Inside the Office of 2026: Not just desks and boardrooms

We’re switching things up in this episode of Space by Stansons, as host Guy Stanley brings together designers and workplace experts to explore one forward-looking question: what spaces will be used most in offices in 2026?

From cocoon environments and soft meeting rooms to kitchen islands, event spaces, and brand-led pitch pods, this conversation looks at how offices are evolving beyond desks and meeting rooms — and why the future workplace is defined by connection, flexibility, and experience.

What You’ll Learn

1. Why cocoon environments are making a comeback as people look for focus without distraction
2. How collaboration spaces are becoming the primary reason people choose to come into the office
3. Why the traditional boardroom is being replaced by softer, more relaxed meeting spaces
4. How kitchens and tea points are emerging as the true social heart of the workplace
5. Why event spaces and multifunctional areas are some of the most heavily used zones in modern offices
6. How pitch pods and curated Zoom rooms can support brand consistency in hybrid working
7. Why amenities like yoga studios, podcast rooms, and multi-use spaces are becoming standard requests
8. How designing places people want to be changes behaviour, connection, and culture

This episode offers a practical and future-focused look at how offices are being reshaped to support collaboration, wellbeing, and meaningful in-person experiences.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Episode Highlights

00:00 What space will be used most in 2026? Cocoon environments and focus

00:21 Collaboration as the real purpose of coming into the office

00:45 Designing spaces that help people shape their day around connection

01:23 Soft meeting rooms: sofas over boardrooms

02:00 Lounges and designing workplaces people want to be in

02:05 Kitchen islands as natural collaboration hubs

02:28 Why kitchens and tea points are the heart of the office

03:00 Event spaces as some of the busiest areas in modern workplaces

03:35 Multifunctional spaces: events, panels, and lounge modes

03:58 The evolution of Zoom pods into branded pitch spaces

04:51 Amenities on the rise: yoga studios, podcast rooms, and multi-use spaces

05:13 Looking ahead to the workplace of 2026

Episode Resources

Antonia Walmesly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonia-walmsley-590a13b/

Paula Rowntree on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-rowntree-05318733/

Eleanor Penny on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-penny-096058157/

Sarah Wakefield on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-wakefield-405349ba/

Ellie Mumford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-louise-mumford-344b64136/

Tia Brooks on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tia-brooks/

Dicky Lewis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dicky-lewis/

Guy Stanley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guystanley

Learn more about Stansons Group Ltd. here: https://stansons.co.uk

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🎧 Spotify: https://bit.ly/4924osv

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