5 office design trends for 2025

Trends in recent years

The evolution of office design in recent years has been influenced by shifting employee expectations, and the increasing need for flexible working conditions. As businesses moved toward hybrid work models, many began embracing more open and collaborative office layouts favouring agile spaces designed to encourage creativity and teamwork. The trend toward creating wellness-oriented environments also gained significant traction, with companies incorporating features like dedicated wellness rooms, fitness zones, and biophilic design elements.

2024 office design trends highlighted the growing need for spaces that could cater to both in-person collaboration and remote work. Offices became more versatile, with an emphasis on connectivity, adaptability, and health-conscious design elements. Businesses are now prioritising hybrid work infrastructure and workplace wellness as part of their office transformation strategies.

Looking ahead to 2025, the key focus will be on creating office environments that meet the diverse needs of employees, improve productivity, and support mental and physical wellbeing, while also embracing sustainability.

Building spaces with everyone in mind

Inclusivity has evolved from a buzzword to a foundational principle of office design, and it’s a priority that’s here to stay. As workplaces become more diverse and employees' needs continue to vary, it’s essential to design office spaces that accommodate everyone, including neurodiverse considerations and ensuring everyone is physically enabled by their environment. This approach is about guaranteeing that your office is not just accessible, but welcoming for all.

To create inclusive workspaces, consider adding features like quiet rooms for employees who need a calm space to focus or take a break. Adjustable desks that cater to different body types and installing ergonomic chairs that have been tested on both male and female prototypes, provide employees comfort, and offer them the flexibility to alternate between sitting and standing. This is becoming standard in many modern office designs – another trend here to stay. Multi-faith prayer spaces, gender-neutral restrooms, and signage in braille or with clear visual cues also enhance inclusivity and make the office environment more supportive.

See our inclusive office design for The Rank Foundation.

The benefits of inclusivity in office design are manifold. It improves employee satisfaction, fosters a sense of belonging, and can even boost productivity. When employees feel valued and supported, they are more likely to thrive and contribute to a positive company culture. Moreover, companies that focus on inclusivity are better positioned to attract a diverse talent pool.

Explore more about creating an inclusive workplace at Peldon Rose.

Encouraging movement through clever office design

In 2025, office design will place a significant focus on encouraging movement and physical activity throughout the workday. The days of employees being tethered to their desks for hours on end are over. The latest research continues to demonstrate that physical movement not only enhances overall wellbeing but also boosts creativity and productivity.

To promote movement, office layouts will increasingly feature standing desks, walking paths, and staircase-centric designs that encourage employees to get up, stretch, and move around. Collaborative zones, or "destination areas," can be strategically placed throughout the office to ensure that employees need to move to engage with colleagues or participate in brainstorming sessions, making collaboration more dynamic.

The benefits of incorporating movement into office design are clear. It supports physical health by reducing the risks associated with prolonged sitting, such as back pain and poor circulation. Additionally, fostering a more active environment can help improve mental health, reduce stress, and increase overall engagement.

Encouraging physical activity through thoughtful design is a win for both employees and businesses – take a look at how next generation health insurer Vitality are taking this to the next level. You can also learn more about how office design supports employee health and wellbeing at Peldon Rose.

Prioritising rest and relaxation

In the fast-paced world of modern work, rest and relaxation are often overlooked. However, the importance of providing employees with spaces to unwind during the day is gaining significant traction in office design for 2025. Ensuring that your team has access to rest areas can prevent burnout, improve mental health, and recharge their energy for the tasks ahead.

Dedicated wellness zones, such as meditation rooms, quiet pods, or lounges, are becoming an essential part of office design. These spaces allow employees to step away from their desks and engage in mindfulness or relaxation practices, promoting mental clarity and stress reduction. Additionally, incorporating comfortable lounges or nap pods into the office design allows employees to recharge physically, helping them stay energised throughout the day.

Employers who prioritise rest and wellness within the office environment are likely to see improvements in employee well-being, productivity, and job satisfaction. Providing spaces where employees can rest and recuperate also demonstrates a commitment to a healthy work-life balance, which can be a key factor in retaining top talent.

Read more about how we helped XTX Markets implement rest opportunities in their office design, as well as our mindset on rest in the workplace at Peldon Rose.

Technology helps champion the hybrid model

The hybrid work model has become a permanent fixture for many businesses in 2025. Designing an office that supports both in-office collaboration and remote work is essential for creating a flexible and adaptable work environment. This means that companies need to invest in spaces that can facilitate seamless communication, whether employees are working in the office or remotely.

Hybrid meeting rooms are a key feature in modern office design. These rooms are equipped with video conferencing technology, interactive whiteboards, and seamless AV systems to ensure that remote employees can participate in discussions as easily as those in the office. Touchdown desks and informal collaboration areas provide flexibility for employees to work from anywhere within the office, while movable furniture and modular layouts make it easy to adapt to different team sizes and work modes depending on who is in the office.

The benefits of a hybrid-friendly office design are clear, like our office design for the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association demonstrates. It promotes productivity by allowing employees to choose where and how they work best, whether that’s in the office or at home. Moreover, the right design can help foster stronger connections between remote and in-office teams, improving collaboration and communication across the board.

Discover tips for building social capital among remote teams at Peldon Rose.

Bringing nature into the workplace

In 2025, one of the most impactful trends in office design will be the continued integration of nature. Biophilic design—incorporating natural elements into the office space—has been proven to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase productivity. The connection to nature not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the workspace but also has tangible health benefits.

Incorporating biophilic elements, such as indoor plants, green walls, and natural materials, can help create a calming and revitalising environment for employees. Maximising natural light through large windows, skylights, or reflective surfaces will also contribute to a healthier workspace by improving air quality and enhancing employees' well-being. Additionally, outdoor spaces, such as terraces or rooftop gardens, provide employees with an opportunity to take breaks and connect with nature during the workday.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, biophilic design aligns with sustainability goals by promoting eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems. As businesses become more conscious of their environmental impact, incorporating natural elements into office design is an effective way to reduce the carbon footprint while supporting employee well-being.

Explore biophilic design and the best office plants at Peldon Rose.

The future of workplace design

At Peldon Rose, we are experts in creating purposeful, future-ready office spaces that align your business needs with the latest workplace design priorities. Our team works closely with you to understand your unique needs and goals, crafting bespoke office solutions that inspire and support employees. From inclusive design to hybrid work environments, we integrate the latest insights into functional, efficient, and sustainable workplace strategies to help your business thrive in its perfect office.

Learn more about our workplace strategy and consultancy services.

Key takeaways on office design trends for 2025

As we look to the future of office design in 2025, here are the key trends that businesses should consider:

• Inclusivity: Design spaces that cater to all employees, promoting diversity and accessibility.
• Encouraging Movement: Create environments that support physical activity and overall health.
• Rest and Relaxation: Prioritise wellness and relaxation spaces to prevent burnout.
• Hybrid Work Models: Design flexible spaces that support both in-office collaboration and remote work.
• Biophilic Design: Integrate nature into the workspace to improve mood and productivity.

For more News & Insights on how to transform your office space, explore Peldon Rose’s resources on office design and workplace strategy.