Return to the office or not" As organizations and their employees contemplate this post-pandemic dilemma, one can only hope that while offices were empty, much was accomplished to improve them. Humans being humans, we will always function better in a pleasant environment, in an environment that respects our contribution and values us as people. In a workplace that does not put us into cubicles, pens or boxes like cattle of chickens.

We have written much about offices in our two decades of existence and spotted many excellent examples. While we know that a super-cool environment is not an option for all, so much more can be done without breaking the bank or going overboard. We bet there is a lot that could be done in YOUR office, if only you decided to make it happen. So, now, if ever, is the time to refuse bad offices and to contribute to creating better work environments.
Amsterdam-based Framework Studio created an office for a family business that is based on an idea that many can adopt and adapt: an office that looks more like a home or an art gallery than an office.

On the second floor of an early 1900s building in the city centre, the 220-square-metre (2,368 sq.ft) space consists of four offices and a meeting room. The gorgeous original wooden floors were restored and they, together with the new French oak wood panelling throughout, link the rooms visually to each other.

The client is a young art collector, so it was natural that the spaces would be accented w...