Areli Arellano
https://images.steelcase.com/image/upload/c_limit,dpr_auto,q_70,h_1024,w_1024/v1737730848/24-0236725.jpg
Scientists, researchers and innovators in life sciences drive some of the world’s most profound breakthroughs. Their critical contributions were never more evident than during the pandemic, which underscored the essential nature of their work. Today, the industry is undergoing rapid transformation and the fight for talent is intense. A CBRE study found 61% of leaders rate attraction and retention as a top concern. Additionally, advances in digital technology, the rise of AI, and the accelerating pace of research are reshaping how scientists work.
The rise in data science jobs is one of the biggest impacts on life sciences. According to a Deloitte study, today, there are seven times more data science job postings than there were five years ago. The industry will be “competing from within and outside the industry for the same digital and data talent.” These new roles present an exciting opportunity for organizations to reimagine how work is done and create dynamic environments that support the changing work activities of this evolving workforce.
Steelcase researchers recently conducted a study to better understand scientists’ and researchers’ unique challenges and needs. The study aimed to redefine how the work environment can better support innovation, adaptability and wellbeing.
“Our research wasn’t just about physical spaces; it was about understanding the people who use them,” says Keith Bujak, PhD, the Steelcase WorkSpace Futures researcher who led the project. “These are individuals working tirelessly to make a difference. Their work is intricate, often isolating, and always demanding. We wanted to create spaces that help them succeed and remind them they’re valued.”
Beyond the lab
Life sciences professionals’ work isn’t done solely at a lab bench. Researchers identified the dual nature of the spaces they need: laboratories where experiments are conducted and the surrounding areas where scientists analyze data, share ideas and decompress. A study by biotechnology company Genentech reported, “The focus will no longer be on who knows how to monitor the equipment best, but who can derive meaning from data.”
“Scientists often spend long hours switching between focused lab work, data analysis and collaborative problem-solving,” says Bujak. “They need different kinds of spaces to support each of these and the ability to shift between them easily. There’s a constant push for innovation, requiring access to a range of spaces that allow them to think deeply, collaborate meaningfully, and sometimes just breathe.
“Well-designed spaces can signal an organization’s commitment to its people. Features like natural light, biophilic elements and ergonomic furniture not only enhance productivity but also contribute to employee wellbeing—a crucial factor in retaining top talent.”
Keith Bujak, PhDWorkSpace Futures Researcher
Emerging Workplace Trends
The study deeply engaged with life sciences professionals, which included interviews with 36 leading organizations and laboratory field research. By engaging directly with scientists, researchers and industry experts, the team identified three critical workplace trends shaping the future of life sciences that significantly impact their work and how the work environment will need to adapt:
Data + AI transformation
The tools and equipment scientists use in their labs are becoming increasingly automated, revolutionizing how research is conducted. According to a Deloitte study, more than 90% of biopharma and medtech respondents expect generative AI to impact their organizations. Nearly 70% of biopharma respondents said using generative AI for research and discovery is a top priority.
Automation has enabled researchers to run experiments that generate unprecedented volumes of data—what once took weeks or months can now be achieved in a single day. Scientists are now tasked with analyzing vast amounts of data, often requiring advanced tools and environments for focused computational work. This shift has redefined the rhythm of scientific work. An architect at a pharmaceutical company who participated in the Steelcase research summarized what’s happening: “Technological advancements have led to increased automation in manufacturing and labs, reducing the need to perform routine tasks. The skills possessed by today’s workers have intensified. There’s a noticeable shift towards more laptop work and considerable transition between the lab and office.” The result is a dynamic workflow, requiring spaces to seamlessly accommodate transitions and foster productivity across these activities.
As data analysis takes center stage, it’s not just about processing numbers; it’s about making the information accessible and actionable for diverse stakeholders. This growing reliance on data-driven technologies presents an opportunity to design collaborative environments tailored to advanced analysis and cross-disciplinary communication. These spaces must support both solitary focus and teamwork, helping scientists bring their discoveries to life in ways that resonate beyond the lab.
Connected Discovery
Innovation thrives on teamwork, but coordinating across disciplines and spaces remains a struggle. Connected Discovery emphasizes the importance of fostering meaningful interactions among researchers to drive innovation. For years, the idea of serendipity—unexpected yet valuable encounters—has been central to workplace design. In life sciences, this means creating spaces that encourage daily connections, whether it’s diagnostic teams meeting outside their labs or cross-disciplinary collaborators sharing insights. These interactions often lead to rich conversations and breakthroughs.
“Today, there is a new mindset that we can make more progress — and sooner — by collaborating throughout the scientific process. Sciences workplaces that facilitate this atmosphere of sharing accelerate innovation by allowing ideas to fail faster and cycle quicker,” write Gensler’s Kenneth Fischer and Fran Noval in “The Future of Office and Lab Space Has No Boundaries.” The goal is to strategically position spaces where they’re most needed, ensuring opportunities for connection are integrated into the daily flow of work.
A shift toward greater collaboration within teams and across companies, industries and even global networks supports this trend. Examples include innovation hubs that unite research institutes, companies and other stakeholders, and instances where traditional competitors shared data during the pandemic to accelerate progress. This push for openness has inspired design features that make work more visible, such as writable surfaces for brainstorming or management systems that track projects and team updates. Coupled with flexible video-conferencing tools, huddle rooms and hybrid work technologies, these spaces are designed to connect people—whether they’re across the hall or the world.
Spatial Adaptability
With experiments and priorities constantly evolving, spaces must adapt quickly and evolve in step with the ever-changing nature of scientific research. For example, a project might reach a dead end, prompting a shift in focus that demands more lab space—or less. This variability highlights the importance of adaptable spaces that can expand or contract as projects and team dynamics change.
Adaptable design is about more than flexibility; it’s about efficiency. Scientists often work in multiple labs, requiring layouts that minimize travel between spaces and maximize collaboration. The ability to reconfigure labs and workspaces as needed helps organizations stay agile in the face of shifting demands. Whether through movable walls, flexible furniture, or maintaining “gray spaces” for future expansion, the goal is to create environments that support evolving needs without disruption, ensuring that space never becomes a barrier to innovation.
A new workplace experience
Steelcase research inspired the development of innovative workplace applications designed to support the precise demands of laboratory work and the collaborative, data-driven processes that are increasingly central to discovery.
Data Analytics Neighborhood
The Life Sciences industry generates unprecedented amounts of complex data. With a constant drive for innovation, teams need access to various spaces near labs that support deep focus, collaboration and rejuvenation.
- Workstations with multiple displays for shoulder-to-shoulder data analysis; height-adjustability + ergonomics support people for long durations
- High-performing lounge space with analog and digital technologies, power and laptop tables supports serendipitous collaboration where teams can share research and information.
- Movable furniture provides flexibility and adaptability; furniture can be reconfigured to foster the
Fuente: PMideas (Where Discovery Happens).
