Anyone working a remote job through the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic has a story or two about hours, days or weeks blending together. Especially for those with little or no remote work experience, the sensation of starting or ending the workday often felt almost laughably nonexistent as a typical commute to work was replaced with the opening or closing of a laptop at a makeshift home office.
While remote work offers a handful of benefits that remain fresh in the minds of today’s workers, one often-cited downside is the blurring of the line between work and home. As a result, teams working in the tech industry — Statistica reports that 68 percent of all remote workers are working in tech — have felt the pull towards in-person office solutions without completely letting go of the flexibility that remote work can provide individual employees: Enter the structured, hybrid office model. Three-quarters of companies with more than 25,000 employees operated under a hybrid policy in 2024, according to research from Business Insider.
The right hybrid offices can afford tech employees the best that remote and in-person work can offer, including flexible in-office days, a stronger relationship with colleagues, a renewed sense of purpose at work and more effective collaboration, among other benefits. Whether a hybrid employee works one day per week in the office or elects to work all five face-to-face with their colleagues, a clearer sense of balance between work and home life is easier to establish — especially if the office comes with appealing amenities.
For a fuller picture of how hybrid tech employees make the most out of their in-office experience, Built In spoke with five professionals about the offices and culture that motivates their work — and life outside of work — on a daily basis.
Agero is a digital driving assistance company that provides accident management, consumer affairs support and connected vehicle services to customers.
Tell us about Agero’s office space and how frequently the team uses it.
Our space is beautiful! It has lots of windows, collaboration areas and breakout rooms. I am in the office on an average of four days per week. I work at my own workspace, but because not everyone is here all the time, I often take advantage of changing my view and move to any empty area that interests me that day.
What types of amenities does Agero offer for in-office work? Do you have a personal favorite?
Coffee is always my favorite. Additionally, I love the larger monitors, clean space, cafe next door and proximity to the MBTA subway for a trip into Boston after work.
Compared to working remotely, how would you say working in the office has benefitted the way you work?
I am sure this is generational but I love the separation of home and work. I find I can completely focus on work projects and set parameters for my time dedicated to them. When working from home full-time, I found that the day began to blend between work and personal life. I also value that different colleagues come into the office on different days, so it allows for collaboration that sometimes is stilted on Zoom due to time constraints.
“I love the separation of home and work. I find I can completely focus on work projects and set parameters for my time dedicated to them.”
Most importantly, I appreciate the flexibility. I love that both options are available to me, and I can pick and choose which works best for me on different days. I have no doubt that as the snow begins to fall, I will be working from home more often than I do when it isn't.
Workhuman provides SaaS HR solutions that help companies meet today’s biggest human capital challenges.
Tell us about Workhuman’s office space and how frequently the team uses it.
In my seven years of consulting before joining Workhuman, I visited countless offices and thought I’d seen it all. But stepping into our new Workhuman building earlier this year was a revelation. It’s, without question, the most stunning office I’ve ever encountered, let alone worked in.
The design is breathtaking, favoring an elegant art deco aesthetic over the starkness of traditional office brutalism. Its intriguing shapes, textures and lighting are paired with calming earthy tones, creating a balance that feels both luxurious and grounded. I know this might sound overly complimentary, but as someone who appreciates interior design, it truly feels like a masterpiece.
I am also a web designer and have been trained to look beyond surface-level appeal to the underlying structures. Here, too, our office excels. Every floor serves a distinct purpose, and the flow from space to space feels natural and intuitive. From my seat with the marketing team on the third floor, I have access to my collaborators, the bathrooms and the stairwell.
My team works in a hybrid model, but as a self-proclaimed office enthusiast, I’m here four to five days a week.
What types of amenities does Workhuman offer for in-office work? Do you have a personal favorite?
Two of my favorite amenities in the office are the gym and the abundance of food options. There’s no better way to start my day than working out in our well-equipped, quiet and bright gym. It also includes a spacious, clean and aesthetically pleasing bathroom, which makes it easy to feel comfortable sharing the space with coworkers.
The food offerings have always been a standout feature for a company of our size, but they’ve evolved significantly since our move to this office. We now enjoy a regularly stocked Farmers Fridge vending machine, a wide variety of packaged and refrigerated snacks, and the recent addition of hot food catering on selected days during the week. I especially appreciate the range of healthier options available, which makes it easier to maintain a balanced diet when things get busy.
Compared to working remotely, how would you say working in the office has benefitted the way you work?
Paradoxically, I find myself more productive in the office, even though I’m more social. Sharing the space with teammates has allowed me to build stronger personal and professional relationships. Without that physical connection, I wouldn’t experience the same sense of altruism toward my colleagues, nor would I feel as fulfilled.
“Without that physical connection, I wouldn’t experience the same sense of altruism toward my colleagues, nor would I feel as fulfilled.”
I value the convenience of high-tech conference rooms, healthy food options available at nearly every corner and the ample space to stay active throughout the day. I’ve noticed a significant boost in my movement and heart rate when I’m in the office, which helps clear my mind and mitigate the negative effects of being stuck at a desk for too long.
Working in most office environments would support my physical and mental health, but there’s something special about this one. I want to strive for the same level of excellence, balance and growth emanating from the walls. This space isn’t just where I work — it’s a place that inspires me every day.
WHOOP is a fitness and wellness company that creates wearable technology to give customers insight into their health at all times.
Tell us about WHOOP's office space.and how frequently the team uses it.
I really enjoy coming in to work at WHOOP. My team has a four-day in-office, one-day remote hybrid schedule, but several members of my team and I come in every day due to the atmosphere and amenities that the space provides. I even tend to find myself here on the weekends utilizing the gym facilities or the rooftop in the summers. It has become a home away from home in many ways.
“The office has become a home away from home in many ways.”
During the workday, I spend most of my non-meeting time at my desk with the rest of my team. Our bullpen-style layout with ample whiteboard space lowers the barrier for impromptu discussions and collaborating with teammates. Sitting together in the same space and physically seeing each other is immensely helpful for feeling the pulse of the team and staying in lock-step on projects. WHOOP is a very collaborative company, and I believe the significant amount of in-person time among teammates and the open office layout fuels that collaboration. When doing deep work, I like to take advantage of the top-floor flex workspace to accomplish those tasks requiring minimal distraction.
What types of amenities does WHOOP offer for in-office work? Do you have a personal favorite?
WHOOP offers several amenities in the office that I find to be valuable. The most important amenity for me is the gym facilities. One of the best parts of the day is my morning run or bike ride along the Charles River from home to the office. I love starting my day outside and the fact that my commute can double as a workout is something I find immense value in. The state-of-the-art gym space and shower facilities at WHOOP make this commute option possible and make it easier for me to stay healthy and happy. Having the gym open after work and on the weekends as well is an added bonus. The cold plunge tanks on the rooftop overlooking Fenway Park are also something I’ve built into my morning routine and are quite an exhilarating way to start the day. I also enjoy that WHOOP caters lunch a few times a week.
Compared to working remotely, how would you say working in the office has benefitted the way you work?
Working in the office brings a level of passion and camaraderie to our work that is hard to replicate remotely. My favorite meeting to host in person is our bi-monthly project brainstorming meeting on a specific business area. We start with a dynamic discussion about the problem space to set the stage, brainstorm ideas individually and come together to share our best ideas. Even though we use a digital tool and brainstorm independently, the feeling generated from everyone being fully present in one room and ideating together is super energizing and gets us off on the right foot.
Celebrating project launches is also much more rewarding in person. We recently launched Family Memberships as a new option for customers. On launch day, the team huddled around a whiteboard and guessed when the first memberships would sell. Then, we celebrated each time a different membership was sold and who had the most accurate guess. For all launches, we have live monitoring up on a TV dashboard for the team to see. This in-person celebration of people’s hard work makes everyone feel more rewarded for their work and more bought in on their next project.
SAP LeanIX’s platform gives customers multi-dimensional visibility into their software, so they can quickly uncover and address any risks that threaten their business.
Tell us about SAP LeanIX's office space and how frequently the team uses it.
SAP LeanIX just moved into a beautiful space in the heart of Boston from a quieter space in Watertown, Massachusetts. It's bright, overlooks the city and is open flex seating across one floor. Our space hosts 23 conference rooms, over 170 desks and many choices for flexible seats such as my favorite, the cocktail tables overlooking downtown.
When you enter the space, regardless of how many people are present in the office, you feel a lively sense of energy because of the floor-to-ceiling windows, sleek decor and the view. Our team operates on a hybrid schedule. People can choose when they would like to work from the office versus at home. However, I have noticed that since relocating to the city, we have had a larger number of colleagues working in the office on a day-to-day basis. I work from the office three to four days per week depending on the week’s agenda. When I work from the office, I usually migrate with my laptop to work from the kitchen barstools, reception desk or the city outlook coves. My stationary desk is around the corner from the kitchen, so I can be accessible to everyone.
What types of amenities does SAP LeanIX offer for in-office work? Do you have a personal favorite?
Our Boston office provides many amenities to make the day-to-day environment more enjoyable and comfortable. We have sit-to-stand mechanical desks, ergonomic furniture, live plants, reimbursable commuter benefits, cozy beanbag and cube chairs and a wellness room. Our food and beverage options are my personal favorite. We always carry a variety of snacks, fresh fruit, smoothie ingredients and a Vitamix blender, a state-of-the-art De Jong Duke espresso machine, a Bevi flavored water machine, cold brew on tap and our weekly lunch program. Every Wednesday, we receive a catered lunch that’s completely customizable and allows employees to order exactly what they want. Come noon, everyone’s lunch is waiting in the kitchen with their name on it.
Compared to working remotely, how would you say working in the office has benefitted the way you work?
Working from home is such a benefit, but it also comes with its downsides. Being in the office allows for the ability to get out of the environment that hosts the most distractions specific to a person daily. Whether you have pets, children, a partner who works from home or even just knowing there is a dryer full of laundry in the next room, everyone has something that can make it easy to break the focus of staying on task. I feel it's vital to have a space to cross the threshold and leave those distractions at the door. When you can work in a different space from the place you live, it gives you a haven to focus and allows you the ability to collaborate and bond with your peers.
“When you can work in a different space from the place you live, it gives you a haven to focus and allows you the ability to collaborate and bond with your peers.”
Working and communicating around a physical table with your colleagues is an invaluable part of creating a successful work culture. Some may disagree, but in my opinion, without a dynamic office to work in, it's nearly impossible to establish a culture. And that's important to me.
RapDev is an engineering development services company that helps customers deploy code faster and upscale operations.
Tell us about RapDev's office space and how frequently the team uses it.
RapDev’s office is a high-energy, comfortable and functional space. The first thing you’ll notice when you get off the elevator is that there is always music playing. We use the Sonos app and have fun taking turns choosing different playlists. Our office is located in the Back Bay neighborhood, close to public transportation, parks, restaurants and cafes. Our team is hybrid with Tuesday through Thursday in the office, although many of us choose to come in more frequently. Most of my work is done at my desk, so I can work with my monitor setup to be close to my team. Occasionally, I’ll use the soundproof telephone booth or a conference room to join a meeting.
What types of amenities does RapDev offer for in-office work? Do you have a personal favorite?
Amenities RapDev offers for in-office work include commuter expense reimbursement and kitchens fully stocked with coffee, tea and snacks — including an impressive ice cream selection! My favorite benefit of in-office work is the subsidized lunch delivery service which saves us time and money and has the added benefit of us all breaking at the same time to eat and hang out. RapDev is also a pet-friendly office!
Compared to working remotely, how would you say working in the office has benefitted the way you work?
In my experience, working in the office was particularly beneficial during the onboarding process. I met more people, learned about the business, and understood company culture much faster by being in the office. I’m generally happier and less stressed than I was working remotely and have more connections with my co-workers personally and professionally; a few of us have even started a Friday pickleball league! Most importantly, I’ve been able to establish a true work-life balance. Knowing I have the flexibility to work from home if I need to is a big comfort, but I prefer to be in the office. It has been easier to focus on work during the day and separate myself from work at the end of the day.
“It has been easier to focus on work during the day and separate myself from work at the end of the day.”
