{
  "id": 12427936,
  "title": "Two-thirds of workers use DIY ‘hacks’ to make office life more bearable",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/two-thirds-of-workers-use-diy-hacks-to-make-office-life-more-bearable",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-06T17:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Fast Company",
    "slug": "fast-company",
    "url": "https://www.fastcompany.com/91618338/two-thirds-of-workers-use-diy-hacks-to-make-office-life-more-bearable"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In an era where companies are urging employees to return to the office, a global survey by design firm Gensler reveals that two-thirds of workers are secretly modifying their workspaces to better suit their needs. The study, based on input from nearly 16,500 individuals across 16 countries, indicates that despite recent stability in work settings, challenges persist. Around a quarter of employees utilize DIY fixes to tackle issues like ergonomics, temperature control, privacy, and storage. These \"hacks\" include rearranging furniture, bringing personal heaters and fans, and adjusting air vents. Improving lighting and reducing noise with personal devices are also common modifications. According to Gallup, approximately 22% of workers capable of remote work are back on-site full-time, 52% engage in hybrid arrangements, and 26% remain fully remote. About 58% of respondents in the U.S. reported using call areas, staircases, or avoiding meetings altogether due to limited meeting spaces. Nearly 20% of workers find unassigned seating stressful, a policy deemed effective by fewer than half of those surveyed. Companies are responding to these concerns by adopting new design strategies, such as adopting a \"hospitality mindset\" akin to hotels, reconfiguring layouts, and creating spaces that balance work with relaxation and rejuvenation. Gensler notes that when spaces prioritize comfort, adaptability, and collaboration, organizations can attract, retain, and empower talent, fostering innovation and connectivity in an evolving technological landscape.",
  "summary": "In a world in which companies are forcing employees back into the office in a never-ending, post-pandemic RTO push, two-thirds of office workers are secretly “hacking” their workspaces to meet their needs. According to an international survey released earlier this year by global design firm Gensler, a clear majority of workers use do-it-yourself fixes to maintain comfort and privacy and…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}