Work from home and hybrid work have shrunk the office real estate market and challenged employers to find new approaches to get workers back into the office. In response, employers are emphasizing culture, collaboration, and amenities that can’t be found in a home office. Here are 11 emerging office design trends:
Free desking replaces assigned spaces. Also known as hot desking, workers share desks or claim an open workstation at the office.
Less storage with paperless offices. Spaces once devoted to file cabinets, copiers, copy paper, and toner are now workspaces, meeting rooms, or quiet spaces.
Task-based zones. Workers can select to work in designated quiet rooms to reduce distractions, small collaboration zones, rest spaces, or larger conference rooms.
Right-sized spaces. More efficient use of office space to be more sustainable and lower costs. Offices are getting smaller and movable walls are more common for adaptability.
Hybrid rooms for hybrid workers. Zoom rooms for video collaboration can provide a more professional option to the home office. Good lighting and quality video conferencing technology are essential.
Smart buildings can reduce energy costs. Occupancy sensors can continually adjust lighting and HVAC for comfort and energy savings. Better video conferencing capabilities can further reduce some commuting. Smart buildings enable more preventive maintenance.
Sustainability. Workers want a green office and it impacts attracting worker and retaining them. A third of workers say sustainability is a must have. Alternative transportation options matter as well (i.e. bike racks, shuttles to public transit, and EV chargers).
Inclusive design to welcome everyone. ADA accessibility and lactation rooms are required by law, but employers are going further with gender-neutral bathrooms, and quiet spaces for prayer or meditation.
Designing for physical activity. This includes ergonomic design, as well as workspace options like sitting desks, treadmill desks, lounge furniture, and couches to let workers change posture more often. Hiking trails and gyms add valued.
Biophilic design. Bringing outdoor elements inside is a major new trend. This includes more live plants, living walls, green roofs, maximum natural light, and natural materials like wood and cork.
Work cafés. Goodbye cafeteria, hello work café. An area with a coffee house feel or maybe a bar (with or without alcohol). These are more social and relaxing spaces.
Read the full story in Facility Executive here.
All images: Pexels.com
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