The Top 5 Trends in Office Design 2022
The past year has seen a revolution in the workplace that no one could have predicted or prepared for. Businesses have had to scramble to adapt to a whole new way of working and office life has changed forever. As offices continue to adapt to the post Covid world these are the trends we need to be thinking about.
1. Flexible workplaces are the new normal
Flexible working is a trend that’s here to stay. Employees now expect some days in the office and others working remotely. Companies have had to adapt quickly. Some are looking to downsize and move location, others are focusing on optimising their existing spaces.
Embracing flexible working helps businesses remain stable during uncertain times. This is also the trend to invest in if you want your business to attract the best talent.
Now that employees have become used to having their home comforts around whilst working, creating a workspace that incentivises a return to the office is important. Workplaces are beginning to have a more fun vibe with homely touches such as sofas, plants and coffee machines.
Technology is a key consideration when planning a flexible office. ‘Smart offices’ with intelligent booking systems enable companies to manage hybrid workspaces. New kinds of tech such as occupancy sensors and mobile desk booking apps make life easier for employees whilst providing companies with key analytics to help improve existing processes.
As hotdesking becomes the norm it’s also essential to invest in equipment that can easily be adjusted to different heights and body shapes. Chairs and monitor arms and even desks should be easily adjustable.
2. Sustainability
Sustainable design is a huge trend, and a critical consideration when redesigning your office. Businesses are getting serious about reducing their carbon footprint.
There are so many ways to make an office more sustainable. When sourcing workplace furniture check its environmental credentials. Is your furniture made locally, or is it shipped from overseas? International shipping and transportation is a major contributor to global emissions.
Removing single use plastics around the office will have an impact too. Water fountain drinking cups can be replaced with drinking glasses for example. Make the most of natural light and use LED lighting to reduce energy consumption also.
More companies are encouraging employees to travel to work sustainably. Providing bike storage, lockers and showers for cyclists is a great way of doing this. Electric car charging is becoming a feature of office car parks as more drivers convert to EVs.
3. Health and Wellbeing
The pandemic has brought staff wellbeing into sharp focus. It’s now at the top of the agenda when designing a new workspace. Healthy staff are key to your organisation's productivity and profitability.
Companies are beginning to take workplace wellbeing seriously. Studies have shown that focusing on employee mental and physical health improves morale. This means fewer sick days and better staff retention.
Hand sanitisers, better ventilation, and covid screens are standard features nowadays. As well as making workplaces safer, they also help reduce employees’ anxieties around returning to the office.
Sitting all day is bad for your health. Over time the risk increases for heart disease, back issues and even cancer. Finding ways to move throughout the day helps reduce these risks. But how can you do this with a desk job? A sit-stand desk will help. Standing at your desk for even a small amount of time each day can have remarkable health benefits. It eases pressure on your spine, reduces blood pressure and lowers stress.
Ergonomic chairs are also a great investment. An ergonomic chair will help prevent neck and lower back pain. Having a chair you can adjust to support the spine leads to a healthier posture. This boosts concentration and productivity. Whatever your body size and shape an ergonomic chair can be adjusted to fit. It keeps you supported in a variety of healthy sitting positions.
4. Smart Office Technology
Figuring out your capacity and space requirements in a hybrid workspace is no mean feat. With only part of the workforce in the office at any one time, how do you keep track? Luckily there are some very powerful digital solutions for this. Smart office tech uses sensors to monitor occupancy and booking systems to make life easier for employees.
Technology like Aura provides key data that enables companies to monitor how their spaces are being used. Digital sensors give an accurate understanding of occupancy levels. This helps you decide how best to optimise space.
Mobile apps enable employees to book desks, meeting rooms or other resources. These also make it simpler for organisations to balance staff numbers between those working in the office and those working remotely. They help with social distancing by ensuring only one person uses the same desk that day.
Companies are also investing in hardware that facilitates flexible working. Products like universal docking stations make it easier to use the same laptop at home and in the office. Rather than having the hassle of reconnecting multiple USB and monitor cables you can simply place your laptop on the office docking station to convert it into a desktop.
5. The rise of ‘resimercial’ design
Gone are the days when offices were soulless grey cubicles. Modern workers expect a contemporary, homely aesthetic. This is where resimerical design comes in. Bringing elements of residential interior design into the office is a trend that’s gathering pace. This means splashes of bold colour, attractive light fixtures, and plants. Recreational lounge spaces are also becoming popular. Here colleagues can relax and eat lunch together.
Office layouts are also changing. A mix of collaborative and solo, quiet spaces creates a more varied layout. This boosts productivity by allowing for both coworking and focused concentration. Natural elements such as plants and green walls create a calmer environment, reducing stress and anxiety. Different textures and natural materials such as wood and stone are also part of this trend.
Many workplaces now have elements of colour, artworks, and homely touches such as rugs and lamps. These features help stimulate creativity. With the push to return to office life they also create a more inviting environment.
Millennials and Gen Z will soon make up the majority of the workforce. Attractive, engaging workplace design helps attract and retain talent from this demographic.
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