Every now and then, a headline pops up declaring: "The office is dead!" This due to more and more companies adopting a Hybrid Working model. But let’s be honest – that’s a bit dramatic.
What we’re really seeing is a shift, not a shutdown. The traditional office as we knew it might be fading, but the office itself? It’s evolving. Especially for companies embracing hybrid work, the question isn’t whether to keep the office, but how to reimagine it.
Short answer: no. But its purpose is definitely changing. In a hybrid model, where people split their time between home and the office, it doesn’t make sense to keep rows of desks sitting empty half the week. And it definitely doesn’t make sense to expect employees to commute just to sit in silence on Zoom calls they could’ve taken from their kitchen table.
For companies embracing hybrid work, the office is becoming more of a hub than a headquarters. It’s the place people come to connect, collaborate, brainstorm, and build culture. Think fewer cubicles and more breakout rooms. Fewer fixed desks and more flexible, bookable spaces. More coffee-fueled team sessions, less solo admin work.
There are some things that is really hard to replicate on a screen. Serendipitous hallway chats. Whiteboard sessions that spark big ideas. That buzz of energy when a team is in sync. Offices offer a shared experience – and in hybrid setups, that experience becomes more intentional. People go in to the office with clear purpose.
The future office needs to be adaptable. Some days, it might host workshops. Other days, it’s a quiet landing spot for focused work. The layout should reflect that, with multi-use areas, strong tech infrastructure, and seamless connection to remote colleagues.
Hybrid work isn’t about shrinking real estate (though that might happen), it’s about redefining how space is used. The best hybrid offices are not smaller versions of the old setup – they’re smarter versions. Ones that support flexibility, empower collaboration, and feel good to be in.
So no, the office isn’t going anywhere. But the 9-to-5 cubicle farm? That might be gone for good.
And honestly? We’re not sad about it.
Want to know more about how Dstny can help your company excel with communications in a hybrid work environment? Lets talk.