Transforming the Workplace: 5 Underutilised Workspaces to Revamp
The way we work has changed, and so have our expectations of the spaces around us.
As virtual collaboration blends with in-person teamwork, Cape Town office spaces need to do more than simply house desks. They must become destinations that support purpose-driven work, offer connection, and improve the employee experience.
To keep pace with evolving tenant requirements, the traditional workplace must evolve into an intentional, attractive environment that encourages staff to return not out of obligation, but out of choice.
Underutilised or empty office space can have both a financial implication with costs accruing regardless of usage as well as an indirect effect on employee morale. This means rethinking spaces that are often overlooked or underutilised and asking a simple question: how can we make this space work better for the bottom line and the people who use it?
This means rethinking spaces that are often overlooked or underutilised and asking a simple question: how can we make this space work better for the people who use it?
Let’s take a look at five essential office areas in every building that are ready for transformation, along with practical steps to turn them into vibrant, functional spaces.
1. The Reception Area: Make a Lasting First Impression
The reception area is the first thing people see when they enter your workplace, but too often it feels cold or purely functional.
To make it more meaningful, shift the focus from steely cold formality to organic hospitality
How to transform it:
- Introduce soft seating that invites people to relax and not just wait. Lounge chairs, small tables, and modular pieces that can be rearranged are all great starting points.
- Add visual elements that reflect your brand and values. This could be digital displays showing company news or wall art showcasing your mission.
- Create a check-in area that is intuitive and friendly. A staffed desk can still be present, but complemented by self-service kiosks or tablets.
- Provide Wi-Fi and charging stations so guests can stay productive while they wait.
- Use lighting to create a warm atmosphere. Avoid harsh overhead lights and instead opt for layered lighting overhead.
The goal of this transformation is to create a space that feels welcoming, modern, and aligned with the culture of your business.
2. The Meeting Space: Build Flexibility into Every Room
Many meeting rooms were designed for formality with long tables, identical chairs, and a screen on the wall.
This just won’t work for today’s teams that need spaces which adapt to different types of collaboration, from brainstorming and decision-making to hybrid discussions.
How to transform it:
- Replace fixed furniture with movable tables and chairs so layouts can change depending on the meeting format.
- Add writable surfaces like whiteboards or glass walls to encourage idea sharing.
- Integrate video conferencing tools that support hybrid teams, including quality microphones, cameras, and easy-to-use interfaces.
- Provide multiple seating zones in the room. These could include a main table for discussion, a soft corner for informal chats, or a coffee bar with stools for quick check-ins.
- Use acoustic panels or rugs to manage sound, especially in open-plan offices.
Making the meeting space adaptable allows your teams to use it in a way that suits their work, not just the room’s original layout.
3. The Social Hub: Encourage Connection and Community
The office kitchen or common room is often viewed as a utility space, but it holds the potential to become a central hub for socialising, recharging, and informal collaboration.
Team members naturally gravitate toward these spaces when they feel inviting and comfortable.
How to achieve this:
- Offer varied seating, including high tables, booths, and soft seating to support different group sizes and energy levels.
- Position the space centrally in the office to increase visibility and encourage use.
- Provide quality coffee, healthy organic snacks, and even background music to enhance the ambiance.
- Use this space for casual team events or celebrations. Having the right furniture and layout makes it easy to shift from lunch spot to happy hour venue.
- Keep it clean and visually appealing. A well-maintained space signals that it is valued by the organization.
Turning your coffee area into a destination helps foster a sense of belonging and boosts morale, particularly in hybrid workspaces where social time is more limited.
4. The Hybrid Hub: Supporting Mobile and Permanent Workers
In the age of hoteling, not everyone has an assigned desk anymore.
Whether your team is hybrid, remote-first, or frequently in transit between meetings, many workers need a reliable place to work when they are in the office from time to time.
The hybrid hub is a new type of open plan space: a home base without the rigidity of permanence.
How to create it:
- Create a mix of unassigned desks, hot desks, and individual focus pods where people can set up for a few hours or a day.
- Include lockers or cubbies so people can safely store personal items.
- Use visual zoning, such as rugs or planters, to demarcate the area without enclosing it.
- Offer flexible work tools like monitor arms, docking stations, and movable task lighting.
- Ensure strong Wi-Fi coverage and plenty of power outlets in every seat.
This space should be easy to navigate, tech-ready, and comfortable enough to support focused work, short tasks, or even extended stays if needed.
5. The Chill Room: Prioritise Wellbeing with a True Retreat
Wellbeing is no longer a bonus feature. In fact it’s an expectation among younger workers.
While most offices offer little more than a spare room labeled “wellness” you can offer your team a place where they can truly unplug, reflect, and reset, whether for a few minutes or longer.
Here’s how:
- Choose a location with minimal noise and foot traffic to help create a sense of calm. Unused management offices are ideal.
- Use soft, comfortable furniture like recliners, meditation cushions, or a small couch.
- Incorporate soft lighting, neutral tones, and biophilic elements such as plants or natural materials.
- Offer options for privacy, including curtains, screens, or individual pods.
- Make it inclusive. This room should be suitable for rest, prayer, meditation, or quiet breathing: whatever helps your team to regroup and get ready for the next challenge.
Providing a thoughtfully designed respite room signals that your company takes mental health and work-life balance seriously, boosting your attractiveness as an employer.
Find the Ideal Cape Town Office Space with us
The future of work may not require a full office overhaul, but it does demand a space that’s welcoming and professional and flexible above all.
The Commercial Space team is proud to offer a large portfolio of premier Cape Town office spaces designed with productivity and wellness in mind. Contact us today to start your office search.
