Office design trends emphasize collaboration, socialization, and flexibility as companies embrace hybrid working models
The COVID-19 pandemic might be in the rearview mirror, but it left in its wake permanent shifts in how we work. According to a 2025 Gallup survey, 50 percent of U.S. employees have a remote-capable job—and 60 percent of employees with remote-capable jobs want a hybrid work arrangement. It’s clear that for many companies, a long-term hybrid work strategy is critical, and that necessitates rethinking office design. The new ESG home office reflects the realities of modern work life by embracing a hybrid approach. The new ESG home office reflects the realities of modern work life by embracing a hybrid approach. Pete VonDeLinde The COVID-19 pandemic might be in the rearview mirror, but it left in its wake permanent shifts in how we work. According to a 2025 Gallup survey, 50 percent of U.S. employees have a remote-capable job—and 60 percent of employees with remote-capable jobs want a hybrid work arrangement. It’s clear that for many companies, a long-term hybrid work strategy is critical, and that necessitates rethinking office design. Minneapolis-based ESG Architecture & Design observes this new reality in many of its projects. In fact, the firm’s own headquarters at North Loop Green, which was completed in 2024, supports modern work life with a flexible office plan that promotes socialization and collaboration. To shed some more light on the new reality of both commercial and home office design, Midwest Design tapped the expertise of Melissa Metzler, principal and director of interior design, and Maggie Lafferty, VP of interior design, at ESG Architecture & Design. Many businesses have adopted a hybrid work schedule. Have you seen office design evolve to adapt to this permanent change in the workplace? ESG: Hybrid work has fundamentally changed how we think about office design and how we all work. We know that fewer people need a dedicated desk every day of the week, and each client approaches this reality a little differently. To support that, we implement a workplace strategy phase early in our design process to fully understand a client’s needs now and in the future. We use clear metrics and an understanding of work styles to guide them toward the right balance of desk and office counts, as well as the most effective organization of their space. The trend is generally toward downsizing. These spaces are smaller in square footage but richer in experience. We’re integrating hospitality and social areas, collaboration hubs, focus zones, and intuitive technologies. vRad is a recent client who is comprised of mostly a hybrid employee group. The majority of staff work remotely, and when they do come in, it’s for meaningful gatherings in large modular rooms or social spaces. We designed their environment around these social moments and the supporting spaces they require. Ultimately, the goal is to create inspired, efficient spaces that make people want to come in, not just show up because they have to.
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