As organizations across the globe accelerate their return-to-office plans, one thing is certain: Employees aren’t returning to the same workplace they left. 

Technology giants and governments alike are calling people back. Amazon recently directed 350,000 corporate employees to return to the office five days a week (WSJ). Google’s leadership has voiced a strong preference for in-person presence, citing innovation and team dynamics as driving forces (Yahoo Finance). Meanwhile, a U.S. mandate requires federal employees to resume full-time in-person work, reshaping the routines of millions (White House). 

With more companies enforcing return-to-office policies, the question isn’t if people are coming back—it’s what they’re coming back to. And for many, the old office simply doesn’t cut it. 

Why the Old Office No Longer Works 

The traditional office was designed for predictability with assigned seating, scheduled meetings, and fixed hierarchies.  

But today’s work is faster, more collaborative, and deeply people driven. As McKinsey points out, employees are most motivated to return to the office when the space adds tangible value—offering community, collaboration, and purpose (McKinsey). 

What they don’t want is inefficient meetings, outdated technology, and uninspiring layouts that feel like relics of a pre-pandemic era.  

Modern Principles for the Return to Office 

To make the return to office meaningful, organizations need to redesign physical spaces to support how work happens today. That includes different, dedicated work zones, flexibility, and easy-to-use collaboration technology. 

   

Create Purpose-Driven Zones 

Modern offices thrive on versatility. The most effective designs include multiple zones to support different kinds of work: 

• Focus Zones: Quiet, distraction-free areas for deep, solo work 

• Collaboration Zones: Technology-enabled spaces where teams can share, brainstorm, and build in real time 

• Social Zones: Lounges and cafes that foster informal conversation, collaboration, and team bonding 

• Resource Zones: Centralized spots for tools and supplies, supporting productivity without the clutter 

Design for Flexibility 

Static spaces are out. Modular furniture, movable walls, and software-based technology enable offices to evolve as teams’ needs change. When a room can transform from a meeting hub to a heads-down workspace in minutes, you’re future-proofing your return-to-office strategy. 

Use Technology That Just Works 

Employees shouldn’t need IT support just to share a presentation. Collaboration tools must be intuitive, secure, and device-agnostic. Our solutions are built with this in mind—eliminating complexity while protecting your data. 

TechSmith Focuses on Spaces and Future-Proof Technology 

Forward-thinking organizations like TechSmith are already leading the way. It revamped its headquarters to offer a range of work settings—small offices, shared spaces (or “smoffices”), and creative zones—to meet employees where they are (Inc.).  

“We focused a lot more real estate on collaborative space,” says CEO Wendy Hamilton, “You need to be thinking about what elements can continually change in order to adapt to how employees are continually changing, how work is continually changing, how technology is continually changing.” 

These aren’t cosmetic changes—they’re strategic moves to make the return to office worth the commute. 

How to Rethink Your Return to Office Strategy 

Bringing people back into the office isn’t about forcing a presence—it’s about creating a purpose. If your space isn’t helping people do their best work together, it’s time to rethink the approach. 

Start with People: Ask the Right Questions 

Before you redesign a single space or invest in new technology, listen. Your employees can tell you exactly what’s working—and what’s not. 

Consider asking: 

• What type of work do you prefer to do in the office? 

• Where do you feel most productive—alone or in a group setting? 

• What tools or spaces do you rely on most (or avoid)? 

• What gets in the way of collaboration in our current office? 

• What would make you excited to come into the office? 

These insights can uncover not just pain points, but opportunities to create spaces that support focus, creativity, and community. 

Pro tip: Don’t just survey—observe. How teams naturally gather (or avoid gathering) can tell you a lot about your space’s current limitations. 

Design for Moments, Not Just Meetings 

The best office layouts support all the ways people work—planned and unplanned. Here’s how to build collaboration into the blueprint: 

• Break up the big rooms: Not every meeting needs a 12-person table. Smaller, technology-enabled spaces encourage spontaneous ideation and fast problem-solving. 

• Add transitional spaces: Nooks, alcoves, or casual lounges where teams can huddle informally. These are often where the real breakthroughs happen. 

• Make technology visible and approachable: Digital displays, wireless sharing, and easy access to connectivity should be a natural part of the environment—not hidden behind cabinets or under tables. 

• Balance openness with privacy: People need energy—but they also need to recharge. Acoustic panels, greenery, and thoughtful zoning can make the space feel alive without feeling chaotic. 

The goal isn’t to fill every corner—it’s to create flow. 

Choose Technology That Actually Supports Your People 

Technology should never be a barrier to collaboration. When choosing collaboration tools, look for features that match how your teams work today—not how offices were built ten years ago. 

Key capabilities to look for: 

• Multiple content shares at once: Support for multi-sharing lets multiple people contribute ideas in real time—ideal for brainstorming, co-creation, and decision-making. 

• Device-agnostic BYOD support: Whether your team uses Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS, technology should meet them where they are—without adapters or logins that slow things down. 

• Enterprise-grade security: SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA—you need a solution that protects your data and meets industry standards without compromising usability. 

• Centralized management: IT and AV teams benefit from platforms that offer cloud-based monitoring, configuration, and updates—saving time, reducing support tickets, and ensuring consistency across locations. 

• Scalability without complexity: From huddle spaces to board rooms, look for solutions that scale with your organization and install with ease. 

The result? A smarter, more resilient workplace that supports productivity and connection—without the frustration. 

Mersive Makes the Return to Office Work 

Return to office is about motivation. When employees walk into a space that supports connection, creativity, and flow, the benefits are immediate: higher productivity, faster decision-making, and more engaged teams. 

That’s why we deliver flexible, scalable, and secure collaboration solutions that support the modern workplace—whatever shape it takes. 

And remember: If your meeting room still requires three remotes and a minor miracle to get started… it might be time to upgrade.