Designing the Future Office: What Employees Really Need in 2026

By Marc Prats, Organisational Psychologist and Careers Coach, Larsen Architecture, Liverpool

The truth is simple. Most people do not want to be at work. Not really. Not Monday to Friday, not all day, every day. So the real challenge for employers is to create spaces that feel welcoming, calming and enjoyable. When a workplace feels good to be in, everything becomes easier. People feel more motivated, more positive and far more willing to engage. This has a huge influence on mindset, productivity and overall output.

Creating spaces people actually want to occupy

Start with the basics. Calming colours, natural materials, plants, proper ventilation and good temperature control. Comfortable seating. The option to stand. Breakout areas or phone pods if it is an open office. A proper kitchen with good seating and places to rest. All of this matters more than early 2000s gimmicks like video game lounges, which usually distract more than they help.

Many leaders underestimate how much the environment sets the tone for the day. A peaceful workspace helps people show up as their best selves.

Lighting is key

From a design point of view, lighting is absolutely essential. It affects productivity, health, happiness, mood and overall positivity. Light can completely change a space. The type of lighting should always reflect the activity that takes place in that specific area. Unfortunately, many offices use the same lighting everywhere. This is not natural, it is not healthy and it does not support productivity. Workspace lighting should be specific and adaptive. Natural light should always be the priority where possible.

Toilets that respect privacy

Nobody wants to go to the toilet knowing the person in the next cubicle can hear everything. A single shared toilet is even worse because you might as well announce your visit to the whole office. A good balance is a large space with completely independent facilities, not just cubicles separated by thin partitions. This allows people with limited accessibility and all genders to use the space equally and comfortably. Most importantly, it lets people have privacy without feeling watched, judged or embarrassed.

Communal spaces that actually work

Employees should be encouraged to step away from their desks and take a proper break. This requires a communal space that genuinely supports different needs. Some people want quiet time. Others want to sit with colleagues, reheat their food and chat without worrying about smells or noise.

These spaces should be open, bright, full of natural light and well ventilated. They should have basic amenities like dishwashers and enough bins. You would be surprised how many shared break rooms are missing the essentials and become unpleasant very quickly.

Realistic sitting and resting areas

Work is mentally and physically draining. Not everyone wants to socialise during breaks. Some people simply want to sit, look at their phone and be left alone for a while.

Comfortable lounge-style seating, chargers and quiet corners can make a real difference.

During winter in the UK, many people arrive in the dark and leave in the dark. A small pocket of calm during lunchtime can feel like an oasis. Adaptive lighting would make this even better. Dimmer when you walk in so you can rest, then gradually brighter with cooler tones to help you prepare to go back to work.

Preparation areas and daily rhythms

Working nine to five is not natural for the human body. Our rhythms fall into place through food, breaks and small rituals. Preparation areas should allow people to take a quick moment, make their lunch, enjoy a decent cup of coffee and reset mentally.

Providing quality basics like fresh fruit and good tea or coffee is a very small cost compared to the positive impact it has. These little moments break up the day and stop monotony creeping in. The design of the space influences how enjoyable these moments are.

A human centred approach

In the end, workplace design is not about trendy features or big statements. It is about understanding how humans feel, behave and function. When employers create calm, supportive and comfortable environments, they make it possible for people to do their best work. They help employees feel at ease, more confident and more capable. And when people feel good in their surroundings, everything else improves.