The labour market is tighter than ever. While 62% of SME owners are worried about staff shortages, businesses are looking for concrete ways to attract and retain talent. A surprisingly effective tool is often right under their noses: office design. Only 51% of employees feel proud enough to bring guests to their workplace — a clear signal that the physical working environment is crucial to engagement and image.

Why office design makes the difference

In 2025, Generation Z and millennials make up 65% of the workforce. These groups have different expectations of their workplace than previous generations. They value a good work-life balance, sustainability, healthy food and flexibility. A standard office with fluorescent lighting and suspended ceilings simply no longer cuts it for them.

The office is no longer just a place to work — it also reflects who you are as an employer. Companies that understand this invest deliberately in locations with good public transport links, sustainable buildings with at least an energy label C, and a thoughtful layout with ergonomic workstations, plenty of daylight and greenery. These choices are no longer a luxury but a basic requirement in the battle for talent.

From hybrid working to considered office solutions

With 78% of Dutch companies now working hybrid, the role of the office has changed dramatically. The office needs to offer something that working from home can't: spontaneous encounters, collaboration, informal knowledge-sharing and team building. Notably, 40% of hybrid companies plan to schedule more office days in 2025 — a sign that the balance between home and office is still being worked out.

There are three common hybrid models, each with its own spatial requirements:

  • Fixed office days: set days in the office, requiring fixed team spaces
  • Activity-based working: office for collaboration, home for focused work, requiring different work zones
  • Free choice: employees choose where they work, requiring flexible desks and a booking system

Companies that fail to align their way of working with their office layout end up with empty desks, frustrated employees and unnecessary costs. A well-considered workplace strategy avoids these pitfalls.

Wellbeing over square metres

More space doesn't automatically mean happier employees. Research shows that factors such as acoustics, ergonomics and the use of natural elements matter more. Greenery in the office and plenty of daylight boost productivity by 20%, while reducing stress by 8%. These measurable effects make investing in wellbeing more cost-effective than simply renting extra square metres.

In concrete terms, this means investing in good acoustic solutions — 82% of employees directly link noise levels to productivity. Provide height-adjustable desks and ergonomic chairs, create quiet corners with plants and natural materials, and make the most of daylight wherever possible. These measures cost less than extra space and deliver more in terms of employee satisfaction and productivity.

Location as a talent magnet

Location is becoming increasingly important in the war for talent. Young professionals often prioritise access to public transport over parking. An office within walking distance of a metro or train station attracts more applicants than a cheaper alternative on the edge of town. These prime locations cost more per square metre, but companies that choose them report less staff turnover and shorter recruitment times.

Sustainability also plays an important role. With CSRD reporting requirements and the rule that offices must have at least an energy label A by 2030, a sustainable building is no longer a luxury but a requirement. Certifications such as BREEAM or WELL are increasingly decisive in attracting talent that consciously chooses a sustainable employer.

Flexibility versus certainty: the financial trade-off

The choice between traditional leasing and a serviced office depends heavily on company size and confidence in future growth. For teams of up to 20 people, a serviced office — at 350 to 600 euros per m² all-in — is often the answer: no large upfront investment of 140,000 euros or more for fit-out and IT, cancellable on a monthly basis, and ready for immediate use. For larger, more stable organisations, traditional leasing is usually more cost-effective after three to four years.

Many companies make the mistake of looking only at the base rent. Total costs, including maintenance, cleaning, energy and facilities management, are often 20 to 30% higher. A fair comparison avoids surprises and helps in making a well-informed choice.

From strategy to execution

Successful companies follow a clear plan when using their office as part of their people strategy. Start by defining your workplace vision together with HR and team leaders. Analyse current desk usage and build realistic growth scenarios for the next three to five years. Only then choose a location based on accessibility and image, not just price.

When it comes to fit-out, prioritise sustainability and wellbeing over extra floor space. After moving, keep measuring using data from your booking system and employee satisfaction surveys. This feedback allows you to make timely adjustments and get more out of your investment.

The reality of the office as a talent magnet

A beautiful office doesn't make up for poor company culture or mediocre terms of employment. It's a complement to solid people policy, not a substitute for it. Even so, the right office environment can be the difference between being a good employer and a truly attractive one in the eyes of new talent.

As the labour market gets tighter and a new generation sets different expectations, office design has become an important part of being a good employer. Companies that recognise this early, and use their office deliberately to strengthen their image, gain a clear advantage. The question isn't whether your office plays a role in attracting talent, but how deliberately you shape that role.