How Consulting Firms Will Bring Clients, Employees, and New Talent Back to the Office

The Real Reasons Your Employees Aren’t Returning to the Office:

• Commuting: Perhaps the most practical reason, as many fear losing flexibility and work-life balance.
• Poor office location: The issue is subjective—some may prefer a city-center office, while others prefer the suburbs.
• Workspace not suited to all tasks: Traditional office layouts don’t support tasks that benefit most from in-person collaboration, such as brainstorming, teamwork, and client meetings.
• Lack of inspiration: Overly branded or bland office environments can stifle creativity.
• Lack of comfort: It’s not just about ergonomic furniture. Some employees might be working from a makeshift setup at home, but they also benefit from savings on childcare or the flexibility to hit the gym during their lunch break.

Are there any arguments in favor of returning to the office?

Yes, absolutely!

Working from home also means:

• Distractions from children or other household members
• Blurred lines between personal and professional life
• Inadequate workspaces
• Fewer spontaneous interactions with colleagues

And it’s not just about your employees. It’s about your clients, with whom you want to rebuild relationships. It’s also about demonstrating your commitment to sustainability—not just as a corporate initiative but as something you live and breathe on your premises.

And let’s not forget new hires and applicants, especially Gen Z, who value a flexible and sustainable work environment.

Let’s face it: getting your community back to the office is a challenge. But here’s an actionable guide to creating a welcoming, people-centered workplace.

1. Serendipity is the Essence of the Office: Bring Back Spontaneous Conversations!

Serendipity is the act of making a happy or useful discovery in an unexpected way, often by looking for something else.

Do you think your team enjoys the spontaneous interactions that spark creativity and problem-solving while working from home? Probably not.

Without those chance encounters, how can your team share knowledge, strengthen company culture, or mentor new employees? The casual chats by the coffee machine or hallway, and impromptu brainstorming sessions that once drove collaboration, are fading.

It’s time to reconnect and revitalize your company culture:

THE SOLUTION:

Redesign your office to encourage those valuable interactions. Create spaces that promote serendipity—from cozy lounges and breakout rooms to strategically placed cafeterias and communal areas. Incorporate relaxation zones and open spaces where employees can naturally cross paths, share ideas, and rekindle team spirit. Rethink the office layout to ensure that every corner invites connection.

2. Reduce Commute Time with Strategic Locations

Even if your office is appealing, long commutes are a major barrier to returning.

How many productive hours are lost to commuting? How many employees arrive at the office already feeling stressed? With competition for top talent rising, how can you compete if your office location is a deterrent?

THE SOLUTION:

It’s time to bring the office closer to your team. Choose locations near major transportation hubs to make commuting easier. And don’t stop there—locate your office in vibrant city centers where employees can grab lunch at trendy spots or run personal errands during breaks. Create a lifestyle vibe, not just a workspace, and make proximity and convenience part of your strategy.

Redesign your office to encourage those valuable interactions. Create spaces that promote serendipity—from cozy lounges and breakout rooms to strategically placed cafeterias and communal areas. Incorporate relaxation zones and open spaces where employees can naturally cross paths, share ideas, and rekindle team spirit. Rethink the office layout to ensure that every corner invites connection.

3. Commit to Sustainability

Is your company truly living up to its sustainability promises? Today’s employees and clients expect more than lip service—they want to see real, responsible actions.

THE SOLUTION: 

Aim for certifications like LEED or BREEAM to show your dedication to sustainability. Go beyond just office plants—maximize natural light, use recycled and sustainable materials, and incorporate second-hand furniture to reduce waste. Turn your office into a green oasis that not only cuts down your carbon footprint but also enhances employee well-being. Start small by swapping out traditional materials for eco-friendly alternatives, and watch your office’s reputation grow alongside your environmental impact.

4. Upgrade the Meeting Room Experience

Why come to a meeting that could have been held remotely? Boring, outdated meeting rooms don’t motivate anyone to show up.

THE SOLUTION: 

It’s time to give your meeting spaces the attention they deserve! Equip them with smart booking systems that suggest the best room for each meeting. Make them more inviting with comfortable, ergonomic furniture, high-quality AV tools, and seamless connectivity. Transform your meeting rooms into versatile spaces employees actually want to use, from creative brainstorming sessions to informal gatherings after hours.

5. Outperform Remote Work with Activity-Based Working

Are employees hesitant to return because the office doesn’t offer flexibility or meet their diverse work needs? Traditional setups can’t compete with the comfort of working from home.

But home isn’t always versatile either. Why not design a more flexible, dynamic office?

THE SOLUTION:

Survey your employees to understand their needs, then implement Activity-Based Working (ABW) by designing adaptable zones for collaboration, focus, and relaxation. Modular furniture can transform a space from an all-hands meeting room to a yoga studio after hours, offering employees what they need throughout the day. Remember, employees aren’t one-size-fits-all, and neither should your office be. ABW can help you outshine the home office by offering spaces tailored to every task and work style.

6. Attract Talent and Reconnect with Clients through Hospitality-Inspired Spaces

Why revert to in-person job interviews or client meetings?

While online meetings are efficient, there’s more to consider.

Your workspace plays a role in client interactions and attracting top talent. Does your current layout inspire collaboration and innovation, or reinforce outdated hierarchies?

THE SOLUTION: 

Transform your office into a hospitality-inspired space. Design a welcoming lobby where employees and clients are greeted with refreshments, snacks, and comfortable seating. Invite clients into your workspace—not just as visitors but as partners in a space that reflects your values. Encourage open layouts and informal spaces to foster an entrepreneurial spirit and break down hierarchies. One consulting company in Paris managed to bring all their job interviews back in-house by transforming their office this way.

Conclusion:

Bringing employees, clients, and new talent back to the office requires more than mandates—it’s about creating a space that inspires, supports, and connects people. By fostering spontaneous collaboration, reducing commute times, committing to sustainability, and designing flexible, engaging work environments, consulting companies can transform their offices into hubs of innovation and productivity. The workplace of the future is not just where people work—it’s where they thrive.