The Weekly Take from CBRE Everyday People: Gensler on creating the workplaces people want
Nov 3, 2025
Diane Hoskins, Global co-chair of Gensler, dives into the evolution of workplace design. She highlights the shift from rigid office layouts to flexible spaces, tailored for diverse organizational cultures. Destination workplaces are on the rise, aimed at attracting talent and fostering collaboration. AI is transforming architectural practices, enabling rapid design iterations. Diane also discusses the importance of reflecting local culture in office environments and how investing in high-quality spaces can yield long-term value.
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Workplace Satisfaction Was Falling Pre‑COVID
- The workplace has undergone a massive evolution from pre-COVID layouts to today's flexible needs.
- Gensler research showed declining workplace satisfaction leading into 2019, exposing limits of prior office trends.
The Pendulum From Private To Open And Back
- Office design swung from private offices to open benching driven by agility and cost pressures.
- COVID reversed some trends as people rediscovered focus and the need for private settings.
Avoid One‑Size‑Fits‑All Designs
- Do not apply one cookie‑cutter workplace solution to every organization.
- Understand each company's culture and design a bespoke environment that supports productivity.