🔒As full-time office work returns, wellness must be a priority

The workplace tide is shifting yet again.

After years of remote and hybrid work transforming professional norms, major corporations like Amazon and AT&T have announced full-time return-to-office mandates.

The Trump administration followed suit, and now federal workers are under their own five-day office attendance mandate. Other employers are surely watching and considering similar moves.

It’s a shift that many employees view as a step backward — but 2025 work culture will never be 2019 work culture. Lessons learned from hybrid work, especially around wellness and flexibility, offer valuable insights that can continue to benefit employees in all working situations.

With return-to-office on the rise, employers must face the challenge of making the office somewhere employees want to be, even without lavish budgets or long timelines.

Employee comfort could be taken for granted when full-time attendance was the norm, but that is no longer the case.

Fortunately, tools and strategies that have emerged from the recent shift toward employee-centered working environments present some small, thoughtful changes that can make a big difference.

Drawing from the WELL

Even before the pandemic reshaped work, there was momentum around creating healthier office environments.

The WELL Building Standard, launched in 2013, was at the forefront, promoting workplaces that prioritize physical and mental health through design, science and policy.

WELL certification requires substantial investment, with upgrades to HVAC systems, lighting and layouts. However, its principles — now used in over 70,000 spaces worldwide — offer practical solutions that can be scaled down and implemented for a fraction of the expense.

In fact, during the height of the pandemic and in the wake of the 2020 social justice protests, WELL itself scaled down, launching the more accessible WELL Equity Rating, a less resource-intensive wellness program that includes low-cost strategies that enhance air quality, optimize lighting and incorporate greenery.

The well-being of all employees is woven into this program, and any office can benefit from small adjustments inspired by it.

One main takeaway with WELL is that offices succeed when employees feel seen, heard and supported.

A good place to start doing this critical work is by providing the means for employees to personalize workspaces with small comforts: desk fans, task lights, personal heaters and ergonomic furniture. These additions allow employees to create environments tailored to their needs.

Bringing natural elements into the office also boosts morale. Adding plants and offering outdoor views makes spaces more inviting and less institutional.

Flexible zones, inclusive spaces

A one-size-fits-all office doesn’t work.

Designing for diverse work styles means creating designated zones: quiet areas for focused tasks, collaborative zones for teamwork, and flexible spaces for everything in between. Employees can gravitate to spaces that match their needs, making the office feel more intuitive and accommodating.

Accessibility is equally crucial. Incorporate universal design features such as clear signage, adaptive tools and sensory-friendly zones. This ensures every employee feels supported and valued, fostering inclusivity and equity in the workplace.

These measures do not require extensive and expensive remodeling. They only require employers to pay attention to the environment within the workplace and to make minor adjustments.

Providing a variety of furniture options in phone rooms, for instance, allows these rooms to serve multiple purposes and accommodate the diverse needs of team members.

Whether someone needs a private space for a confidential call or a quiet spot to concentrate on a task, these rooms can meet those requirements effectively.

A lasting impact

Creating a welcoming office environment takes some effort, and it can be tempting to bypass this work when your employees are required to be in the office.

Yet, going that extra mile is critical for employers who want to attract and retain employees, especially if those employees have the option of working for a hybrid or remote competitor.

The key is in demonstrating care. When employees see that their comfort and well-being matter, they’re more likely to feel motivated, engaged and loyal.

Debra Seay is an associate principal at Amenta Emma Architects and leads the firm’s workplace studio.