With the rapid technological development we’ve seen over the past decade, our ideas about which design elements create a more productive workforce have changed just as quickly. As a result, employers have been left scrambling to conform to this new paradigm in office design. If you’re looking to make 2018 the year you bring your office into this new era, we have some hot trends for you to keep your eye on as you create a design concept that will be sure to stay fresh and functional for years to come.
Breakout Spaces
Smartphones and other mobile technologies mean we no longer have to be chained to our desks to be productive. In this environment, employees appreciate comfortable spaces where they can collaborate outside of the cubicle or the conference room. In 2018, breakout spaces help to spur creativity by focusing on comfort. Lounge areas with couches and coffee tables provide the perfect complement to your office’s dedicated work areas. Employees will these multi-purpose spaces where they can work together in a more informal setting, have lunch, or just relax when they need a mental break.
A Focus on Employee Well-Being
Companies like Google have made huge strides in the 21st century by taking the focus off productivity and fostering the health and wellness of their employees. While your office may not be equipped to provide extravagant wellness measures like an employee spa and health club, you can make a big difference about the way employees feel about coming to work with simple additions like ergonomic chairs and sit-stand desks. Not only do ergonomic features change employee attitudes about work, they also have been proven to save money in healthcare costs.
Bringing Nature into the Office
The sterile, minimalist office designs that spurred the dizzying highs of corporate life in the 20th century have gone out the window. These days, employees want to feel connected to the space where they work, and bringing a bit of nature into the office can help them achieve that goal. Live plants are already in vogue in many offices and others are looking to get rid of sleek finishes and dull, grey color schemes. In 2018, look for the warmth of natural finishes like wood and stone to make their way into your office, along with color pallets that add a splash of vibrancy and life to the workplace.
For forward-thinking managers, 2018 is the perfect year to update that stuffy, old office décor. In the next decade, expect collaboration and remote work to dominate the conversation about office design, creating a more comfortable, less formal workplace. The future is here and it’s changing things faster than you might think, so don’t be afraid to act boldly as you try to keep up and always remember: a happy employee is a productive employee.