The war for talent is raging, and South African companies are facing a stark choice: transform the office into a must-visit destination or watch their best people want to stay home.
As global titans like Amazon hit snags with desk shortages and hybrid mandates crumble, is rolling out a bold fix: the ‘hotelification’ of the office. Think rooftop terraces, on-site gyms, branded soap, and a vibe that rivals a luxury hotel stay.
It’s not just a trend—it’s the key to reviving South Africa’s office culture.
Hybrid working’s clock is ticking—KPMG’s CEO survey shows 83% of leaders want everyone back five days a week within three years.
But South Africa’s reality bites: Just trying to force office mandates won’t bring it back the office culture. The office has to outshine home, and that’s where we’re stepping in.
South African offices have a unique DNA
From the sprawling corporate towers of Sandton to the gritty start-up lofts of Braamfontein, they’ve long been places where hard work meets a sociable streak. Pre-pandemic, open-plan spaces buzzed with impromptu chats and Friday sundowners, reflecting a workforce that values connection as much as output. But remote work flipped the script—Zoom replaced the watercooler, and employees got cozy with flexibility.
Now, high performers, especially in tech hubs like Cape Town or legal firms in Pretoria, guard that autonomy fiercely.
These are your stars—your mentors, your deal-closers. They’ll bolt if the office feels like a step back. We need to offer them a premium experience that beats the lounge and justifies the trek.
My answer? Take a page from the hotel playbook and make offices irresistible.
South African workplaces need to feel like a getaway, not a grind. We’re designing spaces with integrated cafés serving flat whites, full shower suites for post-gym fresh-ups, and rooftop gardens with Jozi or Cape views that turn a lunch break into an event. Picture kicking off your day with a workout downstairs, grabbing a bite on-site, and winding down with colleagues under the Highveld sky. That’s the kind of pull that trumps traffic on the N1.
Location is a game-changer
Consider vibrant nodes like Sandton, Rosebank, and the V&A Waterfront, where offices sit amid social hubs—think artisanal markets, rooftop bars, and galleries. It’s about stitching work into a fuller day.
South Africans love a good party —give them an office near Newtown’s jazz spots or Camps Bay’s beachfront, and they’ll show up. Investors are catching on, snapping up tired buildings in areas like Midrand or Durban’s Umhlanga for refits. We’re turning undervalued stock into goldmines with hotel-inspired upgrades.
Drawing inspiration from global pacesetters
London’s 21 Bloomsbury Street—an 85,000 sq ft gem—boasts a rooftop clubhouse, gym with live-streamed classes, and towel service. Or 20 Kirby Street in Farringdon, where soft lighting and cozy break-out zones mimic home. We’re bringing that flair here—flexible layouts, top-notch finishes, and tech-savvy spaces that ditch the hot-desking flops South Africans loathed. Workers hated fighting for a desk; now, they want choice and comfort.
The shift is tectonic—and urgent
South Africa’s office culture is at a tipping point: pre-COVID density gave way to de-densified designs, but too many spaces still feel sterile.
It’s not just about adding a ping-pong table. We’re crafting holistic ecosystems—sustainable, wellness-driven, and alive with purpose. Think meeting rooms that flex for brainstorms, quiet pods for deep focus, and amenities that make your day seamless, from Umhlanga to Fourways. This is how you beat the pajama workday—by making the office a place people crave, not tolerate.
We estimate over 50% of workers are still resisting regular office time. Our fix is premium, hotel-inspired spaces that deliver for individuals and teams. Get this right, and you’ll keep your top talent, fire up your newbies, and future-proof your business. Get it wrong, and you’re just another empty floorplan.
Linda Trim is a Director at Giant Leap.
