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Flexible work has become part of the day-to-day for many organizations. Instead of bringing everyone back to one central office, companies are shaping environments that support more flexible ways of working. Hub office design has grown out of that shift as teams rethink how and where work gets done.
In a hub-and-spoke model, employees may move between a main office and smaller satellite spaces during the week. That kind of movement changes how people interact with their workstations. Furniture and equipment need to adjust easily so each person can settle in and stay comfortable.
Thoughtful hub office design takes these realities into account by focusing on ergonomics in shared spaces, helping employees stay productive and comfortable wherever they land.
How Does the Hub-and-Spoke Office Model Work?
Whether you realize it or not, you’ve probably seen the hub-and-spoke model in the supply chain of several industries. It’s been very successful for quite a while now, so it only makes sense that it’s expanded into the office sector.
If you consider the main office as the central hub of a business, the satellite offices are located along the spokes. A satellite location might be:
- An employee's home
- A coffee shop
- An actual branded office that may use a hot desk design for its constantly changing staff
According to the International Workplace Group (IWG), this decentralized system results in shorter commutes for most employees, more employee satisfaction, higher productivity, and better overall performance. It's an ideal middle ground between commuting to a busy central location and working in isolation at home.
A hub-and-spoke system also reduces the expenses involved in maintaining a large, centralized “headquarters” in a prime, downtown location. With more employees working at satellite locations, you won't need as much of that expensive real estate!
5 Ergonomic Features That Matter in a Hub-and-Spoke Office
It's hard for employees to do their best when their back, neck, or wrists are screaming in pain! Even slight pain can be distracting enough to affect productivity. As a solution, ergonomic essentials for your hub and spoke office design provides support where it’s needed most.
When planning a hub-and-spoke office, several ergonomic features help shared workspaces support a wide range of employees:
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Sit-Stand Desks
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Adjustable Chairs
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Monitor Arms
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Keyboard Trays
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Storage Solutions
1. Sit-Stand Desks
A sit-stand desk that lets each user set a code for their ideal height saves time — as well as wear and tear on the sit-stand mechanism. No more wasted time spent fiddling with buttons looking for that elusive sweet spot!
2. Chairs
Adjustable chairs are a must when one user might be a petite 5' and the next a towering 6'8"! You should also train employees on proper posture for their back, wrists, and screen height.
3. Monitor Arms
An ergonomic monitor arm allows employees to position screens so they can see them easily without eye or neck strain. Even more so than the chair, an articulating monitor arm ensures all shapes and sizes can work productively and happily.
It also allows the user to adjust the monitor to the left or right as needed -- particularly useful for a dual-screen setup.
4. Keyboard Trays
It's important to maintain a negative tilt while typing. An ergonomic keyboard tray keeps an employee's arms, wrists, and hands properly aligned to reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
5. Storage Solutions
Rolling supply carts make it easy for employees to get the stuff they need without hurting their backs in the process! Give your employees lockers to secure their personal belongings despite their lack of a permanent workstation.
In shared hub offices, storage surfaces see frequent use throughout the day. Choosing durable, easy-to-clean materials helps carts and lockers stay comfortable to use while holding up to regular handling and routine cleaning.
Hub Office Design FAQsThese common questions address how hub office design supports employees working across shared and rotating workspaces. Q: How do companies decide which ergonomic features to prioritize when budget or space is limited?A: When resources are limited, it helps to focus on features that support the widest range of employees. In shared hub offices, adjustability tends to matter most because one workstation may serve many different workers throughout the week. Prioritizing elements that reduce setup time and discomfort can also go a long way. If employees can quickly adjust desks, chairs, or screens, they’re more likely to use the space comfortably without frustration. Q: How should hub offices handle setup standards or guidelines for employees rotating between locations?A: Clear, simple guidance helps employees settle in quickly. Basic instructions or visual cues can show workers how to adjust workstations without requiring formal training. Consistency across locations also makes a difference. When furniture and adjustment options feel familiar, employees spend less time setting up and more time focused on their work. Q: How does hub office design differ between small teams and larger, multi-location organizations?A: Smaller teams often have more flexibility to tailor spaces around a known group of employees. With fewer locations, design decisions can be simpler and more personalized. Larger organizations usually need a more standardized approach. Consistent furniture choices and ergonomic features help support employees across locations while making shared spaces easier to manage and maintain. |
Hub Office Design That Supports Everyday Comfort
Hub office design works best when shared spaces feel easy to use, comfortable, and adaptable. In environments where employees rotate between locations, thoughtful ergonomics help reduce friction and support consistent work habits.
By focusing on adjustable workstations and durable, user-friendly components, hub office design can better support the day-to-day needs of a flexible workforce while creating spaces people are comfortable returning to.
Tools to Help Plan Ergonomic Hub Workspaces
Need more information about what type of ergonomic equipment your office needs the most? Check out our Manager's Guide to Ergonomics:
This article was originally published in August of 2021 and was recently updated to reflect current industry trends.
