The concept of a hybrid workspace no longer represents a mere trend; it’s a crucial pivot in the architectural and design industries, accepted by forward-thinking companies worldwide. Hybrid workspaces help support a seamless transition between remote and in-office work, encouraging collaboration among teams while accommodating individual needs for focus and privacy. 

But what makes a hybrid office not just functional, but truly exceptional? How do designers and business leaders create environments that adapt to the changing landscape of work and also embody the culture and vision of the company?

The commercial businesses I work with between Buffalo, New York, and Toronto find greater success when they infuse brand personality and style into the entire office – from functional desks to meeting space – while satisfying employee work needs. Hybrid workspaces provide employees flexibility to manage the demands of life – such as grocery shopping, household chores, community involvement, parenting, and maintaining fitness. At least one study showed hybrid “work schedules reduced attrition rates by 33 percent and improved self-reported satisfaction” while retaining existing productivity levels.  

Ensuring comfortable, inspiring workplaces for staff and visitors pays off 

Small to medium-sized commercial businesses typically want a cohesive look for their office to convey expertise and competence, yet often don’t know how to achieve that on their own, or don't have the time to research and source all that the office needs. Infusing business branding into commercial interior design renders immersive and distinctive brand experiences. A well-designed client-facing office environment reinforces brand consistency, promotes brand culture, and ensures a cohesive client experience by reinforcing brand identity.

Some ways to bring your business brand personality into commercial interior design, whether your business is in a legal, technology, financial, insurance, media, advertising, consulting, non-profit, or other sector.

• Community-minded companies embrace communal spaces: Create lounge area(s) that are inviting and echo cozy living room design. This creates comfortable, home-like working areas. You may want to include comfortable sofas and accent chairs, bookshelves, soft lighting, and even gas fireplaces. A communal dining area that feels like a kitchen can create a sense of community and belonging.

• High-tech and heritage brands celebrate creativity: Look for dynamic, original art pieces that will inspire and draw attention. By selecting art pieces or investing in wall murals that resonate with the brand's identity, you create an environment that encourages and reinforces your brand values and culture. High-tech companies often display modern digital art, while community-focused and heritage brands may opt to feature works by prominent local artists. Supporting the arts community with an in-office gallery instills a sense of pride among team members and inspires visitors.

• Environmental brands and eco-minded companies evoke the natural world: Biophilic design in commercial office settings supports wellbeing and happiness. It maximizes natural light and includes elements such as water features, natural textures (wood, stone), and indoor gardens. Natural elements, such as a living plant wall or well-placed indoor trees, brighten any space.

• Wellness brands show support for wellbeing: Ergonomic office furniture for commercial spaces will support physical health and productivity while minimizing physical strain and fatigue. A brand's investment in employee wellness signals care for worker health and safety. Good design can reduce absenteeism and lead to higher job satisfaction and ultimately, improved performance and productivity.

• All employee-oriented companies (hopefully yours) provide dynamic seating: Look for flexible sit/stand desks. If possible, source custom sit-stand desks with unique tops and bases. Modular furniture and adjustable lighting both allow employees to tailor their work environment to their needs. Employees value brands that encourage flexibility and personalization.

As an employer, you can keep morale high by incorporating the softer elements of home into the office. Make it a seamless transition – to the degree possible – for hybrid workers when they come into the office.

Integrating your business branding into commercial interior design can significantly impact how employees and clients perceive and interact with your company. It's about creating a cohesive experience that stands out visually in alignment with your brand's core values and business objectives.

How I Approach Commercial Office Design Projects with Clients

When I work with commercial office design clients, we first review their non-negotiable needs versus their more flexible desires. This helps us establish critical budget line items since every business has a budget at a specific level.

Second, when developing commercial office hybrid workspace solutions, I encourage my clients to think about why their employees like working from home. I ask them, "What can you incorporate into the design to bring some of those elements to the workplace?"

Third, we consider furniture pieces that aren’t usually incorporated into an office environment. When evaluating commercial office furniture for hybrid workspaces, it helps to push the envelope and ask questions like, "How can we repurpose these pieces for office use?"

In my view, repurposing existing furniture and artwork or supporting in-house talent extends budgets and personalizes the space. However, it helps to gain an expert’s perspective on exactly what to keep and what to donate elsewhere. 

My favorite elements to bring into an office are comfy sofas (made with soft, cozy materials); hardy green plants; and beautiful, inspiring art. Basically, you want to avoid anything that feels sterile, dull, or dreary. Some offices are gray and lifeless. Neutral colors can work, but they need natural light and to be broken up with more stimulating features such as those I’ve listed above. 

Planning and Budgeting for Your Hybrid Offices

It's essential to balance financial considerations with the need to create a productive, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing workplace. 

Clients seeking cost-effective interior design for small commercial offices often ask me: 

• How much should we allocate to spend on office furniture?

• What items should I prioritize within my budget?

• Can we use some of our existing furniture?

Typically, office furniture can account for about 10% to 20% of the total budget for a new office setup or renovation. This can vary greatly depending on the size of your office, the quality of furniture you aim for, and specific needs like ergonomic or custom pieces.

Alternatively, you can consider the “cost per employee,” which can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the type of furniture and the level of customization or ergonomic features you choose.

Beyond what I’ve listed above, many considerations for interior office design exist. Space layout, optimal lighting, and noise control represent just a few important factors I’ve been trained to consider and have experience addressing. 

As you consider factors for outsourcing interior design and furnishing projects, I recommend reading my previous blogs, “Five Things To Consider When Hiring An Interior Designer” and “Why you need to hire a dependable Interior Designer”. 

Additionally, if you work from home as a hybrid or remote employee, you might like to read up on, "How To Pay For Your Next Home Renovation Project" before giving your home office a makeover. 

If you’re contemplating outfitting a commercial office space, I’d love to discuss such considerations with you. Please connect with me if you have questions or are ready to design, decorate, or furnish your office space. I can make every part of the process easier, creating efficient office space that becomes functional, beautiful, and reflective of your brand's values and ethos.

All signs indicate that regardless of the future of work, well-designed office spaces will continue to serve a critical role in business development. Comprehensively outsourcing the job will save you time, cost less money, and eliminate stress.