By Dorothy Rogers-Bullis
Why is it that we’re seeing folks step off their Pelotons and head back into gyms again?
It’s not just about access to equipment—it’s because gyms have started to rebrand themselves. They’re no longer simply spaces for sweating through a solo workout. They’re becoming destinations. Community hubs. Lifestyle spaces. Places people want to be.
And now we’re seeing a similar trend with office spaces.
Despite all the effort (and investment) that went into creating gorgeous home offices during the pandemic, people are choosing to go back. Why? Because the office, like the gym, is becoming more than just functional—it’s being reimagined to meet people where they are, with what they truly want.
The businesses that are seeing a return-to-office movement? They’re the ones who have invested in their spaces. They’ve put energy, time, and yes, dollars into crafting work environments that support their teams—not just with a desk and a chair, but with an experience.
I’m often asked: “What does the perfect office look like?”
The truth is—there’s no single answer. You can’t design one universal office that fits everyone’s preferences, personalities, and productivity quirks. We all work differently. We all thrive in different environments. And that’s the point.
But what I do know—because I see it every day—is that people do come to work. At Saratoga CoWorks, I watch people choose this space, day in and day out. As the co-owner of CoWorks and the founder of drb Business Interiors, I live and breathe office life—not just in theory, but in practice.
And here’s what I’ve learned:
The best offices aren’t just functional. They’re magnetic.
They don’t feel like obligations. They feel like destinations.
Let’s go back to the gym analogy for a second. Gyms have realized that their members don’t just want to show up, throw on headphones, run on the treadmill, and head out the door. That era is fading.
Today’s gyms are offering more. Wellness lounges. Community-driven classes. Nutrition support. Personal development seminars. Even coworking spaces inside the gym. Why? Because they’re catering to the whole person, not just the part that wants a good workout.
People come to move their bodies—but they stay for the lifestyle. They stay for the connection.
Office spaces need to take a cue from that.
The new office isn’t just about where we go to get work done. It’s about how we feel when we’re there. It’s about fostering connection, collaboration, and creativity. It’s about designing spaces that don’t just support productivity—but enhance well-being, spark innovation, and make people feel like they belong.
Employees aren’t looking to go back to cubicles and closed doors. They want access to inspiring environments. To functional spaces that also feel welcoming. To conference rooms with natural light, gathering spaces with great coffee, and private nooks when focus is needed.
They want to move throughout the day. To choose how they work best.
At drb, we approach office design with this lens. Every element—furniture, layout, lighting, acoustics, textures—is selected with the human experience in mind. We don’t just look at square footage and number of desks. We ask questions:
How do people move through this space?
Where do they naturally gather?
What helps them think clearly, communicate better, or feel more at ease?
And yes, it’s a balance. We’re not creating a hotel lobby. We’re creating a workplace. But the most forward-thinking businesses are doing both—blending form and function to create something that serves their people, not just their operations.
It’s not about gimmicks or trend-chasing. It’s about thoughtfulness.
It’s about realizing that space impacts behavior—and when we invest in space, we invest in people.
So if you’re wondering why some offices are still half-empty while others are buzzing with energy, this might be the answer.
People are choosing environments that align with how they want to live and work—not the ones that remind them of burnout and beige walls.
And as someone who’s been immersed in workspace design for nearly two decades, I can confidently say:
The office isn’t dead. It’s just evolving.
And the more we embrace this shift—from obligation to destination—the more we’ll see our spaces come back to life.