Future of Work 2022

Want workers back in the office? 3 ways to make your space worth the commute

Published February 15, 2022 5:30 AM EST 2 Min Read

All images courtesy of IA Interior ArchitectsIA Interior Architects is helping clients reimagine their offices as spaces for employees to rediscover the joys of collaborating and socializing with colleagues.

Why should we go back to the office?

This is a question Neil Schneider has been tasked with answering. The Chicago-based design director and principal at IA Interior Architects, a firm that specializes in workspaces, is finding new ways to inspire employees to gather in person. “A lot of our clients want to know, what makes our facilities worthy of a commute?” Schneider says. “And the answer is: relationships.”

“With health and wellness on the rise, we looked at how to create a more relaxing environment for individuals to go to a doctor’s appointment, therapy session, nutritionist or a massage,” Schneider says of this proposal, complete with employees resting in bathrobes, for a client. “With boutique medical services also becoming more prevalent, these flexible amenity spaces are what companies are looking to provide and then the services can be outsourced.”

“These flexible spaces are great for team-building, and can be used as maker spaces or for classes on flower arranging, candle making, cooking, mixology classes, food drives,” Schneider says. “These are things people did or learned over the pandemic, and now we can use workspaces to create environments where people can share who they are. It’s about bringing teams together, and creating something together. Every company is different, and these flex spaces can be customized for the user experience. At its core, it’s about rediscovering the joy of being around your colleagues. These experiences and spaces are just the icing on the cake.”

Stephanie Schomer

Editor-in-chief

Stephanie Schomer is the editor-in-chief of Employee Benefit News. She was most recently the deputy editor of Entrepreneur magazine and previously held positions at Entertainment Weekly, … Read full bio

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