Some of the world’s best design is drawn from the intentional application of art and science. The integration of design principles with sociology, anthropology, ergonomics, and biology, goes beyond aesthetics to consider how spaces influence human emotions, behaviors and interactions. By blending these human factors and social dynamics with creative vision, brand understanding, and market data, companies can design workplaces that give teams what they need to thrive.

Human-led design is not a new concept, but its relevance has grown significantly amid seismic changes in the way people work. JLL research showed that the average number of days in the office is increasing steadily, but hybrid working remains the employee preference worldwide with employees averaging 3.1 days per week in the office. While hybrid work has indeed become the norm, most companies are still working to get it right—including how much time people spend in the office and how that space can best support their efforts. It’s gotten harder to answer questions that used to be relatively simple, like how much space to allot for focused work, versus open, collaborative work.

After all, the simplistic view that focused work should be done at home and collaborative work in the office has been complicated by years of real-world experience. Many employees face challenges working from home, such as distractions from family and a lack of suitable workspaces, especially during times like summer when school’s out. The successful hybrid workplace should offer a mix of spaces that together support people wherever, whenever, and however they work. 

How to achieve this holy grail of hybrid workplace design? That’s where the science comes in.

Human-led design puts people at the center of the design process, leading to spaces that meet the practical needs of employees, support their productivity, and foster a deeper connection and sense of affiliation with their work. 

This means nailing the ratio of heads-down space to collaborative areas, along with other types of space like social areas for casual engagement and wellness rooms. Research shows many organizations have a long way to go in this department: According to JLL’s Human Experience surveys, 55% of office workers still believe that their home environment better supports focused work, while 45% believe their home environment is better for their productivity overall. Meanwhile, 22% still complain about the lack of privacy for virtual calls.

It’s clear that considerable challenges still lie ahead for increasing day-to-day office utilization. Whatever the menu of spaces may include, every organization must balance the need to create a supportive and engaging environment with up-front cost considerations as well as return on investment. 

JLL’s Design Trends and Cost Guide provides valuable insights into how companies can make informed decisions without compromising on the quality of the workplace experience. The report projects that design and construction costs will climb by about 2% in some U.S. markets this year. Good news: overall fit-out costs are expected to stabilize. Less-good news: supply chain and construction labor issues remain. 

With detailed cost data for various projects in different markets, organizations can ensure they make the best use of their fit-out budgets. For instance, prioritizing investments in videoconferencing technology and flexible furniture can yield high returns in employee satisfaction, as well as productivity improvements by helping facilitate seamless collaboration between remote and in-office employees.