Unprecedented workplace shifts due to the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with the flexibility offered by remote work environments have contributed significantly toward the rising prevalence of hybrid spaces in both home and office spaces. Adapting dedicated workspaces in the home using innovative, adaptable, and muti-purpose technology allows those working from home to maximize efficiency and productivity while minimizing the intrusion on their personal life. Many studies have found that separating work and living spaces has positive effects of psychological well-being, enhances productivity, can contribute to better physical health, and allows for an improved work-life balance.
Types of Hybrid Spaces
The creation of hybrid spaces requires the the architect and designer to think from a multipurpose perspective, prioritizing innovation and space optimization. Hybrid spaces come in many shapes, sizes, and locations. And with some knowledge and effort you can create a hybrid space of your own. Whether you work from home, manage an office, or hybrid spaces are for everyone. For example:
Hybrid Spaces in Homes
There are many opportunities for hybrid spaces in the home, the most popular being adaptable and efficient home offices. Even as we gradually recover after the COVID-19 pandemic, it is unlikely that office attendance will return to pre-pandemic norms. With the ever-growing popularity of working from home, especially as technology continues to evolve and advance, at home workspaces that are comfortable, adaptable, innovative, and efficient are more necessary and sought-after than ever.
Hybrid spaces in the home span beyond the office and workspace and into other areas such as the kitchen. Many features can be combined to create a modern hybrid kitchen with one of the most popular being sustainability and adaptability. A sustainable and adaptable kitchen may be a place for engaging in activities such as working, socializing, and hobbies as well as cooking. Additionally, sustainable and adaptable kitchen spaces may feature energy efficient and multi-purpose appliances, efficient use of space and materials, waste reduction technology and practices, and multi-purpose surfaces.
Hybrid Workspaces
Hybrid spaces in the workplace are growing in popularity as the work environment continues to grow and change. Prioritizing flexibility, collaboration, adaptability, and worker well-being, these spaces can promote efficiency, productivity, employee wellness, and innovation. These spaces are specifically designed to accommodate a variety of work styles and work modes including but not limited to on-site work remote work, collaborative work, task-based work, and team-based work. A hybrid workspace should also be able to support the smooth transition between these work modes allowing for flexibility fuel efficiency.
A hybrid space in the workplace features many key elements. Things like innovative and multi-purpose technology, flexible and adaptable layouts, along with various types of workspaces are necessary to create a versatile and effective hybrid workplace. Flexible layouts may include modular and multi-purpose furniture that can be easily reconfigured and arranged to suit a variety of work styles and formats. Integrating technology also contributes to the flexibility and adaptability of a hybrid space. With features such as high-speed internet, state-of-the-art collaboration software, interactive and intuitive displays, and accessibilities tools, the technology can help create a hybrid workspace that not only supports a flexible work model but also fosters collaboration, creativity, and productivity across groups and teams. Regardless of whether these teams are remote, in-person, or hybrid.
Another key element of an effective and efficient hybrid workplace is health and wellness areas. Explored in further detail in our blog on Biophilic Design incorporating natural elements or elements that mimic nature can have positive effects on employee mental and physical health and wellness as well as productivity and efficiency. Research indicates that it can lead to improved cognitive function and enhanced creativity as well as contribute to improved memory and attention span. Additionally, it has been linked to higher feelings of motivation and engagement from people in work, learning, and home environments. Biophilic design elements are varied and can be implemented in many ways. Examples of direct biophilic elements include light, plants, animals, fire, water, and natural ecosystems. Adding these to a space can be as simple as including a water feature in the architecture or considering the amount of natural light when designing a space.
Indirect biophilic design elements can also be used to a similar effect. For example, images of nature, natural colors, biomimicry, simulating natural light and air, and natural material. These are optimal when trying to turn an existing space into a hybrid space. When remodeling and rearranging furniture is sub-optimal or impossible, improving airflow, mimicking natural light, putting up landscape art or images, and even repainting a wall with a more nature inspired color can have a positive impact on the space.
Especially important in office spaces, including fitness and workout spaces can have a significant impact on employee health and wellness while also creating an effective hybrid space. Even something 
as simple as a meditation room or yoga space can improve physical health and wellness by allowing workers to get movements and relaxation in their day. This can affect overall satisfaction and productivity as well as stimulate innovation and creativity.
Social spaces represent an effective and low-cost method of hybridizing an office or workspace. A social space would allow for relaxation and encourage non-work-related interactions that may help to strengthen and create new bonds between employees. Allowing conversation and interaction between different departments and teams can foster new and innovative ideas as well as contribute positively to company morale and encourage interdepartmental collaboration.
Drawbacks of Hybrid Spaces
Although hybrid spaces come with many benefits for both the creator of the hybrid space and the user, hybrid spaces cannot be created with a one-size-fits-all approach. A hybrid space may not be necessary or beneficial for all work models which may result in an imbalance of amenities between employees in the workplace. Additionally, companies implementing hybrid spaces may see higher costs in many parts of the budget such as cybersecurity, construction, furniture, and supplies. Additionally, in teams where some members are in person and some members are remote, there can be communication gaps. This may lead to miscommunication or feelings of isolation or exclusion, which not only has a negative effect on employee health and wellness but can also result in project mistakes and significant errors.
Conclusion
Creating your own hybrid space, whether it be at home or in the workplace is primarily about one thing: What can you add? Adding elements to a space that foster innovation, collaboration, wellness, comfort, interconnectivity, and creativity is the core of hybrid space creation. From projects as complex as completely redesigning an office space to include biophilic design elements, multi-purposes and arrangeable furniture, and state-of-the-art technology to changes as simple as adding a comfortable sitting area, and a landscape painting, hybrid spaces can be for everyone. So next time you’re designing a workspace, sitting in your office, or collaborating on a project, think about what you can add to the space that would make your experience easier and more enjoyable. How can you hybridize your space?
