The Future of the Office: Why It’s Not Extinct, Just Evolving
There’s a temptation to view the shift to remote work as the end of the traditional workplace. Many companies pivoted to remote work almost overnight and the results have been promising. In fact, 41% of employees report increased productivity, and two-thirds say they’d prefer some version of remote work going forward. It begs the question: what is the future of the office?
The answer? The office isn’t dead, but it is transforming, and it must.
A recent McKinsey & Company report outlines four key areas that companies must evaluate when planning for the post-Covid workplace:
1. Re-Envision How Work Is Done; Completely
Initially, most businesses simply made their existing operations virtual. But true transformation means rethinking how work is structured and how company culture thrives. For example, can mentorship and training be digitized effectively? Are in-person kickoffs for project teams necessary?
Partnering with Capella’s office redesign experts, you can rethink your space to support meaningful, in-person collaboration while maintaining the flexibility of remote work.
2. Decide Who Should Work Where and When
Not every job function fits neatly into “remote” or “on-site.” McKinsey proposes four models:
- Fully remote
- Hybrid remote
- Hybrid remote as exception
- Fully on-site
Most businesses will adopt a hybrid model. Your workspace must reflect this shift by supporting a range of activities, from heads-down work to dynamic collaboration.
3. Purpose-Design Your Office for the Work Ahead
Forget trendy office upgrades. It’s time for a blank slate. The future of the office means designing for functionality, flexibility, and health. This includes:
- Better air circulation
- More meeting rooms, fewer cubicles
- Integrated tech for hybrid meetings
- Satellite or co-working spaces for mobile staff
Technology is key. Boundaries between remote and in-office work must collapse. Offices will support what can’t be replicated at home.
4. Strategically Determine Office Footprint and Location
You might need less space, but more meaningful space. McKinsey predicts companies will shift toward:
- Flex space
- Co-working hubs
- Shorter-term leases
- Regional satellite offices
The right mix depends on your goals, talent strategy, and work model. Capella can guide you in evaluating what kind of workspace portfolio best suits your organization’s future.
So, What Comes Next?
The future of the office isn’t about shrinking, it’s about shifting. It’s time to:
- Re-evaluate how and where work happens
- Design workspaces with purpose and flexibility
- Support hybrid teams with the right tools and environments
If this sounds overwhelming, you’re not alone. At Capella, we work with clients to bring clarity to this transition. From risk assessments to full redesigns, we help you realign your office with your vision and culture, while keeping employees safe, productive, and connected.