The return to office transition is fundamentally changing how we think about design and interact with our workplaces. This transformation stems from a profound shift: the recognition of the workplace’s social purpose.

The new social code

Picture an office buzzing with conversation, where colleagues gather in collaborative spaces, and where the design itself encourages interaction. JLL’s latest Design trends report highlights this shift in expectation of a modern workplace.

According to JLL’s research on Human Experience, 78% of employers cite face-to-face collaboration as the primary driver for returning to the office, while 73% of employees view socialising as the main motivation. These figures tell a compelling story: the office is no longer just a place to work; it’s a social hub, a cultural epicenter, and a collaborative playground.

Redesigning for the human experience

This shift in perspective has sparked a revolution in design. Over a quarter of office spaces in APAC have been reimagined and refigured to support collaboration in a dynamic workforce. But what does this look like in practice?

Envision open layouts fostering chance encounters, informal seating areas inviting spontaneous discussions, and state-of-the-art meeting rooms seamlessly blending in-person and remote participants. These features have become essential elements of the modern workplace.

The JLL Pulse Survey, APAC shows that:

• 50% of clients added more collaboration space
• 43% upgraded meeting room technology
• 39% increased informal seating

Each of these changes reflects a deeper understanding of how people work best—not in isolation, but through connection, collaboration, and community.

The local touch: Beyond generic spaces

There is a growing recognition that offices should reflect the unique identity of location, community, and workforce. In fact, JLL’s Global Consumer Survey finds that 85% of APAC consumers prefer to live in places with a distinct sense of identity. This desire for authenticity is spilling over into workplace preferences.

For one of JLL’s design projects in APAC, we infused social spaces with local references and artwork, creating an environment that truly connects with its locality and instils a sense of belonging and pride.

Employees and consumers alike resonate deeply with this approach. Research shows that 82% of APAC consumers believe it’s crucial for businesses to positively impact their local communities. By incorporating local elements into office design, companies are creating beautiful spaces that foster a sense of connection to the broader community.

Looking ahead: The future of work

The return to office trend presents an opportunity to reimagine what the workplace can be—a chance to create spaces that inspire, connect, and empower.

Today’s office is where culture is cultivated, connections are strengthened, and boundaries between work and community merge to harness social capital.

In this evolving landscape, design transcends mere aesthetics or functionality. It focuses on creating experiences, understanding the spectrum of human interactions, and crafting spaces that support focused individual work to large-scale collaborations.

As a result, office spaces are evolving and adapting, becoming more vibrant than ever. This shift isn’t just a trend—it’s a transformation reshaping the very fabric of how we work, interact, and innovate.

Welcome to the future of the workplace! It’s social, local, and designed with humans at its heart.

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