WHAT'S UP Blog

Remote work is here to stay – but after the initial enthusiasm for more freedom and flexibility, a new set of challenges has emerged: fatigue, lack of focus, and nagging back pain. No surprise, really. To stay motivated and productive in the long run, a laptop and Wi-Fi connection just aren't enough.

The good news: Often, it's the small changes that make the biggest difference. With a few smart tweaks to your workspace, routines, and movement habits, you can reclaim energy, focus, and structure. Here are five practical tips to help you transform your home office into a space that supports your work – and your well-being.

Surrounded by greenery – yet right in the middle of your working day: the Garden Work Café archetype brings nature into the office and opens up new perspectives on productive working. Inspired by biophilic design principles, it strengthens the connection between people and nature – with positive effects on well-being, creativity and concentration. Whether for quiet individual work or informal team meetings, the garden is a versatile space that naturally combines all working modes.

Although at first glance it is associated with quiet reading rooms or public libraries, the library has a very unique, contemporary role in the modern office: it is a place of retreat – a place where concentrated work, tranquillity and discretion are the focus. The Work Café archetype 'Library' represents a calm and understated atmosphere that is ideal for all modes of work while offering privacy and structure.

In modern office life, places to retreat are just as important as inspiring meeting places. This requires spaces that combine tranquillity, elegance and discretion – exactly where the Work Café archetype 'Club' comes into play. As a versatile room type, it offers a relaxed, stylish environment for all working modes and creates a special atmosphere reminiscent of an exclusive business lounge.

In the modern working world, the boundaries between formal work, social interaction and individual fulfilment are becoming blurred. This is precisely where the Hub Work Café comes in - as a lively meeting point and functional all-rounder, it is the central place in the office where all the threads come together - communicative, collaborative and unconventional. In this article, you will learn more about the Hub archetype and see examples for use in practice.

At Clerkenwell Design Week in May 2025, we had the pleasure of meeting Hannah Nardini – one of the UK’s leading workplace strategists. With her team at WKSpace, she is dedicated to helping organisations create meaningful and future-oriented work environments. Every strategy begins with thorough data analysis and close collaboration with employees across all levels – including workshops to understand priorities, explore cultural readiness for change, and align on a shared vision. Internally, the WKSpace team practises what it preaches: working flexibly from offices, client spaces, cafés and public transport. For Nardini, reliable Wi-Fi, ergonomic furniture, quiet zones and a well-considered design that supports both functionality and wellbeing are essential features of any workspace.

In a working world that is increasingly focusing on flexibility, creativity and collaboration, work cafés are becoming more and more important as hybrid meeting zones in the office. They combine an informal atmosphere with functional design and create spaces that invite people to work, exchange ideas and linger. However, not every work café is the same - different environments are required depending on the mood, task or needs of the employees.

With the new HUB in Düsseldorf, Sedus has created more than just another showroom – it’s the realisation of a long-cherished dream. A place full of life, exchange, and new ideas. A space that not only demonstrates what modern work environments can look like – but makes them tangible.

Two people who helped shape this unique space provide insights into the journey: Mojdeh Barkhordar, Head of the Workspace Design Team, and Marc Goergens, Head of Sales Germany West.

Our working world is changing - and so is the office environment. Instead of rigid structures and a constant obligation to be present, we are experiencing a new flexibility. Home offices, remote working and hybrid working models have long been established. It's not just the places where we work that are changing, but also our expectations of the office. Today's employees are looking for inspiring, flexible and welcoming spaces - spaces that are more than just a desk.

In the age of hybrid work, where boundaries between home offices, company headquarters and mobile workspaces continue to blur, the traditional office must be fundamentally reimagined. No longer merely a place of function, the workplace is evolving into an environment that inspires, connects and supports both focused work and collaborative creativity. At the heart of this transformation lie specialised workspaces.

Wellbeing is not a passing trend – it is a fundamental human need. According to Gympass 2024, 93% of employees regard their wellbeing as equally important as their salary. This shift in values is transforming what we expect from our workplaces: from access to natural light and social spaces to acoustic sanctuaries – today’s workforce seeks environments that support them holistically.

In an era of rapid transformation in the world of work, a new spatial concept is gaining prominence: hybrid ductile commons. These environments combine flexibility, community and well-being – forming the foundation of modern, dynamic workplaces.

The nature of everyday work has undergone a profound shift. The traditional 9-to-5 office routine is steadily losing relevance. Instead, many employees now choose to come to the office—not out of obligation, but by intention. What draws them in? Meaningful interaction with colleagues, technical support unavailable at home, or access to benefits and resources that third places—like the café around the corner—simply cannot provide.

In today’s working world, the boundaries between work and leisure are becoming increasingly blurred – places that were once strictly functional are evolving into hybrid, human-centred environments. A prime example of this development is the CLUB: an office café archetype that combines privacy, style, and versatility within one space.

The new touch display for the se:cube and se:cube max room-in-room solutions is an extension that makes operating the lighting and ventilation much easier and more intuitive. The colour temperature lighting, adapted to the daylight curve, also contributes to greater well-being and productivity in the office.

At a time when New Work and holistic wellbeing are increasingly merging, a previously underestimated aspect is becoming more apparent: the combination of healthy eating, sustainable catering and modern work culture. The so-called "Work Café" has long since become more than just a coffee shop or lunch counter - it has become a place of exchange, inspiration and regeneration. In combination with regional agriculture and smart design, a new quality of working is emerging. A prime example of this is the close relationship between Sedus and the Eulenhof.

The modern workplace is changing - away from rigid structures and towards more flexibility, individuality and well-being. At the centre of this development is a concept that is increasingly blurring the boundaries between work and private life: Work-life blending. It's not just about combining work and leisure, but also about creating places where employees feel comfortable, inspired and stay healthy - beyond the traditional desk.

Since the Covid-19 lockdown, the option of working from home has become an integral part of everyday working life for many people. Co-working spaces and third spaces are also playing an increasingly important role in the choice of work location. However, this does not mean that the traditional office is no longer needed.

Work is undergoing a fundamental shift: rigid structures are giving way to flexible models that uncouple work from fixed locations and hours. Amid this transformation, the need for genuine human interaction is growing. Despite the efficiency and convenience of digital communication, the social fabric often begins to fray. This is precisely where the new coffee culture plays a vital role.

A thoughtfully designed café area becomes a stage for spontaneous conversations, serendipitous encounters, and cross-departmental collaboration. It offers an informal atmosphere where hierarchies blur and new ideas emerge organically. This unique blend of relaxation and openness turns the office café into a true engine of innovation.

The world of work has changed rapidly, and with it the requirements for modern office spaces. Hybrid workspaces and (work) cafés in particular are playing an increasingly important role. They not only offer functional working environments, but also promote creativity and social interaction. While some of these spaces focus on open collaboration, others offer quiet retreats that support concentration and productive work. A prominent archetype in this category is the “library”.