Over the past five years, office design conversations have centered on bringing employees back to the workplace. As we move into 2025, the focus has shifted from simply encouraging in-office attendance to creating spaces that support a more equitable and healthy approach to work. For many, the daily routine of commuting to an office has long been the norm. While the workplace fosters collaboration and creativity, it can also feel like an uninspiring 9-to-5 obligation. Designers have the power to redefine this experience, transforming offices into environments that cater to diverse needs and enhance well-being.
The notion of “returning to the office” has, for some, become outdated. The rise of the “anywhere, anyhow, anytime office” underscores the newfound freedom to work in ways that best suit individuals. While many have always sensed a need for change, few realized that office design could be completely reimagined.
Some argue that an ideal office is unnecessary, given that work can be performed anywhere. However, the key to an effective workspace lies in accommodating employees’ diverse spatial needs, cultural contexts, and human vulnerabilities without swinging the pendulum to just one direction. With this in mind, three key concepts should guide the conversation on healthier workspaces: Neurodiversity, Proxemics, and Harmony.
Indeed’s Austin HQ exemplifies how these principles come to life, offering a dynamic and inclusive design that redefines what a workplace can be. Spanning ten levels, the space uses creative wayfinding strategies and connectors to unify work and play. Within this vibrant ecosystem, the space adapts to its users, resulting in a workplace that not only supports productivity but also nurtures well-being and inclusion, allowing employees to thrive in individual ways.
People Experience Space in Different Ways
We are all different, and more than ever, designers must acknowledge how individuals experience space through their distinct physical and emotional traits. According to Harvard Health Publishing, “Neurodiversity describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways; there is no one ‘right’ way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits.” Unfortunately, most workplaces are designed for neurotypical individuals, forcing neurodivergent employees to conform rather than allowing the space to adapt to them.
Have we considered how architecture itself can impact performance rather than the so-called “condition” of neurodiverse individuals? Have we created offices that genuinely make employees feel included, safe, and empowered?
Imagine your home—your personal space where you feel comfortable, set boundaries, and control sensory input. Many love working from home because it aligns with their needs. If offices were designed with the same level of personalization, employees might find them just as enjoyable.
Balancing workplace design with hybrid work options calls for a shift in perspective. Instead of viewing the office as a mandatory space, we should design it as a thriving work tool. Some research-based strategies to support neurodiverse employees include:
- Flexible, adaptable rooms that expand and contract for different needs
- Clear pathways and accessible areas for ease of navigation
- Visual communication aids for wayfinding through color, signage and texture
- Ergonomic, flexible furniture that allows movement and comfort
- Environmental choices for decompression and variety
- Biophilic elements to foster a connection with nature
- Spaces with varying levels of stimulation, lighting, noise, and temperature control
- Thoughtful use of textures, scales, and olfactory elements to enhance the experience
As research advances, more strategies will emerge to create offices that support neurodiversity—making workplaces more inclusive, forward-thinking, and conducive to success.
Proxemics in the Workplace
A global workforce brings diverse cultural expectations regarding personal space. Proxemics, or the study of spatial behavior, plays a crucial role in workplace design. Personal distances vary across cultures, typically categorized as Public (12–25 ft), Social (4–12 ft), Personal (1.5–4 ft), and Intimate (0–1.5 ft).
Understanding these differences allows designers to create adaptable spaces that respect employees’ comfort levels while promoting collaboration. Proxemics informs the placement of private offices, communal areas, and reflection spaces, ensuring a balance between personal boundaries and workplace interaction.
A truly global office should be nimble and accessible, offering modular layouts that cater to different spatial preferences. By designing diverse zones for solo work, small discussions, and large gatherings, employees gain the freedom to choose their ideal level of engagement.
Harmony in the Office
Just as music relies on a balance of tones, rhythms, and silence to create harmony, a well-designed workplace orchestrates space, culture, and interaction to foster well-being. Architecture is often described as “frozen music,” and when thoughtfully applied, it aligns individual goals, values, and social dynamics to create a balanced, human-centric workplace. Much like the profound effects of music, architecture has the power to resonate deeply, evoking a wide range of emotions. Rigid, uniform office layouts stifle energy and creativity, whereas fluid and dynamic spaces enhance happiness, productivity, talent retention, and workplace culture. Agile environments that support movement, choice, and trust create an atmosphere of respect and inclusion.
Humans naturally seek connection and belonging. Offices that embrace individuality foster a sense of harmony, making employees feel valued and engaged. A harmonious workplace is not just about physical design but also about creating a culture of trust and well-being.
Thinking Ahead
Designing workplaces for the future requires a fundamental shift in perspective. Offices should evolve from static environments that employees must conform to into dynamic, inclusive spaces that cater to diverse needs. By integrating neurodiversity, proxemics, and harmony into office design, we can create environments where employees feel empowered, connected, and inspired. The workplace of the future is not just a place to work—it is a space where individuals and businesses can thrive together.
Editor’s Note: Lina Murillo, RID LEED AP BD + C, is Design Principal, Associate Principal at Perkins&Will.