Creating the Office as a Destination

For those of us who commute, the daily grind is all too familiar: squeezing into a packed subway car, waiting for the bus, or inching through traffic. And by the time you finally get to the office, the last thing you want is to walk into a space that feels cold, uninspiring, or disconnected from how you actually work.

Many companies are asking employees to return to the office—if not full-time, then at least a few days a week. But if we’re being honest, there’s a part of us that wants more from the office. We want the office to feel like more than just a desk—we want it to be a destination.

That’s where the idea of “street to seat” comes in. It’s about designing a workplace experience that feels intentional at every step—from the moment employees enter the building to the moment they sit down at their desk. It draws inspiration from the hospitality industry, aiming to create memorable moments, a sense of personalization, and real human connection—turning the daily routine into something people look forward to.

In a hybrid world, many employees no longer come to the office just because they have to. They come because they see value in being there. That shift gives businesses a clear message: if you want people back in the office, you have to make it worth their time.

This is why the “street to seat” approach is gaining momentum. According to JLL, more employers are investing in high-quality shared amenities, outdoor spaces, and curated perks to make the workplace more appealing. They're also adding special events—like guest speakers or cooking demos—to boost in-office engagement: 43% already do, and another 17% plan to by the end of 2025. Meanwhile, the number of companies with dedicated workplace experience managers has jumped from 23% to 35% in just a year.

And this mindset isn’t limited to the workplace. It’s reshaping entire mixed-use and urban developments. Gen Z, in particular, is driving demand for places—offices, neighborhoods, cities that offer connection, flexibility, and fresh experiences.

Making an office feel like a destination isn’t easy. Beyond the budget, thoughtful planning is what makes or breaks the process. Without it, even the best ideas can lead to costly missteps.

Before jumping in, take time to understand what your people need, how they work, and what will actually improve their experience. Then, bring in the right partners to help make it happen.

Once that foundation is in place, these four key elements can help shape your office into a place people want to be, not just somewhere they have to go. While every company is different, these are solid building blocks to start with.

Today’s workplace needs to support many modes of working—quiet focus, quick collaboration, private calls, or team huddles. Employees don’t want to be locked into one setting; they want the freedom to choose how and where they work based on their task and energy level.

Examples:

• Movable desks or modular seating
• Quiet pods for calls or deep work
• Convertible meeting rooms
• Rolling whiteboards or mobile dividers

A destination workplace needs to work smarter, not just harder. Integrated tech supports hybrid collaboration, productivity, and personal comfort—simplifying the workday and enhancing the overall experience.

Without the right tools, hybrid setups can fall short. If employees can’t easily reserve space or coordinate meetings, they may default to virtual—even when onsite. Tech that helps people navigate the space with ease fosters a stronger sense of inclusion and belonging.

Examples:

• Room or desk booking systems
• Touchless entry or smart lockers
• High-quality video conferencing setups

People miss people. The office is still the best place for spontaneous interactions, team bonding, and culture-building moments.

Examples:

• Café-style seating or shared kitchens
• Lounge areas or outdoor terraces
• Event-ready spaces

A destination office should support both physical and mental health. When people feel good, they do better work—and want to come back.

Examples:

• Wellness or quiet rooms
• Biophilic design (plants, natural light, calming colors)
• Sit-stand desks or ergonomic workstations
• Access to walking areas

And don’t forget what’s outside the walls—location matters. Offices near gyms, parks, transit, or everyday essentials like coffee shops and pharmacies make it easier for employees to integrate work and life.

When thoughtfully integrated, the elements of flexibility, technology, socialization, and well-being can create a workplace people genuinely enjoy coming to.

Solutions like Kabin combine flexibility, privacy, and integrated tech in one compact workspace. With features like lighting and airflow controls, built-in power, and a personal plant pot, it’s a great example of how thoughtful design can make the office feel more personal—and worth the trip.

Creating a destination workplace isn’t just about amenities or design—it’s about how people feel when they’re there. Here’s what some employees had to say about why they choose to come in:

It’s the culture that makes it more than just a place to work—it’s knowing everyone’s there to accomplish something together. That motivates me to work harder. We also have a coffee shop, cafeteria, good parking, and plenty of clean, comfortable spaces to work if you don’t want to stay at your desk. 

We have sleeping quarters, quiet corners for focus, free coffee (a must), and even surprise treats or small events at the production floor. But more than the perks, it’s the vibe—the greetings, the shared meals, and the support from colleagues—that makes the office feel welcoming and inspiring. 

Now that employees have more choice than ever before, it’s clear: productivity comes from flexibility, not control. The best results happen when people feel trusted, supported, and inspired by their environment.

Creating a meaningful workplace experience doesn’t start with furniture or layout—it starts with intention. When design reflects purpose, culture, and care, the office becomes more than a place to work. It becomes a place people choose to be.

Don’t just plan for space—plan for experience.

Bonus Tip for the Commute:

Heading into the office? Tune into our podcast Transcending Workspace for quick, insightful takes on workplace design and culture—great for making the most of your ride.