{"id":878872,"date":"2026-01-26T15:13:27","date_gmt":"2026-01-26T20:13:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.steelcase.com\/?p=878872"},"modified":"2026-03-17T13:10:42","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T17:10:42","slug":"rethinking-the-key-spaces-people-need-to-work-better-before-after","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.steelcase.com\/research\/articles\/topics\/design\/rethinking-the-key-spaces-people-need-to-work-better-before-after\/","title":{"rendered":"Rethinking the Key Spaces People Need to Work Better: Before + After"},"content":{"rendered":"

Workplaces are on the brink of a long-overdue transformation. Leaders know their current spaces aren\u2019t cutting it; they’re failing to support how people need to work today. And now, as work patterns stabilize, they’re ready to make a change. As companies push for even more in-person work, the office is under pressure to evolve fast. A recent Steelcase survey of 500 U.S. decision-makers shows the shift is already underway: 96% of leaders plan to overhaul their workspaces within the next two years.<\/p>\n

\u201cMany workplaces still reflect pre\u2011pandemic workplace strategies,\u201d says Meg Bennett, Steelcase global design principal. \u201cToday, we have a rare opportunity to deconstruct inherited assumptions and reframe a more humanistic approach \u2014 not simply by updating environments, but by elevating the human experience, acknowledging the value of physical presence and connection, and responding to emerging patterns of work and behavior. When we integrate holistic wellbeing, understand the diversity of individuals, and thoughtfully balance human creativity with the accelerating influence of AI, we can shape spaces that truly help people thrive. Across industries, we\u2019re seeing leaders begin this shift, recognizing the rapid pace of change and making purposeful design decisions that meaningfully impact innovation and the people who drive it.\u201d<\/p>\n

This is an opportunity for leaders to make targeted improvements that genuinely help their teams be more effective. To better understand where spaces struggle, Steelcase designers analyzed underperforming space types and proposed new design approaches informed by Community-Based Design \u2014 an approach inspired by urban planning principles that foster vibrant, resilient cities. It leads to flexible workplaces that support a range of activities, including deep focus, collaboration, social interactions, learning and rejuvenation.<\/p>\n

Community-Based Design transforms single-purpose spaces into flexible, multi-use areas that improve space utilization and enable people to work in different ways, creating a more vibrant and healthy work experience. This method creates workplaces that feel more like dynamic communities \u2014 adaptable environments where people can maintain their attention and focus, think creatively and generate innovative solutions. A range of spaces creates a social infrastructure that supports diverse types of work and work styles and creates a sense of community. Technology is integrated throughout each district in ways that enable people to do their best work and help organizations easily adapt to changes when needed.<\/p>\n

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The Underused Conference Room<\/h2>\n

Transform a single, large conference room into multiple spaces that support multiple work modes and preferences.<\/p>\n

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BEFORE<\/strong>
What\u2019s not working: Large conference rooms account for nearly 60% of all meeting space, but 80% of meetings involve only one-to-three people. These more traditional rooms occupy a lot of real estate yet often sit empty.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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AFTER<\/strong>
What to do: Shift from a single enclosed space to multiple workspaces that support a range of participants and activities, giving people more choice and control over where and how they work.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

How it helps create community<\/h3>\n

Large, formal boardrooms can feel intimidating, often discouraging people from speaking up or fully engaging. In contrast, smaller, more welcoming spaces create a sense of comfort and equality that encourages participation. These spaces make it easier for people to interact naturally, share ideas and collaborate openly, while also supporting a wider range of work activities and team dynamics.<\/p>\n

\"Meeting<\/p>\n