# How to Curate a Blended Workplace Post Pandemic
The pandemic fundamentally shifted how we think about work. As organizations navigate this new landscape, Mark Coxon, Technology Sales Director at Tangram Interiors, envisions a future where blended workplaces become the norm—offering employees the flexibility to work both remotely and in the office.
This shift demands more than policy changes. It requires a complete rethinking of workplace design, from furniture selection to technology integration to meeting room layouts.
## Rethinking Meeting Dynamics
Traditional meetings often fall into an inefficient cycle. **"The platforms we use now for remote interaction are all very time-based,"** Coxon explains. **"We come together in a Zoom meeting for one or two hours, the room expires, and we close out. Often almost half of every meeting is a restart, with the next half getting to a certain point before we have to stop again."**
This stop-and-start approach kills productivity. More effective meeting management isn't just helpful—it's critical for success in a blended workplace.
## Furniture That Supports Different Work Modes
The days of one-size-fits-all conference tables are ending. Modern workplace furniture needs to adapt to different types of thinking and collaboration.
Coxon recommends a strategic approach to furniture selection:
- **For analytical work:** Soft seating that allows people to lean back into a thoughtful, reflective position - **For creative sessions:** Standing-height seats and high tables that keep people active and engaged, since motion activates the brain
This approach recognizes something designers have long understood: our physical environment directly impacts our mental state and productivity.
## Moving Beyond the Traditional Conference Table
The rectangular conference table with the "head chair" is becoming obsolete. These hierarchical layouts don't serve collaborative, inclusive meetings well.
Instead, consider: - Round tables for equal participation - Hexagonal shapes for varied sightlines - Trapezoidal configurations for flexible group dynamics
**"Adapting to personal styles is the key,"** says Coxon. **"It's based on a concept called neuro-diversity in terms of how people best work and learn, and creating spaces that support different modes. Some people like to sit; some like to stand; some like to have their gear on their lap; some prefer a table."**
## Technology That Levels the Playing Field
One of the biggest challenges in blended meetings is the visual imbalance between remote and in-person participants. A single laptop camera simply doesn't work when multiple people are contributing from different locations.
Coxon highlights a common problem: **"When a few people are sitting in front of their laptop, three feet from the screen, they are presented full-faced during a call. But the eight people who are back in the conference room are all small heads around the table. There can be an imbalance in terms of visual access, perceived role and impact that can be detrimental."**
Solutions include: - **Advanced camera systems** with presets for different room views and individual close-ups - **Improved lighting** that reduces shadows and better highlights faces - **Larger format displays** for clearer presentation of both content and participants
## From Nice-to-Have to Must-Have
Many of these workplace design elements were emerging before the pandemic, but they were often considered optional upgrades. The shift to blended work has changed that calculation entirely.
As Coxon puts it: **"As the workplace continues to evolve, those nice-to-haves are becoming essential priorities."**
## Planning Your Blended Workplace
Successful blended workplace design requires intentional planning that considers:
1. **Work style diversity** - Create spaces that support different thinking and collaboration modes 2. **Technology equity** - Ensure remote and in-person participants have equal presence and voice 3. **Flexible configurations** - Design spaces that can adapt to changing team sizes and meeting types 4. **User experience** - Prioritize comfort and functionality over traditional corporate aesthetics
The organizations that thoughtfully design their blended workplaces now will have a significant advantage in attracting and retaining talent. The future of work isn't just about where people work—it's about creating environments that help them do their best work, wherever they are.
