In today’s ever-shifting workplace landscape, business leaders are grappling with rapid changes in how, when, and where people work. Fueled by advancements in technology, evolving employee expectations, and economic shifts, we’re truly in uncharted territory.
Steelcase’s Work Better research reveals four macro shifts influencing this new era: screen-based interactions, the AI supercycle, a heightened focus on wellbeing, and the urgency around sustainability.
Let’s dive into each shift and explore creative solutions that could help workplaces navigate the future of work.
1. Living on Screen: Rethinking In-Person Engagement in the Digital Era
People spend more time than ever in virtual meetings, even within office spaces, often preferring to join calls from their desks rather than gathering in meeting rooms. While this provides convenience, it can also lead to isolation and disengagement.
Current Challenge: According to Steelcase, 50% of employees opt to stay at their desks for meetings, while 26% choose dedicated meeting rooms and 24% seek private enclaves. With 56% of meetings including remote participants, screen-based interactions have fundamentally changed how people use and interact within office spaces.
Potential Solution: Designing spaces that encourage casual, face-to-face interactions can help close the digital gap. Adding common areas with comfortable seating, setting up “neighborhood” zones near team rooms, and prioritizing flexible workspaces can support more in-person connections. Placing amenities or interactive spots away from desks also encourages movement and strengthens team bonds.
2. AI Supercycle: Preparing for AI-Enhanced Collaboration and Innovation
We are in an “AI supercycle,” where a blend of optimism and caution drives accelerated AI adoption. Employees are eager to adopt AI, but workplaces must adapt to support this shift effectively.
Current Challenge: The proliferation of tools like Microsoft Copilot and Logitech’s Sight camera means that AI is transforming workflows, automating routine tasks, and creating demand for roles like machine learning engineers and prompt writers. However, AI will require physical and digital integration into workspaces to maximize productivity and engagement.
Potential Solution: Adaptable workspaces with embedded AI technology can support this rapid shift. Acoustics are crucial in AI-ready spaces, as voice-activated assistants become more common. Acoustic panels, soundproofing, and strategically placed quiet zones can improve voice clarity and privacy, essential in AI-powered work settings.
Additionally, multipurpose spaces that easily transition from heads-down work to collaborative sessions allow employees to move between tasks seamlessly. Incorporating digital displays for AI-generated insights and creating designated AI-assistant spaces can improve functionality and foster an environment ready to leverage the AI supercycle.
3. Wellbeing Urgency: Addressing Mental Health and Job Satisfaction
Mental health challenges, including anxiety, burnout, and loneliness, have spiked, particularly among younger employees. This wellbeing urgency has pushed employers to rethink how workspaces can better support people’s mental and emotional needs.
Current Challenge: The mental health crisis is now at the forefront, with an overwhelming number of employees struggling. The data is staggering: 68% of people struggle with the pace and volume of work and 46% of employees report feeling burned out. As the lines between work and personal life blur, it’s increasingly clear that workplaces need to evolve to support employees’ overall wellbeing.
Potential Solution: To reduce burnout, workplaces should focus on wellness in their design. Areas for breaks, wellness rooms, meditation spaces, and even more natural light can help improve employees’ mental health. Providing amenities that support both physical and mental wellbeing fosters a culture of self-care.
Promoting mental health programs, encouraging work-life balance, and offering flexible schedules can increase job satisfaction and overall wellbeing. Creating social spaces for interaction and relaxation allows employees to recharge, reducing stress and promoting a healthier work environment.
4. Sustainability Mindset: Building a Resilient, Eco-Friendly Workplace
Sustainability has become a priority, with companies globally committing to ambitious environmental targets. The workplace itself can serve as a platform for sustainable practices and innovation, helping companies drive positive change.
Current Challenge: Sustainability is now a top priority. The number of companies with science-based carbon reduction targets has doubled in the past year. European companies set 53% of these targets, while companies in Asia set 27% and those in North America set 14%. This growing focus highlights the need for workspaces that encourage collaboration and innovation while reflecting the organization’s environmental values.
Potential Solution: The physical workspace can play a vital role in supporting sustainability goals. Using adaptable furniture, partitions, and layouts promotes longevity and flexibility. Incorporating eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient lighting, and waste-reduction programs shows a commitment to sustainability. Working with sustainability experts during renovations or designs helps ensure that the office reflects the company’s environmental mission and aligns employees with its eco-friendly goals.
Designing for the Future: Embracing Community in the Workplace
As we navigate these four shifts, a common thread emerges: community. Offices designed like neighborhoods—spaces with diverse, multifunctional areas where people feel both supported and connected—can enhance employee engagement, productivity, and wellbeing. Each shift highlights how workplaces can be a force for positive change, helping employees and leaders alike adapt and thrive. By rethinking how we design, utilize, and engage with our workspaces, we can create environments where everyone feels connected, empowered, and equipped for success.
These macro shifts identified by Steelcase remind us that while change can be complex, it also offers an opportunity to reshape the workplace to better support employees and business goals. By emphasizing community in the workplace, organizations can more effectively adapt and thrive in today’s evolving landscape.
