As office designers rethink what it takes to bring employees back to the workplace, there’s an unlikely source of inspiration: gyms. The best fitness clubs have mastered the art of creating environments people want to visit, even when they don’t have to.
The same principles apply to workspace design. Offices that prioritize experience over obligation have the power to transform the way people work. Here’s how to take a page from the modern gym’s playbook and design offices that people actually want to be in.
Rebranding the Office Experience
Gyms today are no longer just “gyms.” They’re wellness clubs and social hubs, reframing what it means to work out.
Offices need the same rebranding. It’s time to move past “workplace” and toward innovation hub, collaboration studio, or cultural space. Employees need an environment that enhances their work, fuels their creativity, and supports their well-being.
Design a space where employees feel they gain something by showing up. Whether it’s a burst of inspiration from an impromptu brainstorming session, the energy of a buzzing communal area, or a quiet moment in a beautifully designed wellness space, the office should feel like a place worth being in.
The Right Environment Pushes People Further
One reason people prefer gyms over at-home workouts? Environment. The right setting pushes people to go further: to add five more pounds, to keep running for another ten minutes, to reach their goals and new heights.
Workplaces should work the same way. Research from the Kellogg School of Management found that sitting near a high performer can increase productivity by 15%. The presence of motivated colleagues and a thoughtfully designed space fosters better work.
This is where interior design plays a crucial role. Think beyond individual desks and create intentional micro-environments that encourage collaboration and focused work alike.
Proximity to inspiration plays a crucial role in workplace design. Positioning high-energy teams near one another fosters a culture of motivation and shared momentum, much like how gym-goers push themselves harder when surrounded by others striving for the same goal. The concept of subtle social pressure also comes into play. Open lounge areas encourage spontaneous interactions, creating an environment where employees naturally feed off each other’s energy, much like how a group workout setting leads people to push their limits.
At the same time, defined spaces for focus are just as essential. Just as gyms offer quiet zones for yoga or meditation, offices should include dedicated areas designed for deep, uninterrupted work, ensuring employees have the right setting to concentrate when needed.
Designing for Connection
Modern gyms thrive not just because of their equipment but because they build community. They make people feel like they belong. Loneliness is at an all-time high, and workplaces have an opportunity to counteract that. But forcing “collaboration” with open offices and mandatory team-building events won’t cut it. The best workplaces are spaces where connection happens naturally.
Gyms have mastered the art of creating linger-worthy spaces, using juice bars, saunas, and coworking areas to keep people engaged beyond their workouts. Offices should take a similar approach by incorporating comfortable lounges, casual meeting zones, and inviting break areas that naturally foster interaction. Shared rituals also play a key role in building community. Just as gyms rely on class schedules and recurring events to create structure, offices can establish their own rhythms with weekly team lunches, morning coffee gatherings, or end-of-day wind-down sessions. Beyond programming, intentional social design is essential. Thoughtfully planned seating arrangements, circulation flow, and breakout areas should invite conversation and collaboration without making it feel forced. A well-designed office fosters a sense of membership and belonging, just like the best fitness spaces do.
Crafting an Experience
Today’s gyms offer amenities like infrared saunas, recovery lounges, meditation pods, and even wine bars. It’s all about the experience. Offices need to follow suit. The future workspace will be a curated environment where employees feel engaged, energized, and inspired.
Some design elements to consider:
- Wellness spaces for stretching, meditation, or even a quick nap.
- Thoughtfully designed cafes and communal kitchens that encourage lingering.
- Screens, smartboards, and digital tools that make hybrid meetings seamless.
- Terraces and rooftop gardens for fresh air and a mental reset.
Employees should feel like there’s something for them beyond just checking off their to-do list, whether it’s a beautifully designed relaxation nook, a café-style lounge, or an inspiring breakout space.
Designing Workplaces That People Want to Be In
Gyms have proven that when you design a space with intention, people want to be there. The same is true for offices. The most successful workplaces are places that enrich the new way people work and collaborate.
This shift will require strategy, experience, and understanding what makes people tick. The future office is an ecosystem where design, culture, and business goals align. Don’t just design an office for your next corporate client. Design a destination.
SOURCES: Kellogg Insight, Work Design
