Inclusive Offices Beckon, With Wellness Zones and Quiet Rooms

They cater to staff with different needs with aim of getting more back in office

- Megan Wee

Imagine walking into an office with cozy wellness zones bathed in warm light and furnished with comfy sofas, complete with stunning views of Singapore's skyline. Or stepping into a "neurodivergent room" thoughtfully designed as a peaceful escape from the buzz of an open office, either for focused work or for quiet reflection.

Such inviting, inclusive spaces are increasingly embraced as companies make room for staff with different needs and working styles. Their end goal is clear: bringing more employees back to the office.

According to the 2024 Global Workplace Insights report, only 68 per cent of the respondents in Singapore said they could easily find suitable spots to get work done in their offices - compared with the global average of 76 per cent.

More than 10,000 people from 13 countries were polled in this study published by Unispace, an Australia-headquartered interior design company that has a Singapore branch.

Mr Qiu Jianhan, Unispace's principal for strategy in Asia, said that while many workers initially craved social interactions after the Covid-19 pandemic, which led companies to expand collaboration spaces, their preferences are shifting. Now, more workers are also requesting a conducive environment in the offices for quiet, focused work.

Mr Patrick Woo, Asia-Pacific human resources director at Steelcase, a global design company known for its office furniture selection, said a good workplace should have a thoughtful mix of private, semi-private, collaborative and social areas.

"It's no longer a one-size-fits-all type of office. I think that's gone out the door," he said.

"The key is designing with intention - focusing on what matters most to your team and then making smaller incremental changes that support both their performance and their well-being."