Designing for the Future of Work: How Seating Shapes the Evolving Workplace

May 22nd, 2025
5 min read

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5 min read

At Source International, we know that furniture isn’t just functional—it’s foundational to how people experience the workplace. That’s why Gensler’s “10 Workplace Trends for 2025: What’s In and What’s Out” caught our attention. The trends they’ve identified—like flexible workpoints, purpose-built third places, and co-creation zones—underscore a major shift: the workplace is becoming more social, more intentional, and more adaptable. And seating plays a central role in that transformation. Here’s how Gensler’s outlook is influencing how we design for what’s next.

Ancillary Spaces Are Now Essential Spaces

What used to be considered “in-between” or informal areas—lounges, nooks, cafés—are now central to the way people work, gather, and reset. Gensler calls out the shift from “break areas” to “purposeful third places,” and we see this as a call to design seating that adapts to a variety of workstyles. Our lounge collections offer the softness and support needed for casual collaboration or a quiet moment away from the desk, while maintaining a refined aesthetic that blends seamlessly across environments.

From Assigned Desks to Adaptive Seating

Fixed, assigned desks are on the way out—replaced by spaces that flex with the flow of the day. Our lightweight, stackable, and mobile seating options make it easy to reconfigure a space without friction. Whether it’s a quick team huddle, a heads-down solo session, or a pop-up meeting in a shared zone, seating should support the pace and preferences of its users.

Co-Creation Requires Comfort and Clarity

Gensler highlights a shift from formal meetings to collaborative moments. We believe effective co-creation starts with comfort. When people are at ease, they contribute more freely. That’s why our chairs prioritize ergonomic performance and thoughtful design—blending form and function to support extended sessions without fatigue.

Local Relevance, Global Application

The trend toward “authentically local” design deeply resonates with us. At Source, we welcome opportunities for material expression—from our curated powder coat colors, wood finishes, and paint colors, to the opportunity to easily personalize paints and finishes, in addition to numerous textiles and leather solutions. Our flexible approach allows designers to tailor products to their curated project vision, creating spaces that feel thoughtful, distinctive, and intentionally crafted for the spaces they’re designing for. Our products are a canvas for local expression, designed to perform anywhere and however needed, to meet the solution required.

Looking Ahead: Seating That Supports How We Really Work

As workplaces continue to evolve, seating is no longer an afterthought—it’s a strategic tool for building environments that are more human, more flexible, and more intentional. At Source, we’re inspired by the direction Gensler outlines and committed to delivering seating solutions that meet those needs—with comfort, beautiful design, precision, and performance.

Explore Gensler’s full article: 10 Workplace Trends for 2025: What’s In and What’s Out?

Let’s keep shaping what’s next—one seat, one space, one experience at a time.

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