As hybrid work models continue to evolve, the purpose and function of the office expands. One emerging trend is “coffee badging,” where employees commute primarily for brief social interactions over coffee. These moments, though short, are proving helpful in fostering meaningful, on-site connections and creating a lively office atmosphere.
The transition from traditional, desk-centric layouts to more dynamic, communal spaces has led companies to rethink how they design and utilize work cafés, in particular – recognizing their value beyond being just places to grab a quick bite. The research team at Ark, the multi-disciplinary strategy studio of international architecture and design firm HLW, has been using biometric data to help quantify this value and, ultimately, guide business leaders on how to most effectively design their office café spaces and reinvigorate their real estate.
Harnessing Biometric Data to Enhance Café Design
Ar Ducao, Co-Founder of Multimer, and Pete Bacevice, VP of Research and Development at Pangeam, partnered with HLW on a study of a New York office café that utilized sensor technology and in-person observation. In their research, they found that biometric devices, such as EEG (brain) and EKG (heart) trackers, provide granular insights into how physical environments affect human responses. Most importantly, the precision and objectivity that biometric data brings to workplace studies solve the limitations of traditional methods like surveys, which are subject to response bias.
Ark Research Lab explored this data, alongside traditional post-occupancy feedback and utilization studies, across several projects to understand how the different environments impact markers for employee well-being and behavior. The biometric data was key to identifying critical stress points and relaxation zones, which provides a valuable roadmap for determining how office spaces should be designed.
The Lab conducted two separate studies that proved relocating the café to a high-traffic area and introducing varied seating options led to a more relaxed atmosphere, as indicated by brainwave patterns, and increased daily usage. Observational data captured through video review identified that short, casual interactions or “connections” between employees were frequent. These connections, such as a smile or assistance in reaching a coffee cup, played a role in promoting a sense of community.
These findings provide a detailed examination of how strategic location and design draw employees into these communal areas and promote spontaneous interactions.
Work cafés, when designed with intention and supported by data, become more than just places to eat—they are valuable tools for creating a cohesive and engaged workforce. HLW’s research demonstrates that successful work cafés must excel in three key areas: drawing people in, leveling the playing field, and maintaining continuous activity.
Drawing People In
Location is a powerful tool for attracting employees to the café. A post-occupancy study for an insurance client who relocated their café from a tucked-away corner to a more central, high-traffic area revealed a significant increase in usage. Employees began using the space not just for lunch but for meetings, work, and socializing throughout the day. Designing spontaneous connection points, such as co-locating activities like morning coffee runs and breakfast preparation, can further amplify casual interactions and build community.
Leveling the Playing Field
For Gen Z, the office isn’t just a place to work—it’s a space for mentorship and growth. But if everyone is tucked away in phone booths or private offices, opportunities for learning and connection may be lost. The informal, relaxed environment of a work café can break down these barriers, fostering organic interactions that might not happen in more traditional settings.
Observational data collected during HLW’s research found that these spaces benefit a younger demographic of employees, who may feel pressure to conform to corporate norms. By providing a casual atmosphere, work cafés enable employees of all levels and generations to interact more freely and authentically.
Maintaining Continuous Activity
A successful work café never runs empty. Strategic food and beverage offerings, combined with regular events or special lunches, can keep the area active. The research team observed how different elements, like the availability of fresh coffee or snacks, influenced how people used the space and how the dynamics shifted from the lunch rush to the mid-afternoon lull. By overlaying this data onto other café designs, the team could forecast how well they might attract staff and encourage interaction.
The café’s resulting popularity highlights how specific elements of the space impact employee behavior and interactions. Furthermore, understanding employee preferences allows for the business to program events and activities that keep things fresh and exciting, such as organizing regular lunch events to bring the workplace together.
Diversity and Inclusion in Work Cafés
Biometric data provides many insights that help the designer create a more impactful user experience. However, we must not forget the individual needs that help cater to a diverse workforce. This includes considerations for accessibility, cultural preferences, and dietary needs, a finding influenced by participant responses within the employee survey that expressed a desire for more variety in meals. Additionally, providing a variety of seating arrangements that accommodate different physical needs and offering menu options that reflect the diversity of employees can make the space more welcoming.
The Ark Research Lab at HLW continues to investigate the evolving role of work cafés, providing valuable guidance for organizations aiming to create dynamic and engaging work environments. As hybrid work models become more prevalent, the insights gained from these studies will be essential for designing spaces that meet employees’ functional needs, support their well-being, and foster a cohesive community.
