Discover how work cafes are becoming the heart of the workplace by fostering collaboration and connection.
Modern workplaces are evolving beyond traditional office setups, and nowhere is this transformation more evident than in the evolution of office cafeterias. Today’s work cafes are lively, multifunctional spaces. They serve as the heart of the workplace where employees gather, collaborate, recharge, and connect.
These work cafes play a key role in building community and improving employee wellbeing. Let’s look at five creative work cafe designs that show how smart planning can transform food and drink areas into lively social places.
1. Workhuman HQ – Framingham, MA
Innovation and Wellbeing Redefined
At Workhuman’s headquarters in Framingham, MA, the Workhuman Café and Lounge is designed to be a central gathering space that reflects the company’s ethos of gratitude, innovation, and inclusivity. This vibrant, two-story cafe offers more than just coffee and snacks—it’s an immersive experience center that sets the tone for employee interaction. Cold brew, kombucha, and healthy food options are available to promote wellness and create a welcoming environment for employees to recharge.
Located on the first floor, the café connects seamlessly with the adjacent Wellbeing Center, which features fitness amenities like Peloton bikes, a golf simulator, and a treatment room. Employees can flow naturally from a workout or meeting into the cafe, creating a sense of integration between wellness and social spaces. The café’s design includes biophilic elements like greenery and natural light, enhancing the sense of wellbeing and providing an inviting atmosphere for casual conversations, collaboration, or moments of relaxation. By placing the café at the core of the workplace, Workhuman ensures it serves as the heartbeat of the office, fostering a culture of connection and wellbeing.
2. Diageo HQ – New York, NY
A Space for Celebration and Connection
Diageo’s North American headquarters in New York City brings the company’s brand and mission to life through its work cafe, “Bar Deco.” Located on the 41st floor of 3 World Trade Center, the cafe provides an elevated space for employees to gather, socialize, and collaborate. With expansive city views, Bar Deco isn’t just a cafeteria; it’s a celebration of Diageo’s philosophy—celebrating life every day and everywhere.
Every Thursday, the space transforms into a vibrant social hub during company-wide happy hours. Employees come together to unwind, connect, and enjoy the bar-themed atmosphere, complete with décor inspired by Diageo’s iconic beverage brands. The space is designed to support informal meetings, creating an environment where colleagues can casually connect and brainstorm. Bar Deco’s role as a central gathering space showcases how the right work cafe can embody a company’s culture while also fostering employee engagement and community.
3. Cape Cod 5 HQ – Hyannis, MA
Sustainability and Community in the Heart of the Workspace
Cape Cod 5’s headquarters, HQ5, in Hyannis, MA, exemplifies how a work cafe can serve as a physical representation of a company’s mission and values. The 80,000-square-foot facility brings together 300 employees, creating a centralized space that focuses on sustainability and community engagement. The work cafe at HQ5 is the centerpiece of this campus, designed to align with Cape Cod 5’s “Five Ways” corporate mission of responsible business practices, community involvement, and environmental stewardship.
The cafe offers fresh, locally sourced food options, emphasizing sustainability and supporting local businesses. Technologically integrated, it also supports collaborative work and virtual meetings, allowing employees to seamlessly transition between dining, working, and connecting. By creating a space that aligns with their values, Cape Cod 5 ensures the cafe is not just a place to eat, but a focal point where employees can come together, collaborate, and feel part of a larger mission.
4. AEW Capital Management HQ – Boston, MA
A Destination Worth Commuting For
AEW Capital Management’s transformed headquarters in Boston’s Seaport district features the “Ciao Café,” an integral part of their strategy to create a workspace that attracts employees back to the office. With hybrid work models becoming the norm, AEW’s goal was to design a space that would make the commute worthwhile by fostering connection and collaboration.
Ciao Café is designed to provide employees with a sophisticated yet welcoming environment that supports both socialization and work. The café offers a variety of seating options, from high-top counters for quick coffee breaks to lounge areas for informal meetings. The upscale design, featuring warm wood finishes and ample natural light, creates an inviting atmosphere where employees can relax, refuel, and engage with colleagues.
By making the cafe a central gathering point, AEW encourages employees to connect in ways they might not be able to while working remotely. Beyond the work cafe, AEW’s space also integrates amenities like an on-site gym, making the office a holistic environment where employees can balance work, health, and social interactions throughout the day.
5. Olympus U.S. Medical HQ – Westborough, MA
A Hub for Innovation and Collaboration
Olympus’ U.S. medical headquarters in Westborough, MA, celebrates its century-long legacy with a state-of-the-art facility that prioritizes innovation and collaboration. The cafeteria in this 150,000-square-foot facility is a key component of the office design, offering a central space for employees to gather, recharge, and collaborate.
The cafeteria’s design focuses on flexibility, providing spaces for both large company events and smaller, informal gatherings. The integration of environmental graphics and brand-inspired elements throughout the cafeteria helps reinforce Olympus’ mission, creating a space where employees feel connected to the company’s core values. With flexible seating arrangements and boundary screens for privacy, the cafeteria supports both collaboration and individual work, adapting to the needs of employees.
By positioning the cafeteria as a hub for innovation, Olympus ensures it’s more than just a place for meals—it’s a space where ideas flourish, and employees feel empowered to connect and innovate.
Work Café Designs of Tomorrow
The evolution of cafeterias in office environments showcases the critical role these spaces play in modern workplace design. Today’s work cafes are more than dining areas; they are social and collaborative hubs that foster connection, enhance wellbeing, and build community. By designing these spaces carefully, companies can create environments that show their brand and culture. These spaces also reflect their values and help employees engage, collaborate, and thrive.
As organizations continue to rethink and reimagine their office environments, the focus will remain on creating multifunctional, inclusive, and vibrant work cafes that bring people together and redefine the modern work experience.