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January 14, 2026
Joe Averill
5 mins
The rise of hybrid working has changed how companies think about their offices. No longer simply rows of desks, offices must now balance flexibility, collaboration, and employee experience. In Manchester, where demand for flexible and serviced offices is growing, layouts are being redesigned to reflect new priorities.
A hybrid office must accommodate two realities. On some days, only a portion of the workforce is present, and efficiency matters. On others, the full team may gather for collaboration or events, requiring space for meetings, socialising, and presentations. Getting the balance right means rethinking traditional office layouts.
Hybrid working reduces the need for one desk per person. Instead, companies are moving towards shared desk models supported by booking systems. A 60:100 desk-to-staff ratio is increasingly common, freeing space for collaborative areas while lowering costs.
Hot-desking also encourages movement, which can increase energy and interaction. The key is to pair it with storage lockers and reliable booking tools so employees always feel supported.
Hybrid teams need environments that support both teamwork and concentration. Collaboration hubs include open tables, lounges, and informal spaces where teams can gather for brainstorming or project work. Focus zones are quieter areas designed for deep, individual work.
Designing a clear separation between the two prevents noise and distraction while giving employees choice over how they work.
With part of the team often remote, technology-enabled meeting rooms are essential. Features such as large screens, strong acoustics, and reliable video conferencing allow hybrid meetings to run smoothly. Acoustic treatment is particularly important to minimise echo and background noise.
Smaller rooms for two to four people support hybrid collaboration without the need for full conference spaces.
In open-plan hybrid offices, phone booths are increasingly important. These soundproof pods allow employees to take calls, record content, or focus on short tasks without disturbing colleagues. They are especially useful for companies that rely on client-facing roles or video calls.
Phone booths also make better use of space, offering private functionality without needing to dedicate entire meeting rooms.
For all-hands meetings, town halls, or company events, many modern offices now include auditorium-style spaces or bleacher seating. This design supports large gatherings, presentations, and workshops in a way that feels informal but professional.
Bleacher seating can be multi-purpose, doubling as social space when not in use. In Manchester, several new developments include these features as part of their appeal to hybrid teams.
Hybrid work emphasises the office as a place for connection. Cafes, lounges, and kitchen areas provide opportunities for casual interaction. These spaces help reinforce culture and encourage employees to return to the office voluntarily.
Manchester is home to several buildings that have embraced hybrid-friendly design.
· Bloc integrates collaboration areas, wellness spaces, and a cascading garden, creating a balanced environment for teams.
· Colony Silk Street offers a mix of hot desks, lounges, and meeting rooms designed for hybrid flexibility.
· Windmill Green includes cycle-friendly amenities and communal terraces that support active travel and social interaction.
These examples highlight the trend: the most in-demand offices are those designed with hybrid layouts in mind.
Designing for hybrid work is not just about aesthetics. It is a financial decision that affects cost, utilisation, and productivity.
Reducing dedicated desks allows companies to occupy smaller footprints or repurpose space into higher-value amenities. However, cost must be weighed against culture. Cutting too much space can create overcrowding on busy days, frustrating employees.
The goal is to design a workplace that reflects company values while maintaining financial responsibility. For many, serviced and managed offices in Manchester provide a solution, offering hybrid-ready layouts as part of flexible contracts.
Hybrid offices will continue to evolve. Several trends are already shaping the next generation of layouts.
· AI and sensors: Smart technology will predict occupancy levels, adjust heating and lighting, and optimise space in real time.
· Wellbeing integration: Expect to see more biophilic design, wellness suites, gyms and quiet rooms incorporated into layouts.
· Flexible event spaces: Bleacher seating, modular meeting rooms, and reconfigurable layouts will allow offices to adapt to changing needs.
· ESG influence: Sustainable materials, efficient systems, and transparent reporting will become standard requirements.
The office of the future will be less about where employees must go and more about where they choose to go. Spaces that provide flexibility, wellbeing, and connection will win.
· Hybrid offices require layouts that support both collaboration and focus.
· Flexible desk ratios, phone booths, and technology-enabled meeting rooms are essential.
· Bleacher seating and auditoriums enhance culture by supporting all-hands meetings.
· The right balance of social, collaborative, and quiet spaces ensures employees feel supported.
· Manchester’s most successful offices are those embracing hybrid design today.
Designing an office for hybrid teams is about more than space planning. It is about creating an environment that enhances culture, supports wellbeing, and adapts to shifting patterns of work. Manchester companies that embrace flexible layouts, private phone booths, and dynamic event spaces will be better equipped to attract talent, strengthen performance, and thrive in the years ahead.
Want to find your next leased, managed or serviced office space to rent? Book a call with our team today.
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