How to Enhance Offices for Hybrid Working in 2025

October 18, 2024 | 5 min read

Hybrid work is inevitable and quickly becoming the norm across industries worldwide. Currently, 65% of global workplaces have adopted a hybrid model, with projections indicating that by 2025, this number is expected to increase to 82% according to Archie. As hybrid work transforms office environments, businesses are rapidly adapting to new office attendance structures. Here are some effective strategies to help you get set up for optimal hybrid office environment:

1. Adjusting Operations to Accommodate Hybrid Work Schedules

Hybrid work arrangements bring challenges for office services that traditionally ran on daily schedules, such as food catering, cleaning, and deliveries. Inconsistent office attendance complicates these operations, often leading to inefficiencies or waste.

For example, daily food deliveries could result in excess food on days with low attendance. Companies like FELFEL have already adapted; FELFEL provides AI-powered fridges stocked based on company attendance. This reduces waste, eliminates daily deliveries, and allows for fully customizable food solutions that fit hybrid schedules perfectly.

Similarly, cleaning services can adjust to these patterns, focusing on high-traffic days while ensuring cleanliness standards remain high on days employees are present. This flexibility in operations allows companies to streamline services without compromising quality or convenience for their hybrid workforce.

2. Prioritize Flexibility with Modular Furniture

A successful hybrid office thrives on flexibility. Modular furniture enables easy reconfiguration of office layouts, supporting both collaboration and focused work. Ergonomic seating, sit/stand desks, and adaptable workstations improve comfort and foster productivity. Underutilized areas can be transformed into flexible spaces, like quiet zones for heads-down work or breakout rooms for team collaboration. Google, for instance, utilizes modular furniture that can be easily reconfigured to support collaboration and individual work.

Catering alternative Return to office food inflation return to work perks FELFEL fridge meal subsidies office lunch

The FELFEL smart fridge combines technology with fresh, healthy options for every office.

3. Upgrade Office Tech for Seamless Collaboration

In hybrid workplaces, seamless communication between remote and in-office teams is essential. High-quality video conferencing tools, enhanced audio systems, and workplace reservation platforms are vital to keep everyone connected. For instance, integrating a mobile app to reserve desks or meeting rooms makes it easy for employees to manage their hybrid work schedules and fosters a smooth return to the office. In a similar vein, companies like FELFEL provide an app for employees to plan their meals ahead of time with an early visual of daily menus. This streamlined process not only simplifies office food management but also contributes to the efficiency of hybrid office technology systems.

Cisco, renowned for its networking and communication technologies, exemplifies this with their Webex suite. Webex provides high-quality video conferencing tools, along with collaboration features like whiteboarding, file sharing, and real-time messaging. Cisco's commitment to enhancing office technology facilitates a smoother integration of hybrid work models, making it easier for all team members to engage in collaborative tasks on hybrid office schedules.

4. Invest in Social and Amenity Spaces

Social interaction is one of the key reasons employees return to the office. Creating spaces that foster casual conversation and collaboration, such as break rooms or informal lounges, helps build a stronger company culture. Adobe, for example, has designed their offices with numerous lounges and communal kitchens to encourage informal interactions and foster a sense of community, enhancing collaboration when employees are on-site.

Food plays an essential role in building this social atmosphere. FELFEL’s easy-to-install fridges stocked with fresh, healthy meals allow employees to enjoy convenient and nutritious snacks and lunches while fostering spontaneous interactions. Whether it’s a shared coffee break or a quick lunch, food can be a catalyst for collaboration in hybrid offices.

5. Enhance Wellbeing with Wellness Spaces

Employee wellbeing should be a priority in hybrid office design. By creating wellness spaces, such as quiet rooms or relaxation pods, businesses can boost focus and reduce stress. Incorporating plants, natural light, and calming colors enhances the office environment, fostering a sense of balance for employees splitting their time between home and office. Leading the charge, Salesforce has introduced 'mindfulness zones' within their offices to support mental health, recognizing that well-being is crucial, especially when employees are balancing office and remote work. These spaces are available for employees to use on their in-office days to relax and recharge.

Hybrid Working Lunch for Employees with FELFEL Delivery Variety for Office Food Smart Fridge

Provide opportunities for more casual collisions at work through social spaces, elevated with a FELFEL fridge.

6. THE IMPACT OF FOOD ON ELEVATING Hybrid Work

Providing easy access to fresh, healthy food options is essential for maintaining strong company culture in a hybrid environment. Offering nutritious snacks or meals encourages employees to gather and bond over shared experiences, creating opportunities for collaboration and team building. A well-fed team is also more productive and engaged throughout the workday — a fact that’s well-understood by Meta, which provides a range of cafeterias, food offerings, and snack options for their employees on in-office days.

FELFEL’s food solutions seamlessly integrate into hybrid office setups, offering a variety of fresh, locally sourced snacks and meals that keep employees energized and focused. With convenient food options right in the office, employees are more likely to stay engaged and collaborate with their colleagues in a comfortable environment.

7. Leveraging Data to Improve Hybrid Office Spaces

Lastly, data plays a key role in optimizing hybrid offices. Monitoring space utilization and employee feedback helps companies make informed decisions about how to best design and manage their workspace. Whether it’s deciding how to rearrange desks, upgrade meeting rooms, or adjust amenities, data-driven insights ensure that offices continue to meet evolving hybrid work needs. For example, IBM utilizes data analytics to track how office spaces are used on different days of the week, allowing them to adjust resources and spaces to better fit the actual usage patterns. This data-driven approach helps optimize the office environment dynamically, aligning with the fluid nature of hybrid schedules.

Enhancing your office for hybrid work involves more than just physical changes; it requires a strategic approach to operations, technology, and culture. By focusing on flexibility, upgrading technology, and improving social and wellness spaces, you can create an environment that supports both the in-office and remote needs of employees. As hybrid work continues to evolve, these adaptations will ensure your workplace remains productive, engaging, and aligned with future work trends.