Wellness, flexibility, and a touch of fun: How design is redefining the modern workplace.
by Maya Wisher
Office design is evolving fast. Moving beyond cubicles and meeting rooms, the emphasis is now on creating a space where people want to be. As companies try to navigate hybrid work models and place greater emphasis on wellness, culture, and employee experience, design professionals are reimagining how offices can support these evolving priorities.
To explore what’s trending in tenant amenity design today, BOMA Manitoba connected with some of our interior design members, including ft3 Architecture Landscape Interior Design, LM Architectural Group/Environmental Space Planning (LM-ESP), and Rodych Integrated Design Inc. (RIDI). Their insights highlight the creative strategies shaping tenant amenities in Winnipeg and beyond.
Richardson Centre | ft3
Emerson Gonzales
1. Social Spaces That Feel Like Home
Lounge-style common areas, plush seating, and warm lighting are replacing sterile break rooms. From open cafés with espresso machines to soft-seating nooks with cozy chairs and side tables, these spaces make the office a destination for human connection.
These home-like social hubs not only boost employee morale but also help foster spontaneous conversations that can spark new ideas. The shift is clear: it’s no longer just about having somewhere to eat lunch but about creating spaces that build community.
“We focus on creating very inviting, comfortable and engaging spaces where people can enjoy face-to-face interactions and build positive relationships, enhancing work culture and an employee’s sense of place and connectivity.”
– LM-ESP
Ceridian | LM-ESP
Gerry Kopelow
2. Flexible, Hybrid-Ready Work Zones
Mobility and adaptability are at the heart of today’s office design. Employees can choose a desk, couch, quiet pod, or standing table depending on their needs. Integrated technology ensures that whether you’re brainstorming in a lounge or taking a private call in a focus booth, you’re connected.
When Ceridian moved offices to True North Square, LM-ESP provided a mix of open and closed workstations, meeting rooms of varying sizes, dedicated collaboration zones, and quiet spaces. This flexibility accommodates different modes of work and supports both introverts who need quiet corners and extroverts who thrive in buzzing collaboration areas. Acoustic zoning, moveable partitions, and adjustable furniture keep these spaces functional for both individual work and spontaneous team huddles.
“By rethinking the office landscape as a vibrant, flexible workspace across all areas, it prompts staff to leverage the whole office as their workstation, rather than solely their desk or office, supporting collaboration, interaction and a dynamic work culture.”
– LM-ESP
Richardson Centre | ft3
Emerson Gonzales
3. Amenity-Rich Fitness & Wellness Centres
Wellness has moved from the sidelines to the spotlight, reshaping the corporate gym into a core office amenity. Fully equipped fitness centres, yoga studios, and meditation rooms are now standard in many new builds and major renovations. A state-of-the-art golf simulator was added to the Richardson Centre Limited tenant lounge by designer ft3. The firm is currently implementing a golf simulator for another client as part of their new office fit up.
At 200 Graham Avenue, LM-ESP partnered with the Owner Group on a lobby renovation that prioritized wellness, adding secure indoor bike storage and “End of Trip” facilities with showers and lockers to support active commutes. Beyond fitness-focused upgrades, many workplaces are also adding nap pods, massage chairs, and quiet rooms for reflection: amenities designed to support mental health, recovery, and overall productivity.
“Wellness rooms are designated private rooms to support an employees need to relax, destress, and focus on wellbeing. The spaces themselves are technology free, minimal in décor, softly lit, with a calming colour scheme.”
– ft3
Wellington Altus | RIDI
Brian Gould Photography
4. Hospitality-Inspired Reception & Arrival Experiences
Entering a workplace, the first impressions often set the tone for all that follows. More companies are reimagining their reception and arrival areas to include comfortable lounge seating, curated artwork, statement lighting, greenery, and natural materials that reflect the brand’s personality. RIDI incorporated a coffee bar in their renovation of Wellington Altus, encouraging visitors and employees alike to ease into their day in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
This design approach goes beyond aesthetics, and sends a clear message about culture, values, and attention to detail. A hospitality-style arrival space can foster stronger client relationships, boost employee pride, and make every interaction feel more personal.
“By removing the desk, front of house space has become valuable real estate that offers opportunity for informal employee and client lounging. Moving the lonely and often isolated reception staff onto the work floor with everyone else is also welcomed.”
– ft3
Paragon | ft3
Leif Norman
5. Specialty Food & Beverage Experiences
Gourmet coffee bars, smoothie counters, wine cellars, and beer kegs are drawing people together. The goal isn’t just to feed staff—it’s to make food service an experience that encourages networking and cross-departmental connection.
The designers with ft3 added a speakeasy to the Paragon Office, providing a unique space for employees to socialize; the dim lighting and comfortable seating create a more social vibe. These spaces also act as destinations for client meetings, offering a relaxed atmosphere in which to engage.
“Beyond providing convenience, these communal areas promote informal collaboration, well-being, and a sense of shared culture—fueling both people and productivity.”
– RIDI
Paragon Office | ft3
Leif Norman
6. Multi-Use Event & Collaboration Spaces
Modern offices are prioritizing spaces that can quickly shift between functions, from a large presentation venue to a team brainstorming hub to an after-hours social space. Retractable walls, modular furniture, and advanced AV systems make it possible to transform the room in minutes.
Companies can use these spaces for community engagement, opening them up for networking events, charity fundraisers, or industry panels. The flexibility ensures these rooms are in constant use rather than sitting empty between scheduled meetings.
“We are finding that our corporate clients are becoming more receptive to ideas that repurpose how space has been used in the past as a strategy to solidify the office culture, maximize staff retention and build relationships.”
– ft3
Bill and Helen Norrie Library | LM-ESP
Lindsay Reid
7. Biophilic & Nature-Inspired Design
From lush living walls to the subtle warmth of natural wood finishes, Biophilic design embraces the benefits of incorporating natural elements into interior spaces, enhancing well-being and connection to the environment. Incorporating natural light, greenery, and outdoor views improves mood, air quality, and creativity.
Living moss walls were installed in the Bill and Helen Norrie Library, as LM-ESP sought to bring nature indoors, creating a healthier and more inspiring space for patrons. With Winnipeg’s colder months in mind, workstations can be placed along window fronts with enclosed offices moved further inside with lots of glass to let in natural light and provide views for all.
“Green design connects employees to nature, reduces stress, and boosts focus, contributing to healthier and more engaging workplaces.”
– RIDI
Keyloop | RIDI
Brian Gould Photography
8. High-Tech Touchpoints
Technology is no longer confined to the IT department, it’s embedded throughout the workspace. App-based room booking systems, smart lockers, and touchless entry streamline the workday. Acoustic pods and advanced video conferencing setups ensure hybrid teams stay connected without distraction.
Employers are experimenting with AI-driven environmental controls, allowing employees to adjust lighting and temperature through their phones. Others are integrating digital concierge platforms that handle everything from visitor check-in to food ordering.
“Having properly outfitted spaces that are readily accessible with built-in technology allow employees to seamlessly switch up their workspace to suit varying individual needs and accommodate flexibility.”
– LM-ESP
Keyloop | RIDI
Brian Gould Photography
9. Game & Recreation Zones
Fun is finding a permanent home in the workplace. Table tennis, foosball, arcade games, and VR stations give employees a way to relax and connect outside of formal work settings. RIDI created a sense of playfulness with their renovation of Keyloop, by adding in free standing arcade games.
These areas infuse the workplace with a sense of playfulness, offering employees a chance to recharge, spark creativity, and connect through spontaneous play. These zones can be tucked into underused corners or designed as a central feature, depending on the company culture. The goal is to boost morale, build community, and encourage people to stay on-site after hours for informal socializing.
“These spaces are especially popular in industries that value innovation and want to offer unique, culture-forward experiences to their teams.”
– RIDI
Ellement | RIDI
Brian Gould Photography
10. Concierge-Style Services
Offices are taking cues from luxury hotels, offering services that make employees’ lives easier. Dry cleaning pick-up, package handling, in-house bike repair, and even weekly massage therapy sessions are increasingly common.
By reducing the number of errands staff have to run outside of work hours, these amenities free up time for both personal life and professional focus. Employers can also offer travel booking assistance, pet care coordination, or meal-prep delivery partnerships, adding an extra layer of convenience.
“By bringing plant life and greenery into the office and maximizing shared staff access to natural light and views, the workplace becomes more vibrant, energetic, healthier, and a more inspiring place to create and work.”
– LM-ESP