The Office Your Employees Actually Want to Come Back To
As State of Ohio employees prepare to return to offices full-time, organizations across our region are rethinking their workplace strategy. This shift comes at a crucial time for Central Ohio, which is projected to welcome 800,000 new residents by 2050. Smart organizations recognize this moment as an opportunity to transform their workplaces into destinations that attract and retain top talent while driving productivity and innovation.
Taking Cues from Hospitality Experiences
Today’s workplace must do more than ever before. It needs to support both in-person and virtual collaboration, accommodate multiple generations of workers, and create an environment that draws people in. The investment in thoughtful workplace design pays off – research shows that organizations fostering a strong workplace culture see up to turnover drops by up to 50% and rises in productivity.
Forward-thinking organizations use hospitality design as inspiration to reimagine their workplaces. Moving beyond the traditional office layout, they’re creating environments that blend comfortable gathering areas with technology-enabled meeting spaces and quiet zones for focused work. These thoughtfully designed spaces offer a connection to others that simply can’t be replicated at home.
Discover how AC Hotel Lansing’s business-ready spaces inspire our workplace designs →
AC Hotel Lansing prefunction space
Designing for Tomorrow’s Workforce
The modern workplace must accommodate an increasingly diverse workforce with distinct needs and preferences. Experienced professionals value dedicated focus areas with acoustic privacy and ergonomic furnishings, while Gen Z employees thrive in casual spaces that encourage impromptu collaboration and mentorship. Looking ahead, Gen Alpha workers will bring new expectations to the workplace, from seamless technology integration to tangible commitments regarding sustainability and inclusion.
True workplace inclusion goes deeper than generational preferences. Thoughtful workplace design opens doors for neurodivergent talent, who often bring exceptional skills in creative problem-solving and attention to detail. Smart lighting, acoustic management, and flexible spaces create environments where all employees can thrive, helping organizations tap into often-overlooked talent pools.
Strategic lounge spaces are integrated into A&F office space
Technology as the Great Enabler
Technology integration is fundamental to today’s office environment. While most organizations have embraced virtual platforms and cloud-based services, successful spaces go beyond simply adding more screens. They create intuitive, friction-free experiences that enhance rather than complicate the workday support both in-person and remote collaboration.
WOSU Public Media's performance space and editing studio
Smart Design Moves That Make a Difference
“The most successful workplace designs we’re seeing today blend the efficiency of an office with the comfort of home and the energy of a hotel experience,” says Principal Interior Designer Karen Dwyer. “These spaces don’t just support how people work – they help build connections, spark creativity, and make coming to the office something to look forward to.”
This approach comes to life through several key design elements:
- Flexible floor plans that adapt to changing needs
- Hospitality-inspired amenities that foster team connection
- Technology-enabled spaces that support hybrid collaboration
- Quiet zones and focus areas for concentrated work
- Sustainable design elements that demonstrate environmental commitment
- Inclusive features that support diverse working styles
For business leaders, the message is clear: workplace design is a strategic tool for driving business performance. Organizations that create inspiring, flexible, and inclusive environments will have a significant advantage in attracting and retaining talent in our growing region.
Karen Dwyer, Principal Interior Designer