washington D.C. office showcases a hospitality-driven workspace, featuring a client-facing reception called “The Arena.” It is flanked by vibrant social spaces and hotel-style amenities throughout. These include concierge services, a lounge with a fully stocked pantry, a pool table, a bar with beer tap for select events, a game room for employees, a private courtyard, a rooftop terrace with a conference center and catering kitchen, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. The office also offers a variety of reservable spaces designed to support different work modes, whether employees need privacy, collaboration or wellness-focused areas. These flexible spaces can easily shift to suit the moment, from heads-down work to informal happy hours.
Desirable amenities, whether located inside the office or within walking distance—such as restaurants, cafes, fitness studios or other wellness and relaxation services—can also serve as a strong magnet for employees. For McCarthy Building Companies in San Francisco, relocating to the a high-rise in the Financial District brought employees closer to downtown amenities and public transit—supporting both accessibility and environmental goals.
Closing Advice
When identifying the barriers and magnets that most impact an organization, it’s important to look beyond workflows and goals. A thoughtful evaluation of the organization’s industry, region and generational makeup can help reveal the most effective areas for investment. Workplace consultants and designers play a vital role in this process and should be engaged early and often to conduct independent research and offer informed ideas and strategies for implementation.
Images courtesy of HGA