The Future of Workplaces: New Design Trends Shaping the Landscape

The office landscape is changing. With new technology and design trends emerging, we are seeing a shift in the way workplaces are designed. Offices are becoming more open and collaborative, with less focus on individual cubicles. This shift towards more open spaces is intended to encourage creativity and productivity. In this article, we will take a look at some of the latest office design trends that are shaping the future of work!

Flexible Furniture

Flexible furniture is a trend that is gaining popularity in office design. This type of furniture can be easily reconfigured to accommodate different needs, such as individual work, group collaboration, or events. Free-standing project tables, desks, and pods are a wonderful addition to any workplace, creating a variety of spaces so employees can choose where best suits their task.

Private & Public Spaces

Workplaces that offer a balance of private and public areas help employees customize the way they work. Sometimes when life gets too stressful, you just need a private space to decompress. And sometimes the occasion calls for a public setting to celebrate a key milestone, or perhaps a birthday. Workplaces that offer a balance of both private and public spaces keep employees happy, productive and help reinforce a sense of community.

Employees at Red Bull can take breaks inside the ‘Activity Can’ to unwind. Red bull may give you wings, but it can also induce stress and burnout!

Office Neighbourhoods

Collaboration is a huge part of many workplaces, yet it can be difficult and awkward for teams to find the right space to do so. Talking over each other, behind distracting computer screens is not ideal.

In office design, a neighbourhood often refers to a dedicated space for a team, project or department. Neighbourhoods allow employees to more easily gather with their team and foster collaboration and connection. This could be in the form of informal lounge areas, project tables, meeting zones or work bars.

Glass Partitions

Glass partitions and flexible office walls are becoming more popular, as they allow for natural light to enter the space and create a more open feel.

Biophilic Design

Biophilic design, which incorporates elements of nature into the office space, is also becoming more common. This type of design has been shown to boost employee productivity and wellbeing.

Go Natural

Natural ventilation & natural lighting has become more attainable and more desirable in workplaces for the health and wellbeing of its occupants. Not to mention the sustainability benefits and energy savings.

Neurodiverse Spaces

It is estimated that around 15-20 percent of the global population are neurodiverse and emerging research demonstrates the value of neurodiversity in the workplace. Neurodiversity in the workplace is the idea of inclusivity that extends to neurological differences, including hiring and retaining employees with neuro-variations such as autism, ADHD and dyslexia.

The modern workplace is challenging for many, yet for people with neuro-variations it can be a huge obstacle. Neurodiverse people tend to be over or under stimulated by their environments including noise, light, temperature, texture and smell. By recognising and understanding neurodiversity we can design better workplaces that are more inclusive and accessible. Balance, proportion, light, colour and rhythm are just some key design elements to consider when designing neurodiverse spaces.

So, what does the future of office design hold? We can expect to see more open spaces, flexible furniture, biophilic design and inclusive design. These trends will create workplaces that are more collaborative, productive, and beneficial for employees.