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The Rise of 'Workplace Hospitality': How Offices Are Adopting Hotel-Inspired Amenities
As the traditional office undergoes a radical transformation, UK businesses are increasingly taking cues from the hospitality sector to reimagine their workplaces. From curated lounge areas and on-site wellness centres to concierge-style services and artisanal cafés, a new wave of design thinking—coined 'workplace hospitality'—is reshaping the employee experience.
No longer simply a place to clock in and out, the office is becoming a destination in its own right. In a post-pandemic world marked by hybrid work and heightened expectations around wellbeing, employers are investing in hotel-inspired features to entice staff back into the physical workspace.
A New Standard in Employee Experience
Workplace hospitality is about more than aesthetics; it's a strategy rooted in creating comfort, convenience, and community. According to Gensler’s latest UK Workplace Survey, employees who work in offices with hospitality-driven features report higher levels of engagement, satisfaction, and brand connection.
Firms such as Deloitte, PwC, and Spotify have already introduced hospitality-grade amenities in their London headquarters. These include barista-run coffee bars, meditation rooms, and concierge desks that handle everything from dry cleaning to dinner reservations. It's a shift that recognises people’s changing relationship with work—and places emphasis on holistic experiences rather than rigid routines.
Designing with Purpose
Architectural and design studios are also playing a pivotal role in shaping this trend. Practices like BDG architecture + design, TP Bennett and BDP are leading the charge by designing offices that blur the lines between work, leisure, and lifestyle. Soft lighting, plush furnishings, and open-plan social zones now sit alongside traditional desks and meeting rooms.
One standout example is Unilever’s London headquarters, which incorporates a central 'living room' space complete with informal seating, calming greenery, and ambient lighting—designed to feel more like a boutique hotel than a corporate HQ.
“The idea is to create spaces where people want to be,” says one senior designer at a leading UK firm. “If we can make the workplace as comfortable and desirable as a co-working club or a high-end hotel, we can improve not just productivity, but also talent retention and wellbeing.”
Wellbeing and Work-Life Integration
Another key driver of this trend is the growing emphasis on health and wellbeing. Many workplaces are now integrating spa-style features such as aromatherapy rooms, fitness studios, nap pods, and even in-house nutritionists. Companies are increasingly aware that supporting mental and physical wellbeing is not just a perk, but a performance driver.
Moreover, concierge services—once reserved for hotel lobbies—are gaining popularity in offices across the UK. These offerings, which might include package delivery management, event booking, or travel arrangements, aim to reduce life admin and free up mental space for employees.
The Future of Work, Reimagined
Workplace hospitality is part of a broader shift towards experience-centric design—an approach that aligns with evolving employee expectations and employer branding strategies. With talent attraction and retention continuing to be a top priority, particularly in competitive sectors like tech, finance and creative industries, the office must now work harder than ever to deliver value.
As hybrid working becomes the norm, the office will no longer be compulsory—but it can still be compelling. And by borrowing from the best of hospitality, UK employers are setting a new benchmark for what that compelling experience should look like.
ReWilding the Workplace: How Offices Could Evolve With People And Nature
AUTHOR
Steve Brewer
ReThinkWorkplace _ Independent Workplace Design Consultant
In the world of environmental restoration, rewilding is about letting nature take the lead,
allowing ecosystems to regenerate, adapt, and thrive. What if we applied the same
philosophy to the workplace?
For too long, office design has been about rigid perfection, pristine desks, sterile lighting,
and a ‘new is best’ mentality. But just as nature embraces imperfection, workplaces should,
too.
ReWilding the Workplace is about shifting our mindset from polished uniformity to organic,
evolving, and sustainable spaces that support people and the planet.
I think we are getting there, inching forwards, but still too often I see Biophilic this and the
greenest office that, alongside polished floors, bright LED lighting and bland thinking.
Beyond Biophilic Design: A Deeper Shift
Yes, bringing nature into offices through plants and biophilic design is valuable. But
ReWilding the Workplace goes deeper. It’s about embracing imperfection, reuse, and
adaptability as core design principles, rather than just surface-level greenwashing. It’s time to ReThinkWorkplace…
Think about it:
Reused materials shouldn’t be a compromise; they should be the first choice.
Scratches, wear, and repurposed furniture tell a story, just like in nature.
Offices should evolve over time, just as ecosystems do. Even to the point where we should look to embrace the seasons! OK, nobody wants to walk in from the rain, only to have the sprinkler system on (maybe a step too far) But that circadian rhythm is achievable through the right lighting, and seeing something blow in the breeze (probably via the AC system) is not a bad thing, it’s a positive!
Rewilding isn’t about chaos, it’s about designing for resilience. The best workplaces
function like thriving habitats: diverse, adaptable, and shaped by the people who use them.
Principles of ReWilding the Workplace
Embracing Imperfection
In nature, no two trees are identical, and no river flows in a straight line. Why do we expect
our offices to be flawless? Scratches, marks, and repurposed materials aren’t flaws, they’re character. A rewilded workplace welcomes authenticity over artificial perfection.
Sitting here, writing this with a jumper that has holes in the elbows, from the countless hours
with my kids from days gone by; brings back memories. No, I am not saying that that office
sofa with a stain on it should remain just because, and yes, I do own hole-less jumpers that I
am more likely to wear when I go to a meeting.
Revaluing What Already Exists
New doesn’t always mean better. Instead of gutting offices for a fresh aesthetic, ReWilding
the Workplace embraces reuse and upcycling as standard practice. Imagine an office
where every piece of furniture has a history and a purpose, just like the natural landscapes
we love to walk amongst.
Designing for Change
Workplaces should be designed to evolve over time, not stay frozen. Flexible layouts,
adaptable spaces, and movable furniture allow offices to grow organically, just like natural
environments shift with the seasons.
The built environment is typically static. Designed, and then delivered, with little room for
change in the future (without yet more cost to the planet) But I’ve seen this movement start
to gain traction. Even down to the little things I encourage. From artwork that is produced
internally, and changes on a semi regular basis.
And yes, I am sure there are going to be challenges. A Facilities Manager's nightmare,
access and inclusivity go without saying, but I better say, as someone will point out that I
didn’t… But it’s not just about aesthetics. A truly ReGenerative Workplace, just as nature does, will
go deeper yet again, and energy efficiency, adaptability and self-generating principles will be applied.
Supporting Natural Rhythms
We feel better when we work with nature, not against it. That means -
● Maximising natural light over artificial lighting.
● Using breathable, natural materials over synthetic ones.
● Encouraging movement and variation instead of static, fixed desk setups.
Movement itself plays a massive part in this equation. All now encouraged to take a walk in
nature on a daily basis, but then what? Return to that stark office and sit down again all
afternoon…So what if the blend between these two worlds were less, and that street was more of a
‘path’, that building lobby more of a ‘park’ and then movement inside and out would be more seamless. We’ve started to see streets become car-less, people (and bicycles) being the norm. Exciting new architecture really embracing this change.
Encouraging Autonomy & Interaction
A rewilded workplace isn’t static, it invites employees to shape their environment. More
successfully, Co-Designing from the start.
Whether it’s moving desks, adjusting lighting, or integrating personal touches, the office
should be a living space that adapts to people, not the other way around.
How Do We Start ReWilding Workplaces?
Reassess what you already have. What can be reused, repurposed, or reimagined?
Shift the mindset from ‘new is best’ to ‘what tells a story?’
Integrate natural elements in a meaningful way. Not just plants, but airflow, textures, and
organic design principles.
Create space for evolution. Avoid over-designed, rigid layouts that don’t allow for change.
Celebrate imperfection. Because work (and life) is never pristine.
The Future of Work is Wild!
ReWilding the Workplace is about ReThinking how we design, build, and interact with our
work environments, typically for me the office. It’s time to move beyond aesthetics and
embrace a truly sustainable, human-centric approach.
Just as rewilding helps nature regenerate, it can help workplaces become healthier, more
authentic, and better places to thrive.
Are you ready to ReWilding your Workplace? What steps can you take today to begin
rewilding your workplace?
Thought piece.
This is just that. ReWilding the Workplace is a concept that I’ve played around with for a while now. Since I started using the term ‘ReThink’ through my projects years ago,
ReThinkWorkplace is now my approach. Taking a step back, reevaluating, and then setting off.
Spurred on from attending the Biophilic Design Conference last year at the Barbican, sealed my thinking! Thanks again Ness!
ReWilding the Workplace may well be my dream, and not yours. Some will say their
workplace is wild enough already!
Just like nature and all its imperfections, please don't mark me down for poor spelling and grammar.
And chapeau to those who are out there, putting the planet first, and sharing the joy of
wearing holy-jumpers while working from home….
Thanks
Steve
Workspace Design Show 2025 Features Provide Sensory and Sustainable Innovation
As part of this year’s Workspace Design Show (26 - 27 February 2025) there will once again be a wealth of sensory-rich installations, sustainable concepts, and cutting-edge collaborations with leading architecture and design practices.
Features include:
- ID:SR, will create an inviting and immersive arrival experience at the Workplace Design Show in the Entrance Feature.
- The Design Talks Area, sponsored by furniture consultancy Umbrella, once again, will be proudly delivered in partnership with global design practice Gensler.
- M Moser Associates will be responsible for designing the Visitors Lounge. The ‘Reclaimed’ concept will reconstruct surplus materials into a sensory environment, providing a space to touch down during the day.
- The Occupiers Forum: The View From HQ, will be designed by Ryder Interiors and sponsored by furniture consultancy Umbrella.
- Material Bank will present a Sensory Installation. Taking the comprehensive Material Bank Library for inspiration, it will feature a curated selection from the firm’s innovative brand partners, providing a place to discover everything from luxurious textiles to sustainable surfaces.
- In partnership with Peldon Rose, the ever-popular Mood Board Contest returns, inviting participants to dive into the world of workplace design through a personal exploration of materials, textures, and colours.
- Hoare Lea will be responsible for the creation of the Gallery Bay in a design entitled ‘Sense of Space. Hoare Lea's mixed-media showcase explores how different sensory environments impact our mental and physical wellbeing.
ID:SR, a studio of interior design specialist and architects that has grown out of Sheppard Robson, will create an inviting and immersive arrival experience at the Workplace Design Show in the Entrance Feature. Visitors will embark on a journey through a playful zone with animated silhouettes, reflective surfaces and natural textures, emphasising wellbeing and feeling. Like a digital garden, the space will engage the senses, showcasing holistic, hospitality-focused workplace design and its potential benefits. Like many other features, this area ties in neatly with the Show’s overall theme of ‘Activate the Senses’ and how multi-sensory, immersive environments aid wellbeing, productivity and engagement in the workplace.
The Design Talks Area, sponsored by furniture consultancy Umbrella, once again, will be proudly delivered in partnership with global design practice Gensler, bringing the commercial interior design industry’s most inspiring and creative leaders together to explore the latest trends and insights in workplace design, strategy and culture.
M Moser Associates will be responsible for designing the Visitors Lounge. The ‘Reclaimed’ concept will reconstruct surplus materials into a sensory environment, providing a space to touch down during the day and transforming into a space to host drinks for the Workspace Design Show party. “Our Lounge will be designed to encourage interaction and exploration, providing a unique opportunity for attendees to experience first hand how thoughtful, sustainable design can transform environments" says Gurvinder Khurana, Director M Moser Associates. It will feature a raft of contemporary design brands including Andreu World, Atrium, Ege Carpets, Modus, Planq, Smile Plastics, OSOL, Oasis, Blast Studio and EcoScent.
The Occupiers Forum: The View From HQ will again be the place to hear invaluable client-side insights on the future of the workplace and for 2025, will be designed by Ryder Interiors and sponsored by furniture consultancy Umbrella. Drawing inspiration from the coast, the practice will explore how sensory experiences evoke memories and emotions. Embracing sustainability, it will transform ocean plastic waste into a unique material palette, reflecting the beauty and fragility of marine environments. Through this innovative approach, Ryder highlights the interplay of design, sustainability, and the sensory power of nature to create meaningful, purposeful spaces.
Material Bank will present a Sensory Installation. Taking the comprehensive Material Bank Library for inspiration, it will feature a curated selection from the firm’s innovative brand partners, providing a place to discover everything from luxurious textiles to sustainable surfaces. This interactive experience offers the chance to feel textures, view colours up close, and get expert advice from the Material Bank team, helping architects, designers and specifiers make ideal selections for their projects.
Meanwhile, the ever-popular Mood Board Contest returns, inviting participants to dive into the world of workplace design through a personal exploration of materials, textures, and colours. The official Mood Board Contest Partner for 2025 is Peldon Rose, which specialises in office design and build. The practice is thrilled to celebrate the creativity and innovation set to be showcased at this year’s Workspace Design Show.
And finally, Hoare Lea will be responsible for the creation of the Gallery Bay in a design entitled ‘Sense of Space. Hoare Lea's mixed-media showcase explores how different sensory environments impact our mental and physical wellbeing, and what we can do to regain agency and health amidst the bustle of everyday life.
Altogether, the features at Workspace Design Show promise an immersive journey through leading edge workplace expertise, blending sensory innovation, sustainability and design excellence, redefining the future of the office.
Register free here: Workspace Design Show 2025
Workspace Design Show Reveals First Names for Must-Visit Talks Programme
Now a firm fixture on the design event calendar, Workspace Design Show is delighted to reveal the first raft of names who will make up its speaker programme for the upcoming edition in February 2025.
Once again bringing the commercial interior design industry’s most inspiring and creative leaders together, the Workspace Design Talks programme features senior figures from architecture and design such as Alessandro Ranaldi, Partner, Head of Workplace Consultancy, Foster + Partners; Helen Berresford, Head of ID:SR at Sheppard Robson and Adrienne Lau, Senior Associate, Heatherwick Studio, Cristiano Testi, Principal Director, tp bennett, and Angela Bardino, Senior Associate Director – Interiors, Jacobs.
A range of other real estate professionals will also be speaking during the two days of Workspace Design Talks, exploring the world of workplace culture and design. Bringing yet further rigour to proceedings are JanJaap Boogaard, Head of EMEA Workplace Advisory, Colliers, Guzmán de Yarza Blache, Head of Workplace Strategy Consulting, JLL, Louise Sheppard, UK Head of Workplace Services & Social Sustainability, Zurich. Expect a number of topics discussed to reflect the theme of the 2025 edition of the Show, which is ‘Activate the Senses’ : exploring how multi-sensory, immersive environments aid wellbeing, productivity and engagement in the workplace, with other sessions discussing AI, diversity, building a community within, and data driven decision making in design.
The Sustainability Talks series also returns for 2025, bringing together a selection of key figures behind the workplace market’s leading sustainable initiatives and projects. Confirmed speakers include Steve Wright, Global Director Design and Change Management, GSK, Adam Strudwick, Principal, Perkins&Will and Jeremy Myerson, Professor Emeritus, Royal College of Art.
Visitors to Workspace Design Show will also have the opportunity to once again attend the Occupiers Forum: The View From HQ. Hear invaluable client-side insights on the future workplace experience, and how to create workplace environments that engage with employees from companies such as WPP, Sanofi, Reckitt, BUPA, Barclays, DWP, LSEG, E.ON.
Completing the programme, the Finishes & Interiors Sector (FIS) Conference returns to Workspace Design Show. This not for profit representative body for the finishes and interiors sector in the UK will once more offer a series of panel discussions revealing the latest trends and insights in the fit-out industry.
As a whole, the speaker programme at Workspace Design Show unites leading architects, designers, real estate professionals, tenants, and industry experts for another year of thought-provoking discussions around the latest trends and insights in workplace design, strategy, and culture. Register now to attend Workspace Design Show.
What’s New and Exciting: the Sensory Experiences You Can Expect to see at Workspace Design Show in London this February
A kaleidoscope of activities is happening at Workspace Design Show, the UK's most essential workplace design event, from Wednesday 26 to Thursday, 27 February 2025, at the Business Design Centre in London. This edition will have an inspiring lineup of features, installations and experiences, all united under the "Activate the Senses" theme. Whether you are a seasoned industry professional or a design enthusiast, here's what you can look forward to:
Occupiers Forum theatre, designed by Ryder
Ryder Interiors delivers creative, pragmatic design solutions inspired by each project's context and client aspirations. Their work shapes identity, enhances organisational culture, and fosters connections between people, brands, and spaces. For the 2025 edition of the Workspace Design Show's Occupiers Forum, Ryder draws inspiration from the coast, exploring how sensory experiences evoke memories and emotions. Embracing sustainability, they transform ocean plastic waste into a unique material palette, reflecting the beauty and fragility of marine environments. Through this innovative approach, Ryder highlights the interplay of design, sustainability, and the sensory power of nature to create meaningful, purposeful spaces.
Visitors Lounge designed by M Moser Associates
Experience the future of workplace design at the Workspace Design Show with Reclaimed, M Moser’s lounge and bar. This unique space transforms surplus materials into a sensory environment, providing a space to touch down as you spend your day at the show and transforming to also host drinks for the WDS party.
Brought to life with partners including Andreu World (sofas, tables), Atrium (lighting), Blast Studio (waste-material furniture and lighting), EcoScent (fragrances), Ege Carpets (flooring), Modus (chairs, stools, tables), Oasis (planting), OSOL (wireless chargers), Planq (tables, chairs), and Smile Plastics (table), the design showcases sustainability, creativity, and functionality.
“Our goal is to spark inspiration through environmentally considered design.” says Martina Bazzoni, Designer. Visit Reclaimed to explore innovative, sustainable workspaces.
Sensory Installation designed by Material Bank
Stop by Stand G6 to experience the Material Bank Library, where a curated selection of luxurious textiles and sustainable surfaces awaits. This tactile, interactive installation allows attendees to explore materials up close, offering expert advice and inspiration to elevate workplace projects.
Mood Board Contest area designed by Peldon Rose
The ever-popular Mood Board Contest returns, inviting participants to dive into workplace design through a personal exploration of materials, textures, and colours. As the official Mood Board Contest Partner for 2025, Peldon Rose will design an environment for the mood board contest to engage participants and experience workplace design through a personal exploration of materials, textures and colours. This contest is also being sponsored by Texfel.
The entrance to the show designed by Sheppard Robson
Creating an inviting and immersive sensory arrival experience at the Workplace Design Show, envisioned by ID:SR Sheppard Robson. The journey through the illuminated natural timber portal, woven together with the kinetic energy of light, celebrates the importance and life cycle of the elements.
The visitor is guided through an immersive zone with silhouetted forms playfully animating luminous screens. Reflective surfaces, natural textures and form, a celebration of the life cycle and value of things. It’s not just what you see - the importance of wellbeing and feeling are expressed. Like walking through a digital garden, the experience is a dance for the senses – offering a glimpse into the evolving world of a truly hospitality-focused workplace experience. Step forward and experience the potential opportunities and benefits of holistic immersive design.
Gallery Bay – Sense of Place designed by Hoare Lea
People make around 35,000 daily decisions, but how many choices are we conscious of making? Hoare Lea's mixed-media showcase explores how different sensory environments can impact our mental and physical well-being and what we can do to regain agency and health amidst the bustle of everyday life.
Workspace Design Talks lounge designed by Gensler
The conference lounge, designed in partnership with Gensler, will feature some of the commercial interior design industry's most inspiring and creative leaders to explore the latest trends and insights in workplace design, strategy and culture.
Whether you're exploring new designs for your workspace, engaging in inspiring talks, or participating in the many interactive installations, the 2025 edition of Workspace Design Show is for everyone who's passionate about innovative design. Be there to witness it all from 26 – 27 February 2025. Spread the word and bring your coworkers along; to register for a complimentary pass, visit workspaceshow.co.uk.