With evolving technologies and the push for wellness-based design, boundaries in the workplace are being challenged and thereby redefining the new norm. Business Managers understand that investing in spaces that are flexible, innovative and inviting improve employees’ performances and enhance their well-being. As a result, workspaces are being designed to be dynamic and human-centric, leaving room for growth as new technologies continue to emerge in the industry. Company success is almost directly related to how we prepare for these fluctuations.
PHYSICAL TRENDS in the Workplace
FABRICS
With respect to sustainability, manufacturers have identified, for some time now, the importance of sustainable products. Now in the year 2020, this awareness and conscious effort will increase exponentially. The new norm will be materials with sustainable fabrics and naturally sustainable and renewable eco-friendly products – products and processes that reduce humanity’s impact on our environment. Even the new repurposed garbage combined with natural fibres with woven choices will be making a big impact.
LIGHTING
There have been a number of studies from around the world with respect to the effects of lighting within a workspace. We now can conclude that proper lighting can create a comfortable and more productive workspace. However, there are specific lighting designs that will continue to be utilized in 2020. For instance, recessed lighting, which provides modern, even and smooth lighting for offices. These lighting fixtures are bulbs that are recessed into the ceiling, allowing for a smooth and cohesive design.
FLOORING
It appears that more and more designers are choosing LVT (Linoleum Vinyl Tile) as it is easier to maintain, has effective acoustic properties on loose lay and foamed backing, and the aesthetic look is hard to tell from the real products like wood, stone, and concrete. The cost associated with replicating these copies are also a fraction of the price when compared to the “real thing”.
DESIGN THINKING TRENDS in the Workplace
INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENTS
To attract and retain the best talent in the business, offices are becoming more diverse and adaptable by introducing unassigned spaces, group workspaces, cafes and more focused rooms. They are realizing that creating a workspace that is diverse will promote choice, where single options will not. Once businesses offered diverse and inclusive spaces, they tend to see an increase in employee satisfaction and engagement – in some cases, increasing by 30%.
AGILITY / FLEXIBILITY
The introduction of choice in the workplace has naturally led to agile and flexible workspaces. We see a trend where these kinds of workspaces lead to high levels of employee happiness and performance. The office environment naturally becomes more connected with how employees feel and perform.
By designing spaces that allow for various work settings that people can choose from, it promotes happiness throughout. Additionally, the promotion of agile and flexible workspaces is a direct response to the economic strains put on clients. Our clients are trying to do “more with less”; so we must try to keep in lockstep with their mandates while keeping their budgets within reach.
SUSTAINABILITY
Companies are realizing that the design of their workspace is an opportunity to express their values and identity. Choosing from recycled, reclaimed or remanufactured products can help persuade and influence both employees and consumers of a company’s commitment to environmental wellbeing. There is more work to do, but this is positive in the right direction.
DOMESTICATED WORKSPACES
In an effort to create more welcoming environments, the results have been successful in attracting remote workers back into the office by creating spaces that employees are excited to work in. We have entered the fusion of designs: furnished cafes, greenery, throw pillows and area rugs to make workers feel at home.
The Bottom Line
With the rise and fall of numerous design trends, we’re curious to see what 2020 will hold for office design. Each year, new trends emerge and old design strategies are forgotten. Workplace design is constantly changing to cater to the needs of employees, improve office culture and contribute to a business’s bottom line. That’s why it’s important that business owners adapt to the ever-evolving concept of office design. If your office space hasn’t been revamped in a while, it might be time for a re-design. Ready to transform your workplace? Discover our services or get in touch with us!
