The ‘hotelification’ of working spaces

A new paradigm that promotes well-being and comfort in the company

An emerging trend, which is gaining more and more popularity in the workspace design scene, is hotelification.

This unusual and admittedly somewhat clumsy term is used to describe the design approach that takes inspiration from the hotel industry to transform offices into cozy, comfortable and highly functional environments.

From an aesthetic point of view, Hotelification brings into offices a style that closely replicates the qualities of a high-end hotel: fine materials, comfortable furniture, lighting designed for relaxation and efficiency, and special attention to details.

With this in mind, natural and sustainable materials such as wood, stone and natural fabrics are often used to create warm and cozy atmospheres.

Colours shift towards neutral, relaxing tones, favouring colour palettes suggesting peacefulness, such as shades of beige, greys and greens.

Furnishings are high-end, with ergonomic seating and spaces that can be arranged to suit the different needs of employees, while mixing pieces of art with refined decoration contributes to a sense of exclusivity and attention to detail.

Artificial lighting blends with natural light and is designed to be dimmed, soft and diffused, contributing to the users’ visual well-being.

A key element of this new concept is the creation of hybrid spaces, where it is possible to work, socialize or simply take a break.

The strict layouts of open spaces evolve into flexible environments according to what is required:

• Lounge areas: informal spaces with sofas, armchairs and tables recalling hotel lobbies, perfect for quick meetings or moments of relaxation;
• Cafés and bar areas: spaces promoting social interaction and offering a tasty sensory experience;
• Private areas and focus room: Soundproof cubicles or hushed rooms for those who need to be focused or be able to make calls in complete privacy, echoing the idea of executive suites in business hotels.

All of the above suggests that hotelification is not just a matter of the aesthetics of places.

The philosophy behind this trend is deeply related to employees’ well-being, acknowledging the importance of a working environment that is able to improve quality of life, reduce stress and increase productivity.

A core element within this new way of designing is the combination of elements that promote physical and mental well-being:

• Spaces for relaxation and meditation: dedicated rooms for resting, thinking or meditating, where employees can take a break from the hectic work schedule
• Integration of green areas: plants, indoor gardens and green walls help lower stress and improve air quality, bringing a taste of nature into the office.
• Fitness facilities: many companies are including gyms or fitness areas in their offices, acknowledging the correlation between physical activity and productivity.

Customisation also plays a key role in this process.

Companies are increasingly adopting solutions that allow employees to ‘customise’ their working environment, not only in terms of ergonomics, but also in terms of accessories and technological configurations.

Some more advanced cases even see the introduction of high-end services within the offices, such as:

• Company concierge: support services to simplify the daily life of employees, similar to those offered by high-end establishments.
• Event venues: multifunctional rooms where corporate events or professional meetings can be hosted in a stylish and comfortable environment.
• Premium catering services: high quality food and beverages, including healthy and personalized options, similar to what can be found in five-star hotel restaurants.

All of this represents nothing less than a natural evolution of the office concept, moving beyond mere functionality to embrace the employee experience as a whole.

Organisations adopting this approach are recognising that an aesthetically pleasing, comfortable and well-being-oriented working environment can significantly improve the quality of employees’ lives and, as a result, their productivity and commitment.

The core idea of hotelification, rather than yet another temporary trend, can be read as a clear sign of how the future of offices will be increasingly people-centered, creating spaces that are not just workplaces, but all-round experiences of well-being and inspiration.