Top 3 Workplace Design Insights for 2025

By Jeana Stewart NCIDQ, LEED AP, WELL AP
Principal | Director of Workplace Practice, SMRT Architects and Engineers         

I had a great time participating in a dynamic discussion with real estate experts from The Boulos Company at the 2025 MEREDA Forecast Conference. As the leader of the workplace design practice at SMRT Architects and Engineers, I was honored to share insights drawn from years of experience designing transformative environments for many of Maine’s largest employers.

If you missed the session, here’s a summary of the most critical research-based trends shaping workplace strategy and design in 2025 and beyond:

1. Wellbeing as a Design Imperative

Employee wellbeing is more than a buzzword—it’s a proven driver of engagement, retention, and productivity. The 2024 State of the Global Workplace report by Gallup shows that people who are thriving in life are also more likely to thrive at work. Investing in wellbeing leads to measurable returns, including reduced insurance claims and improved performance.

Design can play a central role. Here’s how:

• Support autonomy through inclusivity. Recognize the wide range of physical and cognitive differences across the workforce. Equitable design means giving people what they need to thrive, not treating everyone the same. Offer a variety of work settings with different light levels, postures, levels of enclosure, and adjustability to empower employees to align space with task and personal comfort. A workspace that mirrors the productivity of working from home is the ultimate amenity.
• Foster belonging and connection. In a time when loneliness is on the rise, employees consistently say that the #1 reason they come to the office is to connect with others. Strong social bonds fuel innovation. Intentional design choices—like placing communal spaces along natural circulation paths—can spark spontaneous interactions that strengthen relationships and culture.

2. Hybrid Work Is Here to Stay

Despite headlines suggesting otherwise, the push for a five-day in-office return remains the exception. Hybrid work continues to be the dominant strategy for organizations with remote-capable employees. This shift requires us to rethink the purpose of the office and adopt a more intentional approach to design—one that supports collaboration, flexibility, and wellbeing across a distributed workforce.

3. Data-Driven, Human-Centered Design

We’ve moved beyond the extremes of open offices and rigid assigned seating. Today’s workplace is driven by research, not trendiness. It’s no longer about maximizing density or enforcing hierarchy—it’s about aligning physical space with organizational culture, workflow, and strategic goals. The most effective environments are tailored, agile, and able to demonstrate a measurable return on investment.

If you’re navigating workplace changes in your organization and want to explore how design can support your goals, I’d love to connect. Feel free to reach out—I’m always happy to share insights and ideas.

Jeana Stewart was a panelist at MEREDA’s 2025 Forecast Conference and submitted this recap for use in the Maine Real Estate Insider.