The major trends are neuro-inclusive and sensory-aware design, sustainability, measurable wellbeing and hospitality-influenced workplaces. Together they focus on comfort, health and creating offices people want to use.

It means designing spaces that work for a wide range of neurological needs, from extroverts who enjoy buzz to neurodivergent employees who may need calm, low-stimulus areas. It often includes quiet rooms, soft lighting, varied sensory zones and flexible seating.

Companies are recognising that people work best in different environments. Offering a choice of sensory settings supports focus, reduces stress and helps employees manage their own comfort throughout the day.

Sustainability is now a baseline expectation. Offices are using eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, better ventilation and recycling programmes. Many workplaces are also adding plants, pollinator habitats and pursuing certifications such as LEED, BREEAM, WELL and Fitwel.

They give companies a clear framework for designing healthy, sustainable spaces. They also provide measurable standards, helping organisations track air quality, light, comfort, acoustics and other wellbeing metrics.

It refers to tracking how well a workplace supports health through data. This can include air-quality sensors, lighting levels, acoustic scores, green space ratios and employee feedback. Many companies now treat wellbeing as something to prove, not assume.

Early data suggests they do. People working in WELL-certified offices report higher satisfaction, including a noted 26% increase in wellbeing.

The hospitality influence comes from a simple idea: if the office feels inviting, people will want to use it. Modern workplaces now include café-style spaces, lounges, comfortable furniture and a stronger focus on service and experience.

Examples include barista bars, boutique-style lounges, wellness rooms, community events, workshops and multi-purpose social spaces. These features help build connection and make the commute feel worthwhile.

Plants support all four trends. They improve sensory comfort, enhance sustainability, contribute to WELL criteria and help create warmer, more hospitality-inspired spaces. Many offices are now dedicating more floor space to greenery and using sustainable pots and planting systems.

It is the use of planting to shape how a workplace feels and functions. Plants are chosen and positioned to improve comfort, wellbeing, social connection and the overall experience of being in the office.

Greenery reduces stress, supports focus and makes spaces feel more comfortable. Studies consistently show that plants can help lower anxiety and improve how people perceive indoor air quality, which leads to calmer, more attentive employees.

Yes. Planting affects mood, comfort and how people use space. For example, well-placed greenery can encourage people to gather in shared areas, or help individuals feel at ease in quieter zones.

Plants can act as natural partitions, guide circulation routes and define zones without walls. They soften hard edges, create focal points and add character to social spaces.

Absolutely. Plant choices, colours and arrangements can be linked to a company’s identity. Examples include using species tied to a country’s heritage or selecting plants that echo brand symbols.

Biophilic design connects people with nature. This improves wellbeing, reduces stress and supports cognitive function. In a hybrid world, offices must offer something home working cannot. Nature plays a core role in making workplaces feel good to be in.

When an office has zones for collaboration, focus and relaxation, planting helps signal these differences. Greenery marks transitions between spaces, improves acoustics and gives each zone a clear identity, helping people choose where to work.

Planteria uses peat-free, soil-free Ecoponic substrate, selects locally grown plants and runs a zero-to-landfill approach. The Walking Plant Technician model also cuts van mileage for maintenance visits, reducing environmental impact.

When employees feel connected to their environment, they engage more with colleagues and wider company values. Planting creates warmth, encourages interaction and helps people feel part of something shared.

Workplaces today must earn the commute. Design now focuses on comfort, connection and purpose. Planting supports all three, making offices healthier, more welcoming and more aligned with what employees expect from a modern workplace.

The shift to remote and hybrid work showed people they could work effectively outside the office. As a result, employees now need a strong reason to commute. The office is no longer the default place to work. It must offer things home cannot, such as connection with colleagues, better collaboration and a more engaging environment.

Research points to five core priorities: feeling connected, feeling comfortable, having flexibility, access to nature and seeing their values reflected in the space. These fundamentals matter more than perks or novelty features.

Workers spend long hours indoors, so basics like lighting, temperature, acoustics and ergonomics directly affect their wellbeing and productivity. Surveys show 95 percent of people rate physical comfort as very or extremely important. When comfort is right, people settle more easily, focus better and stay longer.

Good acoustic control, pleasant lighting, stable climate control and supportive furniture are key. Spaces for focused work, small details like soft furnishings and the presence of natural elements also help create a calm, settled atmosphere.

Most UK workers spend very little time outdoors during the week. Exposure to nature – through plants, views, materials or daylight – reduces stress, strengthens wellbeing and can improve mood and creativity. Some studies even link poor access to nature with higher absenteeism. Biophilic design is now widely expected rather than a niche trend.

Research shows that natural elements improve concentration, reduce stress and support overall mental health. Greenery and daylight help people feel more grounded and alert. This is why frameworks like WELL and BREEAM include nature-focused criteria.

It means giving employees a choice of where and how to work. This includes varied work settings such as quiet rooms, collaboration areas, lounge spaces and standing desks. It also refers to flexible policies around when people come in, allowing them to choose office days based on meetings, learning or social connection.

People became used to autonomy during remote work. They want the same sense of choice in the office. When employees can pick spaces that suit their work style and tasks, they feel more in control, work more effectively and are more likely to enjoy their time on-site.

Employees want to feel that the workplace reflects the mission and values of their organisation. When the space expresses culture, heritage or social commitments, people report higher satisfaction and stronger connection. When there is a mismatch, engagement drops.

Through design choices that reflect what the organisation stands for. This could be using certain materials, showcasing stories, embedding brand colours or referencing cultural roots. It works best when it feels authentic and when employees recognise their own values in the environment.