Companies still struggle to encourage their employees to return to the workplace nearly five years after the world was put on pause due to the pandemic. On-site reporting is in full swing in most companies, but not everyone is eager to be back on-site. In the Philippines, the downsizing of companies significantly increased office space vacancy in 2024 to 19.9%, according to real estate and investment firm CBRE. 

Businesses face new challenges. Fortunately, there are ways to make office setups as comfortable and convenient as a home office and possibly, even better. New workplace design trends draw inspiration from the hospitality industry. Hotelification is one of them. It is tailored to create warm collaborative workspaces that mimic what high-end luxury hotels offer. Hop on the hotelification of your workplace by reading these tips below!

Hotelification of Offices: A Homey Solution

Emerging design trends nowadays tend to be more people-centric. Hotelification is inspired by practices in the hospitality industry that cater to the needs of guests, or in this case, employees. Examples of hotelification of office spaces include engaging communal areas, homey meeting rooms, cafe-style pantries and lounges, on-site gyms or outdoor gardens.

Interesting hotel-like spaces that already embraced this design trend are coworking lounges, where freelancers and employees working from home come together in a sophisticated workplace. The main driver of this design is comfort and luxury, which companies hope can improve employee retention.

7 Hotelification Practices To Boost Employee Productivity

1. Take inspiration from nature when furnishing spaces.

High-end hotels are known for their cozy ambiance. To replicate this, consider furniture and eco-friendly amenities made from natural materials such as wood and stone. Incorporating greenery and well-maintained indoor plants in hallways and lounges will make your office more harmonious.

2. Use natural or warm lights and colors.

Wider windows, high ceilings, skylights – possibilities are endless if you are creative with using natural light. Traditional office spaces tend to be cramped and closed-off, leaving employees less exposed to natural sunlight during long working hours. Office lobbies, entryways, or common areas are good places to begin adapting smarter use of natural light. This can greatly improve employee productivity, especially during the daytime.

Adding a splash of natural colors in the workplace is also a good hotelification practice. Muted green, brown, grey, beige, and off-white are considered relaxing on the eyes, exuding comfort and warmth.

3. Promote leisure and wellness facilities.

Maintaining a positive mental and physical well-being is essential to keeping your employees motivated amid stressful days. Office gyms, fitness areas, massage chairs, and gardens promote exercise and physical relaxation. Quiet rooms, soundproof cubicles, and focus rooms are great for employees who want a more peaceful and tranquil environment. Provision of dry and liquid amenities such as personal care products encourage good physical hygiene as well.

• Dry amenities: Toothbrushes and dental kits, combs, cotton buds, vanity kits
• Liquid amenities: Soaps, body lotions, shampoo, conditioner

4. Integrate technology for convenience and collaboration.

Common advancements in the hospitality industry typically integrate modern technology to cater to guests’ needs faster. Workstations are now height-adjustable, cloud-based collaboration applications and software are becoming more popular, and sustainable technology is popularized in newer buildings.

• Kettles and trays
• Trash bins
• Mirrors
• Safes or safety deposit boxes

Blending these ergonomic solutions can streamline your employees’ experiences and encourage collaborative work in the office.

5. Offer healthy and hearty food options.

If your workplace has an in-house canteen or food hall, it’s time to revise that menu. Office workers who are more health-conscious will appreciate a more diverse selection of food and drinks. Larger companies may offer luxurious buffet-type lunches, while smaller companies can invest in well-thought out dishes to keep employees energetic throughout the day. Creature comforts can also be found in the pantry,  lounge, minibars and coffee bars.

6. Streamline work through concierge services.

Enhance employee experience by offering assistance to tasks like reservations, delivery handling, transportation arrangement, maintenance requests, and other administrative work. A concierge will be most helpful to busy workers, taking less important tasks off their hands. 

7. Build a community space.

Indulge your employees in a good conversation in communal spaces. Hotel aesthetics are best incorporated in lobbies, meeting rooms, and common areas to create an inviting atmosphere. These spaces can be furnished with hotel-like amenities to foster comfort and relief. Amid a busy work day, your employees can find calm and peace in a shared space.

ALSO READ: Emerging Trends in the Hospitality Industry that You Must Know

More than an up-and-coming design trend, the hotelification of office spaces motivates an evolving workforce that seeks places that feel like home, as well as encourages flexible, hybrid spaces that promote work, socialization, and relaxation.

In need of a hotel amenities supplier? Talk to us to order your hotel supplies online today.