Therefore, we curated an Amazon-ready list of smart, stylish, and surprisingly affordable options your design-obsessed friends and colleagues will actually use. From desk-worthy tools to creative indulgences, these picks are Work Design team-approved and guaranteed to spark joy (and maybe even a little envy at the studio).

Smart Self Heating Coffee Mug 

With a patented heating technology, it can heat without coaster. When no water, the mug will automatically stop heating for safety. Rechargeable smart mug can last 5-10 hours, It can keep the drink warm all day long when on the charging coaster, The heating temperature range is 86-149℉. You can adjust the temperature directly through the touch button on the smart coffee mug and the LEGARDLILIU APP on your phone. Keep your coffee temperature constant.

Amazon Price at Publication: $112

Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces: Advancing Sensory Processing and Cognitive Well-Being in the Built Environment

One of our favorite thought leaders in workplace design, Kay Sargent, released her book, Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces: Advancing Sensory Processing and Cognitive Well-Being in the Built Environment. This book explores how to employ strategic spatial zoning and sequencing, sensory zones, patterns, textures, colors, lighting, and soundscaping to create spaces that cater to the various sensory needs of neurodivergent individuals, who now make up 1/5 of the world’s population.

Amazon Price at Publication: $25

Logitech Ergonomic Wireless Mouse

The Logitech MX Master 4 is an ergonomic, high-performance wireless mouse built for comfort and productivity. Its sculpted shape supports your hand during long work sessions, while the MagSpeed wheel delivers ultra-fast, precise scrolling. The mouse features customizable haptic feedback, quiet clicks for a more focused workspace, and seamless connectivity through Bluetooth or a USB-C receiver.

Amazon Price at Publication: $120

Ergonomic Mouse Pad

The KUOSGM Ergonomic Mouse Pad is designed to help reduce wrist strain and improve comfort during long computer sessions. With an 8-degree inclined slope and raised massage bumps, it promotes airflow to keep your wrist dry while easing tension. The interior features a slow-rebound memory-gel core that gently cushions your wrist without deforming, and the soft fabric surface offers smooth, precise tracking for optical, laser, or wireless mice.

Amazon Price at Publication: $20

C CUSHION LAB Seat Cushion

This cushion is ergonomically shaped by in-house designers to cradle your thighs and hips and help you maintain a better posture. It’s made from extra-dense charcoal memory foam, which offers cloud-like support while resisting odors. The cushion’s design distributes your body weight more evenly, helping to relieve pressure on your tailbone and lower back—especially useful during long sessions in an office chair, car, or even a wheelchair.

Amazon Price at Publication: $60

The Endless Art Challenge Card Deck

The The Endless Art Challenge Card Deck is a creative toolkit of 90 prompt cards, designed to help artists of all skill levels overcome creative block and spark new ideas. Divided into three categories — subject matter, color inspiration, and wild cards. Each card also features artwork from one of 90 different artists around the world, offering both visual inspiration and a chance to discover new creative voices.

Amazon Price at Publication: $18

LED Desk Lamp

This Architect LED Desk Lamp is a sleek, modern task light built for both style and eye comfort. It features a dual-light bar and a fully adjustable swing arm with seven rotating joints, giving you precise control over its position and angle. The lamp offers 4 color temperature modes and 5 brightness levels, so you can customize the lighting from warm to daylight tones depending on your needs. A built-in memory function lets the lamp return to your preferred settings each time you turn it on.

Amazon Price at Publication: $40

Mini 3D Printer

The Bambu Lab A1 Mini is a compact but powerful 3D printer that supports multi-color printing, making it ideal for versatile, creative projects. It offers high precision and speed, combined with full-auto calibration and active flow rate compensation to ensure consistent print quality. The printer runs quietly (≤ 48 dB), making it more office- or studio-friendly, and its build volume of 256 × 256 × 256 mm provides a generous workspace for a mini machine.

Amazon Price at Publication: $200

Cloudnola Reversible Glass Flower Vase and Bud Vase Lemon

Whether it is a centerpiece for a table, or event, or you just want to display a few beautiful stems, the Cloudnola reversible glass vases are versatile to fit your needs. With a colorful combination of options and the ability to preserve the lifespan of a bouquet, these vases will make the perfect gift for any occasion or add a pop of color to your home.

Amazon Price at Publication: $70

mooas 3D LED Clock

This 3D clock is a bold and modern wall clock that combines digital functionality with sleek design. Measuring about 15.3″ wide, this clock features a large “3D module” LED display that shows time, date, and temperature, and it supports both 12- and 24-hour formats. It includes a remote control for easy adjustments—like setting an alarm, switching display modes, or changing brightness across three levels (high, medium, low). Thanks to a built-in light sensor, the clock can also automatically dim when the room gets dark.

Amazon Price at Publication: $39

The Work Design Magazine team carefully and independently curated these products and we may earn affiliate revenue from purchases made via links in this content. The prices listed reflect the price at the time of publication. Thank you in advance and happy shopping!

The post 2025 Gift Guide for Architects and Interior Designers appeared first on Work Design Magazine.

Picking out paint colors for a workplace may feel like a small detail in the grand scale of things. It’s easy to grab a can of white paint and slab it on everywhere for convenience and simplicity, just like more than half of home workers do when setting up their own offices at home. But color choices carry significant weight in an office setting. What many don’t realize is that being intentional about the color palette of your workplace can help create an environment that inspires employees to do their best work, as well as communicate to clients who companies are. 

Color shapes how people think, feel and interact everyday, and it’s important to view wall colors as having the same influence.

One study found that employees working in blue and green environments reported 33% less anxiety and 25% less fatigue compared to those in white or grey. Another showed that offices incorporating vibrant hues like orange and green saw a 15% boost in productivity among team members. 

When chosen with intent, the color of an office wall can reinforce brand values, support specific work functions and shape the emotional landscape of a space. 

Understanding Color Psychology in the Workplace

Color psychology is the study of how colors influence mood, behavior and even physiology. The right palette can lower stress, sharpen focus and encourage collaboration among employees. Ultimately, this then leads to boosting workplace culture and profitability. Let’s dive into how each color has its own purpose and unique impact on how it can benefit a workplace.

Blue: Studies show that blue environments help to reduce stress and support mental endurance. With its associations of calm and clarity, blue is well-suited for spaces that require concentration and level-headed decision-making, such as private offices, conference rooms or areas where high-pressure work gets done. 

Green: Green-infused spaces can be restorative and give employees a subtle recharge as they work. Research has shown that green reduces eye strain since it is the color most easily perceived by the human eye. A subtle green shade is an effective color for spaces where people spend long stretches of time, such as open-plan layouts, collaborative studios or brainstorming areas.  

Yellow: Yellow is frequently linked to creativity, which is why it often shows up in spaces designed for innovation and brainstorming. It brings energy to a room by sparking optimism and enthusiasm, which can help motivate employees and encourage collaboration. However, the color yellow can also be an eye-sore if the shade selected is too bright. Opt for a light or buttery yellow color instead. Additionally, overuse of the color in one area can cause overstimulation or even anxiety, so balance is crucial here.

Red: Red is most effective in work environments where energy and detail matter. Research shows that red elevates blood flow and heart rate and has been proven to boost performance on tasks requiring close attention, such as proofreading, and aids in fast-paced or physically demanding work environments. Red can fuel energy and drive in collaborative or performance-based areas, but it should be used sparingly as it can also lead to heightened emotions and overstimulation. 

Neutrals: Neutrals, such as taupe, warm gray, beige or charcoal, can provide a timeless backdrop that helps anchor brighter colors. They convey steadiness and professionalism, but it doesn’t come without caution. Heavy use of gray in particular has been shown to suppress energy, diminish confidence and contribute to fatigue or depression. The most effective workplaces use neutrals as a base while pairing them with brighter hues in furniture, layered textures and thoughtful lighting to keep the environment grounded but far from flat.

White: White is the most common paint color as it conveys cleanliness and order. It’s perfect for clinical or medical environments where hygiene and clarity are priorities. But in office settings, too much stark white can feel sterile and have been linked to fatigue and disengagement. If the majority of an office is white, an effective way to balance the tone is to pair it with natural materials, warm lighting and accent colors through décor and furniture. 

Tips for Implementation

Understanding how color affects mood and performance is one thing, but deciding how to use it is another. The good news is that it doesn’t take a major renovation to make an impact. Painting projects can be scaled to fit the budget and space. Even the smallest change can result in an impactful shift in atmosphere that supports both culture and business goals. 

Here are a few aspects to consider when putting color psychology in action:  

1. Accent Walls: An accent wall is one of the simplest and easiest ways to introduce color into a space. It’s also a great way to also test out a color in a room before committing to adding it elsewhere. Accent walls deliver an intended psychological effect without overwhelming the space. For example, painting a wall of a collaborative lounge orange or yellow can energize the room, while adding a wall of blue to a breakroom can promote calm and relaxation. 
2. Brand Colors: Every company wants to reinforce its brand identity in the office, but painting every wall the exact shade of your logo isn’t the best approach. Instead, find ways to use brand colors strategically while balancing it out with a complementary neutral, such as dedicating an accent wall behind a reception desk or painting one conference room instead of several. 
3. Lighting: Lighting has a major influence on how colors look. Natural light shifts throughout the day and depending on the time of day, it can make a color appear either darker or lighter than originally expected. Artificial lighting plays a big role too. For example, high-CRI bulbs show colors more accurately, while fluorescent or cooler bulbs can wash them out. It’s important to always test paint samples in the actual space under different lighting conditions and different areas of a space before making a final choice.
4. Color by Function: Not every corner of the office should feel the same, and color can be used both to support the intended purpose of a room and to give each area its own sense of purpose. For example, paint one conference room yellow for creative brainstorms and keep another one neutral for client-facing conversations.
5. Subtle Touches: Sometimes less is more. If you don’t have it in the budget for a large paint project, incorporating small details like a painted door frame or one accent wall can make a small but mighty impact. 

Final Thoughts

The workplace is where culture, creativity and brand identity come to life and just one way to help promote that experience is by utilizing color psychology when designing or renovating and office space. plays a central role in shaping that experience. As a business, you want your employees to be energized, support their productivity and leave a lasting impression on clients and visitors. Don’t skimp on the importance of office design and overall presentations as paint choices are an important investment in both people and business success! 

The post The Power of Paint: Leveraging Color Psychology to Enhance Culture, Productivity and Profit appeared first on Work Design Magazine.

• A radar sensor helps businesses understand office space usage and make smarter real estate decisions.
• It offers real-time data on occupancy and environmental conditions without compromising privacy.
• The technology could revolutionize office management in hybrid work environments by reducing wasted space.

Originally published on Allwork.space

Understanding space usage has become one of the biggest challenges for businesses managing hybrid work environments, as underutilized office space is costly. With more employees splitting time between home and the office, understanding how workspaces are being used has become more important than ever.

Without proper data on how often rooms are being used, businesses struggle to make decisions about their real estate.

Should they downsize their office space or reconfigure it to better suit the needs of hybrid teams?

With hybrid work becoming the new norm, more and more companies are confronting this question and scrambling to find effective ways to manage office spaces. A new radar sensor, the Logitech Spot — a discreet, peel-and-stick device — could completely change how businesses monitor their offices.

Could this pebble-sized sensor be the future of invisible workplace management?

Invisible Monitoring for the Hybrid Workforce

Unlike traditional office tech, which often involves cameras or sensors that raise privacy concerns, the Logitech Spot is designed to remain unseen. It uses millimeter-wave radar technology to detect whether a room is occupied, without the need for visible equipment or complex wiring, according to The Verge.

For organizations looking to downsize or reorganize their office space, this kind of technology that provides real-time data could be invaluable.

Companies can get a clearer picture of which rooms are being used, how often, and whether the conditions within those rooms are conducive to productivity.

The post This Invisible Tech Is Molding The Future Of Office Space Utilization appeared first on Work Design Magazine.

Inclusive design is more than a buzzword; it’s a mindset that puts people at the center. And it starts with one essential element: psychological safety.

Understanding psychological safety is the foundation of inclusive design. Psychological safety is the sense that you can show up as your full self at work—ask questions, take risks, share ideas—without fear of embarrassment or retribution. It’s the invisible scaffolding that supports trust, innovation, and collaboration.

Why Psychological Safety Matters In Workplace Design

Considering psychological safety in workplace design is essential because space powerfully communicates value. Environments that support privacy, reduces stress, and encourage respectful interaction can be the difference between a workplace that merely functions and one that truly thrives.

Organizations that prioritize psychological safety often see better employee retention, higher engagement, and stronger team performance. Our client like, Gardner Skelton, has famously built cultures around this principle—and they back it up with planning and spaces that reflect those values: quiet zones for deep focus, transparent meeting rooms to demystify decision-making, and common areas that invite open dialogue.

Hospitality In The Workplace Sets The Intention For People And Space

Think about the most memorable hosted experience you’ve ever had—whether at a friend’s home, a boutique hotel, or a vibrant community space. What made it stand out? Chances are, it made you feel comfortable, valued, and genuinely welcome.

Now imagine bringing that same spirit of care and intentionality into the workplace.

Designing with hospitality in mind begins at the front door. Reception areas should feel like a warm welcome—not a checkpoint. Cozy furnishings, calming scents, warm lighting, and clear signage can instantly put people at ease, setting the tone for the experience that follows.

But hospitality shouldn’t end at first impressions. It lives in the everyday details: a well-stocked break room that invites connection, access to natural light that lifts the mood, flexible furnishings that adapt to individual needs, and spaces that evolve in response to employee feedback. These design elements may seem small, but together they send a powerful message—people aren’t just accommodated; they’re genuinely cared for.

And when people feel cared for, they show up more fully, collaborate more openly, and contribute more meaningfully. Hospitality, in this sense, isn’t just a design principle—it’s a cultural foundation for thriving teams and workplaces.

Case Study: Gardner Skelton

Gardner Skelton’s 20,000-square-foot office in Charlotte’s NoDa arts district is a transformative example of adaptive reuse. It reimagines what a law firm can feel like when wellness, creativity, and hospitality are placed at the heart of design.

As a woman-owned firm, Gardner Skelton embraced a bold vision: to create a healthy, inclusive, and uplifting workplace that nurtures the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of its team—including their furry four-legged colleagues. The result is anything but traditional. Natural light, vibrant art, and thoughtful amenities combine to create a people-first environment that supports focus, collaboration, and joy.

Hospitality is expressed in every detail. From the moment you arrive, the space signals welcome, beginning with a street-level mural painted by local artist, Krystle Baller, that celebrates the firm’s identity and the creative spirit of NoDa. The artwork features iconic legal figures like Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Perry Mason alongside partners Nicole Gardner and Heather Skelton, who are crowned in tribute to Charlotte, the Queen City. It’s a joyful expression of place that sets a new standard in the legal industry. 

Inside, the office is comfortable, healthy, and filled with natural light. It honors the building’s past while embracing a modern, biophilic sensibility. “Urban garden” work zones invite daylight and greenery into the space, improving air quality and supporting focus. These areas are designed to be shared by people and pets, offering a relaxed, collaborative atmosphere that encourages both productivity and comfort.

A strong connection to the outdoors was a priority for the firm. A “leashed” pathway winds through the urban gardens to a hybrid indoor-outdoor café, where team members can pause, recharge, and enjoy the calming sounds of waterfalls and the aroma of herbs and native plantings.

At Gardner Skelton, hospitality isn’t an afterthought. It’s a guiding principle that shapes both culture and space. As Founding Partner Nicole Gardner puts it, “Our vision for ourselves is not that we are like every other law firm. You see, when you walk in, that we’re a little bit different. This space tells people that we’re approachable. It reinforces that there’s not one way to practice law.”

That philosophy is reflected throughout the office. As a result, the space doesn’t just support work—it evokes creativity and joy. 

Laying The Foundation For Safety & Hospitality

Creating inclusive workplaces doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intentional design strategies that prioritize safety, belonging, and shared experience from the ground up.

1. Hospitality as a Two-Way Experience 

True hospitality is more than offering comfort—it’s a reciprocal relationship rooted in care and mutual respect. Inclusive spaces empower employees to shape their environment, not just occupy it. Shared areas like lounges, kitchens, and break rooms should feel equally welcoming to everyone, regardless of role or title.

Design can foster a sense of collective ownership by encouraging participation, connection, and belonging. It’s not just about making spaces look warm and inviting, but ensuring they genuinely feel that way for all who enter.

2. Cultural Expression and Safety

In a truly inclusive workplace, people should feel safe expressing their identities. That might mean providing prayer or meditation rooms, displaying diverse artwork, or accommodating different cultural norms around privacy, interaction, and sensory experience.

Intentional flexibility supports these expressions. Quiet nooks offer solitude, open areas foster community, and subtle design cues—like materials, color, and light—can help individuals feel at home across cultures.

3. Addressing Power Dynamics Through Space

Design can unintentionally reinforce hierarchies, undermining psychological safety. Private offices for leadership, siloed layouts, or selective access to amenities may send subtle signals about who belongs where.

Equitable design redistributes these cues. Daylight, views, ergonomic furniture, and access to shared spaces should be available to all—regardless of title. This approach encourages collaboration, levels the playing field, and signals that every person, from clients to interns, matters equally.

Little’s DC office is a prime example of how design can address power dynamics through space. All employees sit at open workstations, regardless of seniority. The floor plan was designed to maximize access to daylight, with workstations distributed across the space so everyone benefits from natural light throughout the day.

Shared spaces like kitchens, huddle areas, and meeting rooms are evenly placed across floors, encouraging interaction and equal access. We’ve also incorporated a variety of work settings—ranging from collaborative zones to quiet nooks—to support different work styles and needs.

4. Rituals of Welcome and Participation

The workplace experience begins with how people are welcomed and continues through the rituals that define daily life. Are there spaces designed for onboarding and mentorship? Are signage, graphics, and spatial cues inclusive and easy to navigate?

Even small details—how desks are arranged, how rooms are labeled—can communicate inclusion or exclusion. When space supports meaningful rituals like daily huddles, team lunches, or moments of celebration, it fosters a sense of community and encourages people to show up as their full selves.

Making Everyone Feel Seen And Valued

Inclusive design goes beyond compliance—it’s about making thoughtful choices that celebrate human diversity and foster a deep sense of belonging. Universal design provides a strong foundation by removing barriers before they arise. Elements like touchless entryways, adjustable-height workstations, intuitive wayfinding, and all-gender restrooms make spaces more functional and welcoming for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background.

But true inclusivity goes further than accessibility. It also means being culturally responsive. Do lighting levels support neurodiverse individuals? Are materials and finishes chosen with a variety of sensory needs in mind? Do communal spaces reflect the values, rituals, and identities of the people who use them?

The most successful environments create a balance—offering shared experiences that connect people, while also leaving room for individual expression. When spaces reflect the richness and diversity of those who inhabit them, they do more than function well. They say, clearly and powerfully: You belong here.

What We’re Really Designing For

Inclusive design isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about shaping culture. When physical space supports psychological safety, mutual hospitality, and cultural expression, it becomes more than a backdrop. It becomes a catalyst for connection, creativity, and belonging.

When people feel truly valued—not just included—they’re more likely to engage, contribute, and thrive. Inclusive environments create space for respect to flow in all directions, giving everyone the confidence to show up as their full selves.

That’s not just good design. That’s smart business.

The post Building Inclusion Into the Blueprint: A Design Guide for Today’s Workplace appeared first on Work Design Magazine.

Today, 88% of Baby Boomers remain engaged in full-time, part-time, or temporary employment—a sign that the “Silver Tsunami” is well underway. As more older adults postpone retirement, workplaces are being reshaped for inclusive performance. While some aspects of workplace design have begun to adapt, many environments have yet to evolve to fully support the wide range of physical needs, cognitive preferences, and work rhythms present in the office today. 

Designing an office that supports a broader age spectrum isn’t just about accessibility—it’s about listening to all employee preferences and striking the right balance to suit their diversity. The modern workplace must be intuitive and welcoming for employees across generations and roles, with attention to comfort, clarity, and connection. That means rethinking everything from lighting and acoustics to signage, materials, and layout.

Forward-thinking design and architecture firms are already leading the way. By creating behavior-driven, multigenerational environments that account for different sensory needs, varying digital fluencies, and diverse work preferences, they’re making the office a better place.

Lisa Lombardy, Studio Creative Director, Managing Associate from TPG Architecture, Carolina Madrigal, SEGD, Creative Director, from brandx, HLW’s brand experience specialty studio, and Erin McDannald, CEO of Elevated, share more below. 

WDM: What challenges do older workers face in the modern office, and how can design be used to address them?

Lisa Lombardy, TPG Architecture: Communication styles for older generations tend to be more traditional, like calling someone on the phone or getting up to have a face-to-face conversation, rather than using digital platforms such as Teams, Zoom, etc. 

Design can address these items by creating spaces that encourage and enhance conversations. These spaces can be private, semi-private, or open, as long as they are different types of settings. Including representatives from different age groups and backgrounds during the planning and programming phases ensures that diverse needs are heard. These advocates can help educate teams on how colleagues may prefer to communicate, helping to build mutual understanding.

Technology use can sometimes be difficult to navigate, especially if it is complex. This can lead to frustration for everyone, potentially reducing overall efficiency.

Design can address this by creating a unified platform across all meeting spaces, formal and informal, with technology that is consistent and easy to use. Simplifying the experience makes it more universal and less complex for all generations. However, creating various types of spaces with technology integration is important; this includes traditional meeting rooms, lounge meeting spaces, booths, phone rooms, etc., ensuring the office remains flexible and functional for everyone.

Work-life balance can also be a challenge for the older generation because they sometimes see it as a lack of commitment, ambition, or a preference for regular remote work.

Design can address this by creating cohesive spaces that consider the needs of all generations. As designers, we have to step into our clients’ shoes and understand not just how they work today, but how their teams aspire to work in the future. That means designing environments that acknowledge generational preferences while encouraging new ways of thinking and working. These spaces won’t be used in the same way by everyone, but they send a powerful message: everyone belongs, and everyone has what they need to perform at their best.

Erin McDannald, Elevated: Even well-designed offices are often keyed toward what works best for younger brains, but the aging brain has very different needs. Sensory processing speeds decline naturally as you age, which makes it harder to concentrate with background noise, for example, whereas younger workers are more productive with some level of office “buzz” (60-80 decibels). 

Typical circadian lighting, which tunes to the color of sunlight throughout the day, begins to shift from cool to warm in the early afternoon––but when that lighting is artificial, constant changes in color temperature are stressful and cortisol-inducing for aging brains. This can actually exacerbate the body’s natural energy low point during that time for older workers. Age-inclusive design strategies and AI-integrated environmental controls can help address these challenges.

WDM: How do you ensure wayfinding and circulation paths are intuitive for employees of all ages?

Lisa Lombardy, TPG Architecture: A clear and concise plan in conjunction with a graphics/branding program and/or architecture can effectively guide users through a space. Planning is an integral part of design, no matter the scale of the project. It is important that there is a clean circulation path; however, this is not always the case. Therefore, using materiality, signage, and architectural elements can be used strategically to help identify and highlight key spaces.

Carolina Madrigal, HLW’s brandx: brandx, HLW’s brand experience studio, takes a high-tech, low-touch approach to wayfinding and signage that favors clarity over complexity. While technology can be a powerful tool, we’ve found that intuitive navigation usually starts with the physical environment. That’s why we use tactile materials, high-contrast signage, and visual landmarks, like color moments or artwork, that help people find their way easily and naturally.

Some people prefer digital maps or interactive tools, while others prefer quick visual cues. Because people navigate spaces in different ways, our job is to make sure both options work seamlessly, so everyone can move through a space without having to think about it. 

WDM: What role do environmental conditions such as air quality or lighting play in supporting cognitive and emotional well-being, particularly for aging populations? How can smart environmental controls be used to reduce falls for older adults?

Erin McDannald, Elevated: Research shows that environmental factors such as poor air quality, flickering or unnatural overhead lighting, and high-stress work cultures can trigger the body’s inflammatory response system, which increases the risk of chronic disease and can worsen certain health conditions. In the U.S., we spend 90% of our time indoors, and historically more of that time was spent at work than at home, so limiting the exposure to these triggers at the office is essential for long-term health––especially for those remaining in the workforce longer. 

Cognitive focus tends to decline when CO2 levels in the air exceed 600 ppm, for example, so when this threshold is detected, AI-integrated controls respond dynamically to queue up fresh air where it’s needed––whereas traditional smart building systems rely on schedules or basic occupancy sensors. AI can also learn from business-specific patterns, like if a particular conference room always reaches the 600 ppm threshold on a certain day/time and prepare the room accordingly. 

When it comes to lighting, reducing the intensity (50%) rather than the color temperature (4000K) can help older brains sustain focus and stave off that natural, early-afternoon tiredness.

Lisa Lombardy, TPG Architecture: This may be one of the most important aspects of a space. While priorities vary among the generations, comfort at all levels is important. Being too cold, too hot, too bright, or too dark can impact a person’s performance. Therefore, it’s crucial to collaborate closely with our partners, MEP and lighting consultants, to design spaces that advocate for all generations in the workforce. Energy efficiency, zoning, addressing ventilation, and proper maintenance schedules or smart systems can help support this. Lighting also plays a significant role, maximizing daylight, using solar shades and positioning furniture can enhance the well-being of the staff. Whenever possible, incorporating dimmable lighting along with ambient and accent options creates flexibility throughout the space, giving different generations the choice of where and how they want to work.

WDM: What types of interactive A/V spaces are proving most successful in supporting engagement among remote or hybrid teams, especially when considering the varying comfort levels and needs of different age groups?

Erin McDannald, Elevated: Regardless of where an employee is logging in from, it’s important that AV is used strategically to ensure they feel connected to in-office experiences to enhance productivity and the larger sense of belonging. Most often, the set-up is intended to make it appear as though everyone’s seated at the same height, but that doesn’t really do much for engagement. Collaboration spaces, such as the increasingly popular “huddle room”, should be designed with built-in AV and cameras to allow workers to walk and move around, so that they’re not forced to remain sedentary during meetings. Projection mapping can also be used to make spaces more immersive and interactive. 

Carolina Madrigal, HLW’s brandx: The most successful A/V spaces are designed to support connection, not just function. We ensure these environments feel intentional and inclusive for everyone, whether they’re in the room or dialing in from across the world.

This means thinking beyond the technology, like applying glass film to reduce background distractions, arranging seating so everyone is visible on camera, and using branded graphics or backdrops to give the space a clear identity. These details help everyone feel present and connected, no matter where they are joining from or how comfortable they are with tech.

WDM: How do you balance tech-forward environments with accessibility for employees who may not be digitally fluent?

Carolina Madrigal, HLW’s brandx: We don’t see it as a balance; it’s about giving people options. Everyone uses technology differently, so we design environments that support that. In one office project, we created a wall graphic that looked great on its own, but also included QR codes for those who wanted a more digital interaction.

By offering both analog and digital features, we create environments where everyone can navigate at their own pace, in the way that works best for them. It’s not about making things easier or more advanced; it’s about designing spaces that are flexible, intuitive, and easy to navigate in different ways.

Erin McDannald, Elevated: The user interface needs to look as much like the physical environment as possible. With desk booking, for example, if your selection or assignment is nothing but a number, getting to your seat isn’t going to be very intuitive. Autonomy is an important aspect of accessibility, so 3D “you are here” maps can help make that experience easier for anyone to navigate.        

AI-integrated controls largely work in the background, so there’s very little learning curve operationally speaking. Even for facilities managers, Elevated is designed to run with the same access to infrastructure as a traditional building management system, which many organizations are already using today. Automation removes the guesswork of aggregated modeling, so the platform is actually easier to use, rather than more digitally complex.

WDM: How can storytelling or art be used to support a multigenerational design strategy?

Carolina Madrigal, HLW’s brandx: Storytelling is how we share a company’s history, culture, and values. Art helps tell that story and lets people of all ages connect with it, no matter their generation. At Lord Abbett’s headquarters, a recent project, the design honors the company’s past. One special part is art made from old company ledgers, documents, and history. These pieces give everyone, no matter their age, something interesting to see and connect with. In other projects, we’ve designed plant walls and photo displays that allow people to take a visual break away from screens. By mixing storytelling with interactive art, we create spaces that feel welcoming and meaningful for everyone, whether they’re new or have worked there for a long time.

Lisa Lombardy, TPG Architecture: Storytelling and art can support multigenerational design by embracing centuries of history that can speak to the different generations. Storytelling through branding and graphics can educate younger employees about the company’s foundations, goals, and mission. Art can also do the same, but in a more cultural and personal way. Because art speaks to people in different ways,  positively, negatively, or with no feeling at all, displaying art in an office environment is critical. Analyzing and selecting the right pieces are all part of how a space comes together and creates a harmonious design that can be appreciated by all generations.

Designing for today’s workforce means designing for everyone, not just one generation. As the workplace continues to evolve, the most successful spaces will be those that embrace diversity in age, ability, and experience. By considering the unique needs of older employees alongside those of younger team members, we move closer to creating offices that are not only functional but truly inclusive. Multigenerational design isn’t a trend; it’s a long-term strategy rooted in empathy, equity, and the belief that everyone deserves a space where they can thrive. 

The post Workers Are Retiring Later: Is the Office Ready for the Silver Tsunami? appeared first on Work Design Magazine.

The four-day workweek isn’t a brand-new idea, but it has gained some serious momentum in recent times. For years, the five-day, 40-hour schedule was simply the default, rarely questioned and widely accepted as the cost of doing business. But times are changing, expectations are shifting. And more people are starting to question whether we really need five full days to do great work.

We’ve seen the studies. We’ve watched major companies take the leap and test the model. And the results? Teams are happier, more focused, and just as productive. But we kept coming back to one question: could this actually work for us?

We think it can. Because we’ve tried it at Work Design, and it’s working. 

The Reality is Simple: The Old Model isn’t Working Anymore.

Let’s be honest – the two-day weekend doesn’t cut it anymore.

More and more people are feeling stretched thin, and many people are losing motivation for jobs they once genuinely enjoyed. The days feel longer, attention spans are shorter, and the usual two-day weekend just isn’t sufficing anymore. Forty hours of mental output can’t be undone by a quick Saturday-Sunday reset anymore. That’s where the four-day workweek comes in, not as a perk or vacation, but as a real solution. 

And this shift isn’t just wishful thinking. In 2022, the United Kingdom conducted a study to test the shorter week. One year later, 54 of the original 61 companies (89%) chose to continue with the model. Even more telling: 82% of the surveyed companies reported positive impacts on staff well-being. These studies show that reducing our workweek isn’t out of reach anymore, it’s a strategy with long-lasting benefits. 

From Reporting to Doing

Work Design had been covering 4-day workweek for years, so this wasn’t new for us either. When the chance came to try it within our own company, we jumped at the chance, beginning with a small-scale test involving two employees. The idea was met with immediate enthusiasm, both from those participating and the rest of the team supporting the shift.

We also didn’t go in blind. We leaned on the experience of people we trust, like our Circularity Editor, Cynthia Milota, who’s written extensively on the topic, and other industry experts with first-hand knowledge. Their insights helped us avoid some of the common missteps to make sure we were building something thoughtful, not just trendy.

Getting Started

The first week was a little bumpy and our team actually had to push the launch back by a week. But once we got into it, things began to click. 

While not everyone had the luxury of experiencing the transition to the 4-day workweek, everyone felt the benefits. Publisher, Michelle Weiss stayed available all five days but found unexpected benefits. The extra day without internal meetings offered uninterrupted time for focused work and provided “a dedicated no-internal meeting day that allowed for focused work and opportunity to invest in upskilling,” she explained. That kind of space is rare and powerful.

What’s Actually Working

Since implementing the four-day workweek, team members have reported noticeable shifts not just in how they work, but how they feel about their work. While not all workflows changed, the mindset around work did. With the compressed week, more team members focused on time management and became more aware of how they used their time. Meetings got more intentional. People got better at prioritizing. And even though the structure didn’t drastically change their jobs, it changed their mindset. 

What We’re Gaining

One of the clearest benefits was improved productivity, a strong sense of personal control over time, and reduced burnout. 

Project Management Lead, Katie Sargent, who has been with Work Design for more than 5 years, says she feels “less scattered and pulled in multiple directions.” Structuring her week by theme, calls on Monday, focused work midweek, and project collaboration later, has helped her prioritise more effectively and “allow [her] full attention to be on work.” She also mentioned a huge emotional shift: “I no longer feel the ‘Sunday scaries’ and am energized at the beginning of the week.” Just as importantly, she feels that her company is “prioritizing [her] health and well-being outside of the office.” 

For Emily Ambery, in editorial, the time crunch of a shorter week was actually motivating. She felt that the shorter week made her more organized and forward-thinking. It pushed her to plan ahead and be more thoughtful. She found herself able to “dedicate more time and care” to all her projects. 

More Than Just a Schedule Change

What stood out in both interviews wasn’t just better productivity, it was trust and a deeper connection to the work and people behind it. 

Emily expressed how the new structure brought a sense of shared accountability: “We all held each other accountable for getting deliverables and projects done in the four days,” and noted that the move demonstrated a real commitment to trust in the company culture. 

That trust and flexibility also led to stronger human connections. Katie noted that she actually feels more connected to the company now than she did before the shift. “We share stories of what we’re doing over the weekend and support each other outside of the office,” she said.“ I find myself speaking about the company more than ever before.”

This all points to something bigger: employee experience. Emily described a great work experience as “an environment where you feel supported and empowered to do your job and help with projects that are important for the company and you.” She added after that because of Work Design’s structure and workflow, the four-day week felt like a natural fit. And once it was in place, it worked.

This aligns with Cynthia Milota’s insights in her article on employee experience, where she emphasizes that how employees feel at work matters more than how many hours they’re there. In fact, research shows that a high-quality work experience has more than 2.5 to 3 times more impact on performance than just reducing hours. Redesigning the experience of work, creating space for autonomy, purpose, and mutual accountability, can be just as powerful as changing the schedule itself. The real win isn’t simply time off, it’s creating a better way to work altogether. One built on trust, autonomy, and space for people to thrive.

How We Did It

Here are some best practices from our experience.

1. Developed complete alignment with the goal and set metrics to ensure no loss in productivity and to prevent burnout.
2. We chose our model from the following:
   • Compressed (4 x 10 hours): Slightly longer hours, fewer days. [we chose this one]
   • Reduced hours (4 x 8 hours or less): True reduction in hours with maintained or increased productivity.
   • Flexible model: Different teams or individuals choose which day off.
3. Involved employees in the design; Specifically selecting Fridays to be the day off, determining a shared schedule for coverage on Fridays, how would would handle holiday weeks, method for communicating this switch, revising weekly reports and establishing checkins. Coverage went beyond checking a dedicated email throughout the day and included escalation protocols and a small amount of additional cross-functional training.
4. Captured the details of the plan in an HR compliance document with individual sign-off in advance being required from all participating employees.
5. Ran a 90-day pilot filled with plenty of options for formal and informal feedback.
6. Celebrated the success and shared stories of what the experience meant to each of us. Finally, we wrote this article!

That’s exactly what the four-day week is helping us do. Who is joining us? 

Resources

FMLink. (Accessed July 2025), “Can Employee Experience Solve the Workweek Dilemma?” Retrieved from: https://www.fmlink.com/can-employee-experience-solve-workweek-dilemma/

Autonomy. (February 2024), “Making It Stick: Lessons from Companies Implementing a Four-Day Week,” Retrieved from: https://autonomy.work/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/making-it-stick_-1.pdf

Work Design Magazine. (July 2025), “Is a 4-Day Workweek the Inevitable Future of Work,” Retrieved from: https://www.workdesign.com/2025/07/is-a-4-day-workweek-the-inevitable-future-of-work/

Work Design Magazine. (December 2021), “What Impact Would the 4-Day Workweek Have on Commercial Real Estate,” Retrieved from: https://www.workdesign.com/2021/12/what-impact-would-the-4-day-workweek-have-on-commercial-real-estate

The post The Four Day Workweek: Less Time, Better Work appeared first on Work Design Magazine.

Our Circular Economy Editor, Cynthia Milota, recently connected with three circular economy leaders at the Circularity conference in Denver. Emily Freeman, Policy Advisor, Circular Economy at the City of Boulder; Laurie Johnson, Founder and CEO of Circular Colorado and Liz Chapman, PhD, former Executive Director of Recycle Colorado. 

WDM: First, share a bit about how your background, education, and experience shaped your work and perspective.

Emily Freeman: In looking back on what influenced my life and career, living and working for three years in Japan was pivotal – in how the country managed its waste, values materials, and uses innovative construction techniques that make buildings not only earthquake resistant but also easier to deconstruct into pieces. My time in Japan also gave me the confidence to succeed in challenging environments.

Listen to Emily: Circular Economy and Sustainable Deconstruction: A Unique Approach at the City of Boulder

Laurie Johnson: As the founder and CEO of Circular Colorado and the Director of Colorado’s new Circular Economy Development Center, my mission is to establish CO as a leader in developing circular economy solutions.  My early career experience turning around an underperforming YMCA taught me that this work is community based, whether the community is local or global.

Listen to Laurie: Circular Colorado & Brave Industries are Revolutionizing Recycling

Liz Chapman: I am a life-long educator that enjoys learning with others in a variety of contexts. My skills and experience make me adept at facilitating diverse perspectives when brokering solutions. I am doing what I can to minimize my negative impact and maximize my contributions to building a sustainable world. I strive to help others to do the same.

Listen to Liz: Sustainability in Progress: Waste and Recycling in Colorado 

WDM: Tell us about your work and passion in the circular economy space.

Emily Freeman: Boulder’s deconstruction ordinance has been in effect since July 1, 2020, and requires all residential and commercial buildings to divert 75% of materials by weight, for reuse and recycling and must include three or more different material types. There is a refundable deposit of $1 per square foot, with a minimum of $1,500 for all buildings. 

To date, Boulder has diverted 73,596 tons – or the equivalent of 83% of building materials from the landfill.

This highlights how effective, a forward-thinking policy coupled with strong-end markets can drive the building and deconstruction industry to efficiently managed materials and dramatically reduce landfill rates.

Liz Chapman: In my early career I was an outdoor educator, fostering a sense of stewardship for the environment. I was also an adjunct faculty member at a community college, before I embarked on a series of advisory and executive director roles. My PhD “Talking Trash: Bringing Research into Action while Reducing Household Waste,” explored “how transforming consumer attitudes towards waste is a vital piece of sustainable waste management.”  Exploring the term “catalyzing stewardship” we can describe how participants engaged others in waste reduction. 

In other parts of the world, there is not so much land. Until “waste is in your face” you don’t deal with it.

We have to create positive associations with waste materials, employing “sticks with incentives” to get people in CO, “the land with so much land,” to change their behaviors in relation to waste. A sense of personal responsibility is lacking in the western industrialized world where someone else can deal with it.

WDM: Share with our audience how they can use your lessons learned to build strategies for their organizations.

Laurie Johnson: Approach all projects from the business case perspective. Projects have to pencil, and if there’s a circular economy aspect that’s a bonus to the community.  Efficiencies are created when systems reach critical mass. 

At the Circularity 25 conference workshop, we outlined a roadmap to build a circular ecosystem which includes:

• Explore the challenge
• Identify the gaps
• Develop the strategy
• Organize the players
• Execute the solution
• Manage the process to completion.

Circular Colorado serves as the ringleader, securing dedicated funding and establishing targets and deadlines while publicly sharing progress.

Emily Freeman: The U.S. has become entrenched and fascinated with the rawness of demolitions – seeing a building crushed or imploded fascinates everyone from my five-year old to his grandparents. While demolitions quickly remove a building for redevelopment, they disregard the enormous amount of natural resources and carbon intensity of transporting and manufacturing them into building components. To transition away from this linear economy and make deconstruction the norm, there needs to be a combination of:

• Policy
• Workforce development
• Supportive economic drivers such as deductions using the IRS tax code and 501(c)3 non-profits to accept the building materials
• Practical, logistical solutions such as storage and utilizing technology to prepare and get salvaged items back to market.

This sounds like a lot, but we are thinking about this systemically, and most of these components are there to various degrees. 

It’s a matter of mainstreaming them showing other municipalities and private entities deconstructions value to meeting their climate goals.

WDM: Colorado has become a leader in developing circular economy initiatives. Share with our readers some of your most effective programs.

Liz Chapman: As a member of the Colorado Producer Responsibility Advisory Board, the group advises on the state’s new program which requires producers to fund and manage the end-of-life of their packaging and paper products, shifting the responsibility from local governments and taxpayers to the producers themselves. 

As of March 2025, five states, California, Colorado, Maine, Minnesota and Oregon have enacted Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws for packaging. In Colorado, this legislation will expand access to convenient recycling services, increase recycling rates, standardize a list of readily recyclable materials, support and contribute to the circular economy resulting in new jobs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 1.2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (equivalent to 247,000 car’s worth) annually by 2035. Bonus Resource: Recycling for all Coloradans.

Emily Freeman: Deconstruction and reuse are the cheapest ways to drastically lower the embodied carbon, plus it uses materials that are already made and are tariff-free. 

Salvage lumber, referred to as used sawn lumber in the industry, presents a unique policy opportunity to preserve and save forests. In Colorado, on average 55 to 60 virgin trees or put another way, 1.5 acres of forest must be clear-cut for each new home – imagine if we could lower these numbers by utilizing lumber that had already been harvested? Oregon and Washington have passed statewide legislation defining and allowing the reuse of salvaged lumber. In Boulder and through-out Colorado, we are looking to mirror this language and create a pathway for lumber from deconstructed buildings to be re-incorporated. Without this policy, there are roadblocks both for developers, designers and architects who may shy away from salvaged lumber because the building code and legislation haven’t created a clear path for this reuse, therefore, technological solutions are slower to launch because the market isn’t yet ripe.

I believe policy can play a major role in jumpstarting incentives reuse and creating pathways in which deconstructed materials can become circular building materials.

Laurie Johnson: Circular Colorado, working together with three other agencies, the Colorado Circular Communities Enterprise, the Circular Transportation network and the Circular Economy Development Center are creating a supportive ecosystem for circular businesses. 

PRETRED uses waste tires to manufacture recycled rubber road barriers.

TERSUS SOLUTIONS uses liquid CO2 based waterless cleaning technology in textile reclamation and resale logistics services in the recommerce, down cycling, and fire/military/PPE industries.

WDM: Any final thoughts to share with our readers about circularity.

Laurie Johnson: When working with young people, seeing is believing. We think that a field trip to a MRF (materials recycling center) or a waste water treatment plant should be required for all high school students. The visual of where that stuff you put in the trash ends up…is powerful.

Emily Freeman: I encourage readers to engage with your local government, city council, green building guilds and councils to find out what actions they are invested in and could use your support. Policy does not have to be punitive. Policy can be a way to drive innovation while providing environmental, economic and social benefits to your community.

Liz Chapman: People generally believe in the value of material capture and conservation. However, there is often a chasm that separates various points of view. But there is always one common interest. We need to find those commonalities and build a bridge in order to move forward.

Ready to Learn More?

Read Dr. Chapman’s publications:

• Talking Trash: Bringing Research into Action while Reducing Household Waste
• City of Aspen Single Use bag study – Journal of Sustainability Education
• Increasing Public Participation in Municipal Solid Waste Reduction (MSW)- Geographic Bulletin

The post Meet Three Women Shaping Colorado’s Sustainable Future appeared first on Work Design Magazine.

• Cities are converting vacant offices into coliving spaces to address rising housing costs and underused buildings.
• Coliving designs cut construction costs up to 35% and triple unit density using shared kitchens, bathrooms, and lounges.
• Flexible leases and built-in community appeal to diverse tenants, but zoning laws and skepticism still pose challenges.

Originally published on Allwork.space

Many high-rise buildings in the U.S. are still underutilized after the pandemic. At the same time, rising housing costs have placed pressure on municipalities to deliver more affordable living options.

In what may seem like the obvious and ideal solution, more and more urban planners and developers are exploring coliving apartments as a practical way to repurpose these vacant buildings while addressing housing needs.

The post Vacant Offices Get New Life As Cities Bet Big On Coliving appeared first on Work Design Magazine.

We can take a page from the user experience handbook and curate personalized moments and events. In May 2025, Airbnb launched an update that transformed its room booking tool into a platform for experiences and services. This enables travelers to book pre-vetted chef curated meals, yoga sessions, art walks, and even access exclusive events at festivals like Lollapalooza. This transition from logistics to lifestyle offers a potential model for workplace design. 

We can reframe the workplace not only as a place to spend the 9-5, but as a place to engage with daily. 

A redesigned app that makes it easy to book homes, services, and experiences—all in one place. Image Courtesy of Airbnb

The Space Shift to Service

This evolution aligns with shifting generational values, especially for Gen Z. According to a 2025 study on generational travel styles, Gen Z prioritizes connection, uniqueness, and emotion over predictability or luxury. And their behavior in the workplace reflects the same preferences they bring to how they travel, shop, and learn. 

By seeking moments that feel authentic and memorable, Gen Z reveals what the next workplace should be. Imagine translating that mindset into the workplace:

• A barista led latte art workshop during a low-energy Tuesday. 
• A pop-up kombucha tasting by a local brewer. 
• Community accessible lunch lectures with visiting creatives, entrepreneurs, or community leaders 
• Curated team-building off-site goal framework workshops. 
• A Chef’s Table lunch series where seats feel as exclusive as restaurant reservations 

These micro-experiences move beyond amenities. This is not just hospitality programming either, it’s a UX strategy, a digital and physical ecosystem designed to offer value per visit and build culture through participation. More than just place-making, this is moment-making.

These aren’t distractions, they’re how trust and belonging are created, defining workplace culture.  

Dopamine Design Boost

As Don Norman shares in Emotional Design, positive emotion enhances performance and creativity. Meanwhile, neuroscience tells us that dopamine spikes not when a reward is received, but when it’s anticipated. This is where workplace platforms can take a cue from consumer tech. Companies like Airbnb, Duolingo, and Instagram build addictive UX by combining personalization, anticipation, surprise, and reward. 

A future-ready workplace platform could operate similarly. Rather than logging in to check a floor plan, employees could browse a daily feed of experiences tailored to their role or team. If everyday office life included surprise elements like “drop-in” workshops, daily technology demos, or spontaneous pop-up shops, engagement develops as a habit, not an obligation. 

Workplace App Notifications might include: 

• Daily invitations to RSVP for experiential moments 
• A “cultural feed” layered into the desk and meeting room booking app 
• Filters to explore team-building ideas, wellness, or peer-led skill shares 
• Personalization based on department, project or past participation. 

From Amenity to Activation

Physical space still matters. Welcoming lounges and quality coffee aren’t going anywhere, but without programming, the spaces remain passive. What drives engagement is activation. This activation layer doesn’t require a big budget but thoughtful curation. It means designing moments that are intentional and attention worthy. This could mean hiring the equivalent of a Front of House concierge, someone who curates playlists and sends personal invitations, just as a boutique hotel would host their guests.  

Shifting to an Experience Platform

Think like an app designer: How can the office offer layers of engagement beyond physical space? Connect to emotions and create anticipation.  

Design for awe and discovery: Treat the workplace as a venue and create a program of rotating experiences that build shared ritual. 

Curate digital and physical experiences, not just amenities: Allow employees to browse, book, and share experiences with the same ease they would use a lifestyle app. 

Measure meaning, not just metrics: Track repeat participation, peer referrals, and post-event feedback as indicators of cultural traction. 

Design for participation, not just presence: Use UX and behavioral psychology to design interfaces that generate daily engagement. 

As expectations around the workplace continue to change so are the strategies used to shape them. The future workplace isn’t only about how we work. It’s about how we feel while working and what motivates us to return to the office. Airbnb recognized that an authentic experience was the real product. Much like Airbnb understood the future of travel isn’t just about beds, workplaces need to see that the future isn’t just about desks.  

The post Booking Belonging: What Workplaces Can Learn from Airbnb’s Experience Update appeared first on Work Design Magazine.

It’s the physical manifestation of who you are as a company. A place where culture, brand, and operational excellence are made tangible. Often, that impression is formed in the first five minutes. Yet visitor experiences in most workplaces remain transactional at best, and frustrating at worst. A guest arrives. They queue to check in. They fill out redundant forms. They’re directed to an unmanned reception desk or handed a generic paper badge. And all this happens just steps away from a lobby adorned with awards for “Best Places to Work.”

It doesn’t add up.

If your company is investing in high-end spaces, workplace apps, and employer brand strategy, but guests are still fumbling for Wi-Fi or being bounced between sign-in desks and typing their name and email address into systems over and over – it’s time to borrow a playbook from another industry.

It’s time to start thinking like hospitality professionals.

What the Office Can Learn from Hotels

Hotels have long understood that a guest’s perception of service starts before they ever reach the front desk. Clear signage. Seamless check-in. Warm, anticipatory service. These are standard in hospitality and increasingly expected in the workplace.

Now more than ever, your front-of-house experience needs to communicate more than just security. It needs to say: “We’re ready for you.”

But readiness takes more than tech. It requires experience design, systems integration, and a clear owner of the end-to-end guest journey. The most successful workplaces today are blending workplace experience, facilities, IT, and branding teams to reimagine their spaces not just as places to work, but as platforms to engage with employees and guests alike.

Designing for the Real Journey (Not the Ideal One)

Too often, visitor experience systems are implemented in isolation. Technically their deployments are sound but operationally, they too often drive a wedge in overall experience.

One recent real-world example: A sleek new visitor check-in kiosk was installed in a major office building. The interface was intuitive. The badge printer worked. But due to building restrictions, there was a single sign-in kiosk was placed 30 feet away from the reception desk with no signage. Guests would walk to the desk first (naturally), only to be redirected, queue at the kiosk, then return to show their ID and get the badge to finish check-in process. Only then was a phone call made to the host that their guests were in the lobby. The result? Bottlenecks at the reception desk, confusion about who needs to go where and do what, and overall, a poor first impression.

This isn’t a hardware, software or building issue. It’s a hospitality one.

Real hospitality design considers instinct. It anticipates behavior. It removes friction before it happens.

Eat Your Own Dogfood: The Mystery Shopper Test

One of the most powerful tools in identifying gaps is also the simplest: be a visitor in your own workplace.

Inspired by the concept of “eating your own dogfood” in software development, this approach borrows from the mystery shopper techniques used in retail and hospitality.

Next time you visit one of your sites:

• Arrive unannounced.
• Try the end-to-end guest registration and access flow.
• Navigate the space like a first-time visitor.
• Join a meeting as if it were your first day on the job.

Better yet, bring a small group and watch what happens. See where they get stuck. Observe who they ask for help. Count how many touchpoints and elapsed time it takes to get from the curbside to a sitting with a colleague.

You’ll often discover that the systems involved “work” in isolation, but the process breaks down in practice due to signage gaps, data inconsistencies, or poor integration across systems and owners.

These pain points don’t show up on project plans. They show up in real life.

Tech that Feels Human

Modern workplaces have the tools to transform guest experience. Tech-enabled visitor management systems, mobile pre-check-in, visitor kiosks and AI-enabled signage can all remove friction and increase personalization. But they only succeed when used in the service of the end-to-end guest experience, not just the individual system owner.

The goal isn’t just efficiency. It’s to make someone feel welcomed, confident, and cared for. Just like a great hotel does.

When integrated well, technology becomes invisible. The space just “works.” And guests leave remembering how they felt, not how your process worked.

Final Thought: Who Owns the First Impression?

Hospitality in the workplace isn’t about handing out water bottles and calling it service. It’s about architecting an experience from end to end and to do that successfully, you need to make sure someone owns that experience fully.

In most organizations, visitor management is fragmented across security, facilities, IT, and HR. The result? No one is accountable for how the entire journey feels.

That’s where forward-thinking workplace leaders have a chance to make a real impact.

Because in a world where employees come to the office by choice and visitors are often encountering your brand in person for the first time, the quality of that experience matters more than ever.

Don’t wait for feedback.

Be the guest.

And (re)design from there.

Images courtesy of Accenture.

The post The First Five Minutes: Why Visitor Experience Needs a Redesign appeared first on Work Design Magazine.