Canadians Prefer Hybrid Work, But Employers Must Create Connected, Motivating Spaces

81% of Canadian adults want employers to continue to offer hybrid work policies (which blend in-office and remote work) in 2025, CTV News reports. Specifically, 82% say remote work is healthier for them, while 73% say it drives productivity. As it stands, almost 75% of Canadian employers have downsized their office space in the switch to hybrid work, and have therefore generated cost savings of over $400,000 annually. Canadian hybrid offices may be smaller than standard offices, but SME owners should still make an effort to embrace office design that maximises cost savings, motivates hybrid employees, and facilitates social connections that can often take a hit in remote work arrangements.?

Hotdesks minimise office “dead space”??

A hot desk office policy and layout eliminates as much as 40% of dead space (wasted or unused space) that plagues that average Canadian workplace. Through hotdesking, hybrid employees are free to pick and choose what desk they work at on a daily basis—this gives them greater control over their seating arrangements, which boosts mood and motivation. It also means SME owners can eliminate empty desks, which would otherwise be an issue as hybrid employees come into the office on different days. In turn, this keeps space and resources used to a minimum.??

For this layout to be most effective, SME owners should opt for separate desks intended for solo work along with screens that can be easily moved to provide privacy when needed. Additionally, cluster desks are also a great choice for when people need to work together. Keep in mind, some hybrid employees may not be keen on the lack of long-term storage that comes with not having their own desk. To solve this issue, provide lockers where employees can safely keep their things throughout the day.?

Sustainable home office design drives productivity, saves money

Sustainable home office design is also an important way hybrid workers can stay comfortable, energised, and happy as they work from home (happy workers are also 13% more productive). Although it’s ultimately up to employees to design their home offices, employers can still provide guidance on best practices to include for optimal comfort and cost savings. For example, hybrid employees can replace their incandescent light bulbs with Energy-Star-certified LED ones, which are 90% more efficient and last 15 times longer. Despite their low-energy nature, LED bulbs still emit enough light to improve focus and create a comfortable office. Ceiling pendants should be used in addition to wall lights, bookshelf lights, and task lighting, so no area’s left underlit.

Facilitate connection between hybrid workers?

Over one in ten Canadians are “always” or “often” lonely, while 21% of hybrid workers experience loneliness (that’s in comparison to 25% of fully-remote workers, and 16% of in-person workers). That means it’s imperative SME owners design a hybrid office that facilitates social connection and prevents loneliness. For example, get rid of individual tea and coffee stations in isolated corridors or reception areas, and instead place them within a large, open-plan kitchen. Add comfortable seats (such as, upholstered stools) and people will have somewhere nice to sit, drink their coffee, and chat with the person next to them. Business owners can also opt for a large, U-shaped bar design—this provides enough room for hybrid teams to comfortably gather, eat, and work.?

Hybrid work arrangements are set to remain a major trend for Canadian SMEs in 2025. If business owners therefore take steps to create an office layout that drives productivity and facilitates social connections among employees, the more successful their hybrid work policy will be—which generates greater cost savings as a result.?