In the age of flexible work, the daily commute is no longer a given; it’s a choice. To earn that choice, the office must offer something more valuable than what employees can get at home. It needs to be “commute-worthy.” This buzzword represents a fundamental shift in the purpose of the office: it must be a destination for collaboration, culture, and connection, not just a place for heads-down work. Creating this magnetic experience hinges on one key principle: removing friction. A truly commute-worthy office is one that provides
from the moment an employee decides to come in.
The Cost of Workplace Friction
Workplace friction consists of all the small, frustrating hurdles that get in the way of a productive day. It’s the 10 minutes spent circling the parking lot looking for a space. It’s the awkward shuffle around the office trying to find an available desk. It’s the struggle to get the video conferencing in a meeting room to work. While each of these incidents may seem minor on its own, their cumulative effect is significant. They drain energy, waste time, and create a narrative that the office is a difficult place to be. This is the exact opposite of a commute-worthy experience.
Designing for a Seamless Journey
A frictionless workplace journey is intentionally designed and powered by technology. It starts before the employee even leaves home. Using a single mobile app, they can see which teammates will be in, book a desk near them, reserve a focus room for an important task, and check for available parking. This preparation eliminates the uncertainty that often causes anxiety about going to the office. When they arrive, their phone acts as their key, granting them access. Digital wayfinding guides them to their desk, and when they enter a pre-booked meeting room, the technology works with a single touch.
The Office as a Hub for Connection
Ultimately, what makes an office truly commute-worthy is the people. The primary driver for most employees choosing to come to the office is the opportunity for face-to-face interaction with their colleagues. A frictionless environment supports and enhances these connections. When technology handles the tedious logistics of finding people and spaces, it frees up valuable time and mental energy for what really matters: spontaneous conversations, collaborative problem-solving, and the shared experiences that build strong teams and a vibrant company culture. The best office is one where technology becomes invisible, allowing human connection to take center stage.