The Stickiness of Hybrid Work: How Workplace Design Is Evolving

If it feels like we've been discussing the return to office (RTO) for three years, that’s because we have. Despite various headlines about RTO mandates, hybrid and remote work continue to thrive across industries; according to the Flex Report by Flex Index, 68% of US firms offer work location flexibility, and 43% of US firms now have a “structured hybrid model,” which includes specific expectations on when employees work from the office.

Hybrid work isn’t a fleeting trend—it is becoming deeply embedded in organizational cultures. This shift presents a unique opportunity. By creating dynamic, engaging, and purpose-driven spaces, organizations can encourage employees to come in because they want to, not because they have to. This shift is key to sustaining hybrid work as a long-term, effective model.

The Value of Human Interaction in a Hybrid World

Despite the rise of remote work, one thing is clear: human interaction remains irreplaceable. While self-reported individual productivity levels remain high among those given the option to work from home, organizational performance is not singularly tied to personal productivity. From counseling to coaching, collaborating to connecting, employees at all stages of their careers benefit from building strong relationships at work.

Humans are inherently social creatures with a fundamental need to connect with others. Social cohesion, the sense of connection and solidarity within a community, is built upon a network of social ties. These social ties can be categorized as strong ties (or bonds), which are close relationships with frequent interaction, and weak ties (or bridges), which are more casual connections with less frequent contact. Complex organizations rely on both strong and weak ties for strength, resilience, and adaptability in the face of continuous change.

Social cohesion is closely linked to trust. Together, they ensure that we are happy to share our expertise with colleagues and to work collaboratively and generously to meet shared goals. Teams that engage in face-to-face communication build trust faster—and sustain high levels of trust longer than those that rely on virtual means of communication. A research study titled “Effects of Four Computer-Mediated Communications Channels on Trust Development” concluded that trust built through virtual communication can take longer to build and be more fragile than trust built through face-to-face interactions. 

As trust is the foundation upon which high-performing teams are built, encouraging teams to interact in person remains a sound business strategy. These in-person interactions require a workplace that is designed to facilitate meaningful connections, promote open communication, and foster collaboration. When the physical environment supports these goals, it enables employees to build trust more effectively, share ideas freely, and work together to enhance individual and team performance.

Evolving Office Design: Prioritizing Social Cohesion

One of the most significant transformations in recent office design has been the increased focus on flexibility. Endless days tethered to the same spot are either long gone or numbered—AI promises to eliminate the repetitive, transactional nature of this manner of work. In recognition of the shift in the purpose of the workplace, organizations are embracing open-plan layouts, shared spaces, meeting zones, and informal interaction areas that encourage collaboration, creativity, and impromptu teamwork. This evolution isn’t just about tearing down walls; it’s about fostering a culture that values social cohesion. Collaborative spaces are critical because they facilitate spontaneous interactions that can spark innovation.

Take, for instance, Procter & Gamble’s “The Gym”—a collaborative work environment for on-site facilitated workshops that were previously held off-site. The Gym features large workshop rooms and smaller studios (or breakout spaces), making it a functional, community-driven space that eliminates the need for booking convention centers or hotel conference rooms.

As organizations shift away from traditional layouts and towards more flexible, multifunctional spaces, they acknowledge that the traditional office no longer serves the same purpose as it once did. These flexible spaces are integral to meeting the needs of a hybrid workforce, ensuring that when employees come into the office, they’re doing so with purpose. 

The Role of Amenities in Hybrid Offices

With a growing shortage of high-demand Class-A buildings, many employers are investing in office conversions, upgrades, and demolitions to meet the growing demand for flexible, hybrid work environments. Companies are emphasizing employee well-being and amenities to attract and retain top talent, which is an opportunity for landlords to upgrade and diversify office spaces to appeal to a hybrid workforce.

BHDP, in partnership with Group RMC, has renovated spaces like the PNC lobby in Cincinnati and Hub 65 in Columbus, providing amenity-rich environments with coffee bars, gyms, golf simulators, flexible conference rooms, and more to support the shifting demands of tenants who desire both less and better space.

Still, amenities alone are not always enough to draw people back to the office. People have diverse ideas about what makes an ideal work environment, but they all share the need for connection—a fundamental aspect of our psychological well-being, physical health, and longevity.

Embracing a Balanced Future: The Future of Hybrid Workplaces

The future of work lies in finding the right balance between flexibility and in-person engagement, technology and human connection, and innovation and tradition. By embracing the potential of hybrid work models and thoughtful office design, companies can create environments prioritizing social cohesion—ultimately priming their organization for long-term success. 

Is your work environment promoting social cohesion and building trust? Reach out today to see how strategic design can enhance your organization’s performance.