The Office Isn’t What It Used to Be: How South African Businesses Can Adapt to the New Hybrid Workplace

Gone are the days of the lively office buzz—those spontaneous chats, the murmur of creative collaboration, and the hum of energy that once made offices feel alive. The traditional open-plan environment, once a hallmark of modern workplaces, is evolving, and the shift is something companies can no longer ignore.

Linda Trim, Director at Giant Leap, one of South Africa’s premier workplace design consultancies, shared her insights on this transformation. “Employees are retreating into privacy booths, or occupying empty conference rooms. Offices are turning into quiet zones that resemble libraries more than the bustling hubs of innovation they once were. The vibe is weird, and it’s no longer fun,” she noted.

This shift has been accelerated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns, and staggered returns to work. What’s now emerging is a paradox: employees have returned to the office, but the energy is absent.

“We’re seeing a move away from open-plan desks, with employees opting for soundproof booths or quiet conference rooms for video calls. It’s a wake-up call. Companies can’t just mandate a return to the office and expect everything to return to ‘normal.’ You’ve got to design for it,” Trim emphasized.

Privacy Is Now a Priority

The rise in demand for private workspaces is evident, not just in South Africa but globally. The $24 billion office-furniture industry is seeing a surge in orders for privacy pods—sleek, modern alternatives to the traditional open-plan office setup. In South Africa, Giant Leap’s clients are responding by embracing these privacy-focused workspaces, echoing trends from companies like Amazon, where enclosed areas now outnumber open-plan layouts.

According to Trim, the need for these spaces is overwhelming. “We’ve had one CEO tell us that eight pods and several conference rooms still aren’t enough for his 85-person team. Employees aren’t just using the booths—they’re lingering in them, turning these spaces into personal sanctuaries.”

The Cultural Shift of the Post-Pandemic Office

The shift towards privacy booths isn’t just a matter of aesthetics or convenience—it’s a cultural shift. The chatter and casual conversations that once brought teams together are slowly fading, replaced by an eerie silence. This transformation is leaving some employees nostalgic for the old buzz, while others are relieved by the quiet.

“The office used to be a social engine,” Trim explained. “Now, it’s a place where focus trumps connection. We’ve had tech recruiters tell us their ‘rowdy buzz’ vision flopped—workers want quiet, not chaos. But there’s a balance to strike. Too much quiet can be just as stressful as too much noise. Finding that sweet spot is key, and we’re working with businesses to get it right.”

Striking the Right Balance: Quiet and Collaboration

At Giant Leap, they’re not simply tearing down open-plan offices—they’re enhancing them. “Birdsong at 45 decibels is the gold standard for a balanced office environment,” Trim shared. “We’re not abandoning open plans entirely. Instead, we’re integrating flexible, smart options—like glass-walled pods that offer privacy without isolation. The goal is to create an office that balances collaboration and focus.”

The post-COVID office has become a place of dual purposes: work and socialization. While focus booths are gaining popularity, employees are missing the social energy that once filled their workspaces. At the same time, managers are expressing frustration with the new “booth-hogging” trend.

Trim pointed out, “We’ve seen firms impose time limits for booth usage, but this trend isn’t going anywhere. This is the new normal, and businesses that adapt will be the ones that thrive.”

Designing Hybrid Workspaces for the Future

For South African companies, the key to success lies in understanding that the office is no longer just a place for work—it’s an experience. Trim says, “You can’t just add a few pods to a corner and call it a day. We’re helping businesses create hybrid spaces that foster collaboration when needed and offer peace and focus when required. With dynamic layouts, tech-integrated meeting zones, and designs that draw people out of hiding without forcing it, the office can be fun again.”

As businesses adapt to the changing landscape, Trim concludes, “Companies need to understand that they’re not just designing spaces—they’re designing experiences. Get it right, and you’ll attract talent, boost morale, and stay ahead of the competition.”

For more visit Giant Leap.