Shive-Hattery‘s Michelle Jones greets 2025 workplace strategy with this Italian acronym to infuse optimism in the new year.
As we say “hello” to 2025—a new year of shifting expectations, technological advances, and economic evolution—there is no one-size-fits-all workplace design solution. The informal Italian greeting “Ciao” is a helpful acronym—and a nice burst of optimism—for navigating this constant change. How will you curate, iterate, activate, and infuse your workplaces with optimism?
Curate Culture and Space
Modern workplaces must reflect an organization’s unique culture, business objectives, and workforce diversity. This begins with curation—a thoughtful design process that fosters collaboration, flexibility, and meaningful experiences.
Smaller Footprints, Bigger Impact. One emerging trend is the move toward smaller, more efficient spaces that deliver greater emotional and functional value. Organizations are curating environments that balance branding and storytelling with universal design principles. Inclusivity remained a core focus, with designs catering to diverse abilities, languages, and cultures. Adaptive design systems prioritizing accessibility and customization align with broader societal movements toward equity.
Adaptable Office Environments. The rise of hybrid work models has necessitated adaptable office environments. Companies are moving away from traditional fixed layouts toward flexible designs that can be easily reconfigured to accommodate varying team sizes and collaborative needs. This approach includes using modular furniture and multipurpose areas to support diverse work activities.
Regional Nuances. Workplace strategies vary by region. In vibrant urban neighborhoods, mixed-use developments are thriving, with adaptive reuse projects breathing new life into aging structures. Class A properties with high-end amenities and the convenience of community-focused locations will thrive. Older, less adaptable buildings face challenges competing with these dynamic environments.
Emotional Design & Storytelling. An impactful workplace goes beyond aesthetics; it tells a story. From custom branding elements to thoughtful use of color and materials, the design should evoke an emotional connection. Employees want to feel that their workspace reflects the organization’s values, creating a sense of belonging and purpose.
Iterate with Data
Successful workplace strategies embrace iteration—testing, refining, and evolving to meet changing needs.
Data-Driven Insights. The integration of data analytics is transforming workplace strategy. Occupancy sensors, energy usage tracking, and employee surveys provide quantitative insights, but the true challenge lies in capturing qualitative data. How do employees feel about a change? What fosters their sense of connection and productivity? The “human in the loop” is essential for interpreting data and driving meaningful adjustments.
Pilots and Prototypes. Rather than implementing sweeping changes, organizations are testing new ideas through pilot projects. These allow companies to gather feedback, assess effectiveness, and pivot as needed. For example, experimenting with flexible seating arrangements or hybrid schedules provides valuable insights before committing to large-scale implementations.
Blending Strategies. Some organizations may find value in speculative suites—turnkey solutions that offer speed and predictability. Meanwhile, other clients want to invest in workplaces that embody their brand and establish a sense of place for employees. A “blender” mindset allows you to test strategies, right-size spaces, and find the best fit for each unique scenario.
Activation: Beyond Spaces, Toward Experiences
Activation is how spaces foster connection, engagement, and productivity.
Amenity Experiences. Property owners are enhancing the overall experience by offering a range of amenities to attract and retain tenants. This includes communal areas, wellness centers, dining options, and event spaces that foster community and engagement within the building. Such amenities are becoming critical differentiators in a competitive market.
Intentional Programming. Activation means planning office time with purpose. For example, “Team Tuesdays” or scheduled lunch-and-learn sessions can bring colleagues together for mentoring, ideation, and professional development. Introverts and extroverts benefit from varied programming, from casual meetups to structured learning opportunities.
“Return on Commute.” Workspaces should be places where employees can connect with leadership, access mentorship, and feel supported in their growth. Purposeful interactions foster a sense of community and belonging, amplifying the value of being on-site. Organizations must ensure a critical mass of employees during office days to achieve engagement. This requires intentional scheduling and communication, fostering anticipation and excitement about being in the workplace.
Optimistic Design
An optimistic design approach begins by listening. How do we want to work? What do we need to be effective? What makes us feel connected? Each organization’s answers will vary, but you can solve the puzzle with quantitative and qualitative data.
Workplaces can serve as bridges, fostering human connection and collaboration in ways remote work cannot. By curating meaningful spaces, activating them with purpose, and iterating for continuous improvement, organizations can create workplaces that truly resonate.
“Ciao” 2025! Curate a culture that thrives on relationships. Iterate with data to drive innovation. Activate the human side of your business with intentional efforts. Move forward with optimism as you solve the complexities of modern work. This is a time for humans to drive change and make the world a better place.
All images courtesy of Shive-Hattery.
Special Thanks to Our 2025 Trends & Predictions Supporter:
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