Now that we’re nearing the end of one of the most unpredictable years we’ve ever faced, it’s time to look back on some of the positives that came out of 2020. Each year, new research emerges on the psychology behind office design trends and its impact on employees and the workplace environment. This research provides key insight on ways to improve your business through implementing design changes in the workplace that lead to increased employee wellbeing, productivity, creativity, talent retention and more. Which in turn makes for a more successful company.
Office fit out trends come but they never really go. Yes, each year brings a new host of ideas and fads but that does not mean the trends that came before are any less relevant or useful.
With that in mind, we take a look at some of the top office fit out trends from 2020 that are not only here for the present but will be the foundation of every office design in the future:
Experience-driven Workspaces
It has become increasingly apparent over the last decade or two that the future of the workplace is no longer contingent on the material things you have in the office but rather the experience the space can provide. It’s a simple concept: experiences, rather than things, are what makes us happy, influence us and drives us. This notion has revolutionized the way we work, and business leaders are realizing more and more that employee happiness and wellbeing has a direct impact on a company’s performance and success.
From game rooms and quirky chill areas to rock climbing walls and onsite cafes, having a workspace that is geared toward the employee experience will have a positive effect on productivity, creativity, health and wellbeing as well as engagement and communication. A healthy and happy employee will not only make your company look good but will be great for your bottom line.
Besides having a positive impact on your existing employees, an experience-driven office will also attract new talent. Millennials and the younger generation are entering the workforce and are more likely to choose to work for a company that provides an enriching office environment over one that does not value employee experience.
Sustainable Design
Sustainable design is a key trend seen in 2020 that will likely be a staple of every office design moving forward. With the threat of global warming becoming more urgent by the day, the world has shifted toward more sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices to combat the negative impact we have on the earth and to ensure a greener tomorrow. And office designs are following suit.
Simple, eco-friendly design practices and implementations in the office can reduce your company’s energy usage and waste and make your business greener. Using LED lighting, incorporating high-efficiency systems, taking advantage of natural light, sticking to low-emission materials, utilizing minimally processed or recycle materials and reusing or repurposing furniture, are just a few easy ways your company can lessen its environmental impact.
This is a trend that is going to be around for a very long time, if not forever. Make sure your company is on the right side of history by boarding the sustainable office design train today.
Flexible Workspaces
Fitting your office out with rows of partitioned cubicles filled with miserable employees and huge boardrooms that are hardly ever used is not only redundant but a hindrance to your company’s success and performance. We are living in an age of rapid change and development. The office should be adaptable and flexible with a variety of spaces to support different needs and interactions, whether it be client meetings, private one-on-ones, company-wide townhalls, brainstorming sessions or just a change of scenery away from your desk.
Research has shown that 68% of employees in the UK would prefer more freedom of movement when working. Hence, the importance of introducing flexible workspaces. Not only will you boost employee happiness, wellbeing and productivity but your office will become a more dynamic and functional space. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Smart Offices
The last office design trend we’d like to touch on is the idea of smart offices. The modern world is dominated by rapid advancements in technology that play an important role in our daily lives. We live in a time where we are surrounded by smartphones, smartwatches, smart glasses and even smart toilets. It only makes sense that your office would be “smart” too. The gap between human and computer interaction is only getting smaller by the minute, and it's only a matter of time before updating your workspace with the Internet of Things (IoT) devices and other cutting-edge technology becomes a necessary component of every office design.
Smart buildings can collect and share data to enable companies with a better understanding of when and how different spaces are being used. This allows for continuous assessments and optimisation of the office design as the company evolves and grows. While everyday tasks like booking a meeting room or controlling temperature and lighting around the office will be as simple as tapping on a screen. Plus, having a tech-savvy office would attract talent among
If you would like to stay ahead of the curve and bring your company into the future of office design, get in touch with Contractors.Direct and connect with qualified contractors who can bring your fit out vision to life.
