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The trend in workspaces is moving towards promoting collaboration, socialisation, and connection among employees. This transformation is driven by the rise of hybrid work models, along with the growing importance of technology and employee experience. Budget constraints are leading many to opt for updated layouts that prioritise interaction and well-being. But how do these trends impact commercial seating design?
Reconfiguration for collaboration and socialisation
One of the standout trends for 2025 will be the continued move towards reconfiguring layouts to better accommodate collaboration and socialisation. No wonder, when CIPD research is outlining that employees are most likely to be required in the workplace for two (35%) or three (33%) days a week. The same report illustrates that while the pressure comes from their employers, the main reasons for such moves are that being in the office improves connections and relationships (57%), people are believed to collaborate better in person (55%) and being in the office makes people more engaged (47%). Achieving this office versus hybrid working model is leading to organisations implementing a range of measures, with 44% most notably making their offices more collaborative spaces. Importantly, this is about much more than hot-desking, where people can turn up, set up their desk for the day, do their work and disappear. Instead, this is leading to creating environments where casual connections can naturally happen.
Flexible and adaptable furniture choices
Offices should no longer be considered as static environments, but rather adaptable ecosystems that can evolve to meet changing needs. This is where modular furniture, flexible meeting spaces, or multi-purpose breakout areas, is leading the way. The emphasis is on creating spaces that can be reconfigured at a moment’s notice. Humans are naturally social, and many companies report a backlash against entirely remote arrangements with increasing demands from their workforce for more face-to-face interaction. The rise of flexible furniture is a key component of this shift. Modular seating, for instance, allows teams to easily reconfigure a space to suit their needs, in the moment. This could be for a brainstorming session, a group meeting, or a more private one-on-one discussion. Having these dynamic setups in a variety of formats enables employees to engage and connect with each other more. Additionally, the integration of casual lounges and social zones encourages employees to step away from their desks and engage in more relaxed, informal interactions. The objective of which sparks creativity and innovation, while fostering a sense of community. The goal is to create a more human-centric workplace where people want to spend time—not just to work, but to connect with their colleagues in meaningful ways.
Appeal to the senses
This adaptability extends to the emotional and psychological aspects of commercial design as well. In 2025, office design is all about crafting spaces that appeal to the senses—using colour, texture, and organic shapes to create an atmosphere of warmth and comfort. Moving away from harsh lines to soft rounded edges is ideal to invite people to come together. Incorporating irregular shapes, imperfect curves along with a mix of asymmetry and / or symmetry helps to bring a balance from imbalance.
The rise of maximalism, with its bold patterns and vibrant hues, contrasts with the organic shapes trend, which draws inspiration from nature. Selecting complementing colours or having fun with pops of contrasting colours, are easy to include. Equally using finishing accents that weave through a setting such as fluting, buttons or scalloped details ties together different elements. Combined with differing textures and potentially looking to layer these to add additional depth enhances a space. These design choices when used together create an office environment that feels both dynamic and cozy, reflecting the diversity and individuality of the people who work there.
Update, refresh and revitalise
No longer are identical desks and rigid workstations the fashion. Instead, it is a question of catering for both hybrid working styles, while achieving a blend with home comforts and office functionality. Significantly, sustainability is playing a role. As many businesses have defined Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) principles, they are preferring to opt for eco-friendly materials and re-upholstery solutions rather than replacing furniture entirely. This desire to reduce waste is leading to more updating and refreshing of existing furniture. Potentially alongside, pre-loved furniture or new more sustainably sourced seating.
Businesses are increasingly looking for ways to reuse the furniture they have rather than throw it away and replace it with new. Cinemas, theatres, schools, student accommodation, hospitals, commercial interiors – all environments where heavy human traffic is a feature – are all turning more and more to re-upholstery rather than replacement. However, opting for re-upholstery should not be considered the cheaper choice. It certainly is likely to be less expensive than buying a new item of comparable quality. But many people are surprised by the price tag because they fail to appreciate the amount of work involved in stripping the piece initially and then the cost of foams and fabric.
The employers drive for ensuring the mental wellbeing and health of their employees is also leading to additional thoughtful enhancements that show they care. Small changes like adding greenery, occasional feature lighting rather than relying on bright LED ceiling mounted overhead lighting schemes and incorporating natural light where possible, can have a profound impact on morale and productivity. All contributing to a more welcoming and inspiring work environment.
Prioritising the experience
At the heart of commercial design is the experience. Environments that can encourage and influence more face-to-face interactions and casual connections can reap rewards. In fact, research has shown that younger and more junior employees, in particular, benefit from the spontaneous conversations and mentoring opportunities that in-person work provides.
With fewer employees in each day, companies are looking to make better use of their space. Areas such as open-plan lounges, banquette seating, and booths can serve different purposes throughout the day—one moment they might host a small group meeting, and the next they could become a space for informal catchups over coffee. They use their home environment for focus work but seek out the office for interaction, networking, and re-engaging with company culture. Designing for this shift is crucial in 2025.
Equally, we are seeing this craving for getting together and socialisation extending into the hospitality sector. With 75% of respondents in Marketing Week’s Knowledge Bank, Fight for Footfall Report revealing that spending quality time with others was either extremely or very important to them.
Conclusion
The workplace of 2025 is all about creating an environment that updates and refreshes traditional office layouts while prioritising the employee experience. By making better use of available space, reconfiguring areas for collaboration and socialisation, and focusing on flexible, adaptable design solutions, companies can ensure their offices remain relevant and engaging. Ultimately, these trends are driven by a deeper understanding of what employees need in the modern workplace—a balance between productivity and connection, work and fun.
Explore how UK-based designer and manufacturer Rhubarb Seating is partnering with businesses to reimagine workplace aesthetics and atmosphere for 2025 by visiting their website.
