The past five years have marked a significant era of remote and hybrid work. However, as of 2025, the momentum is shifting back toward in-person operations. According to Forbes, 60% of remote workers report that their employers are now requiring more time in the office. While in-office attendance has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, the trend continues to rise. In 2024, office attendance hovered around 66%; projections suggest this figure may reach 75% before year’s end.
What’s fueling this return? Forbes identified several key drivers of return-to-office (RTO) efforts, as cited by employers:
- Enhanced Collaboration and Teamwork
- Increased Productivity
- Improved Communication
- Simplified Management
Additionally, Microsoft’s 2025 Work Trends Index reveals that 53% of business leaders believe productivity needs to increase, only further incentivizing a renewed focus on the in-person work experience. As organizations look to bring teams back together, there are several actionable ways to prepare the workspace to support both collaboration and individual focus.
Enhancing Privacy for Focused Work
During the height of hybrid work, offices evolved into collaboration hubs, while home environments supported independent tasks. A full return to in-person work requires offices to meet both needs: fostering teamwork without compromising focus.
To support independent work, effective private workstations should be introduced within open office layouts. Transitioning large open areas into private offices or cubicle configurations allows employees to select a setting that supports concentration and minimizes distractions.
Establishing Flexible Collaborative Areas
As offices integrate more dedicated focus zones, the remaining collaborative areas must serve multiple functions. The goal is to create adaptable, multifunctional spaces that can support meetings, spontaneous discussions, and informal brainstorming.
Modular furniture, like demountable wall systems and flexible furnishings, allows businesses to reconfigure spaces based on group size or task. This promotes versatility and ensures all spaces in an office are used efficiently.
Implementing Effective Acoustic Solutions
A return to full office capacity often introduces increased noise levels, which can be disruptive. Many employees have grown accustomed to the quieter environment of remote work, making it critical to address office acoustics to preserve productivity.
Two practical solutions include:
- Acoustic Panels: These help absorb sound and reduce ambient noise, improving speech clarity across the workspace.
- Freestanding Dividers: Movable dividers and office wall systems not only delineate zones but also help dampen sound between teams and workstations.
Investing in Ergonomic Comfort
Creating a comfortable workspace plays a key role in supporting both morale and performance during return to work initiatives. Employees who spent years fine-tuning their home offices may be hesitant to return to uncomfortable furnishings that lead to back pain or fatigue.
Here are a few impactful commercial furniture updates businesses can implement:
- Adjustable Standing Desks: Encourage better posture and reduce sedentary habits by allowing employees to alternate between sitting and standing.
- Ergonomic Seating: Offer chairs that promote spinal alignment and minimize strain during long periods of sitting.
- Optimized Lighting Conditions: Use lighting that mimics natural daylight and reduces eye strain to foster a more inviting and functional environment.
Prepare the Office for What’s Next
As more organizations transition back to in-person work, the physical workspace must evolve to support both focused productivity and dynamic collaboration. Whether the goal is to reimagine existing layouts, implement more private workstations, or upgrade furniture and acoustic solutions, our team at King Business Interiors can help with our expert office design services. Connect with the team to design a return to office environment tailored to evolving workplace needs.
