With the new year rapidly approaching, corporations and co-working spaces are wondering how to design offices that keep pace with technological developments while remaining functional and comfortable for the people who work in them. Wondering what’s coming up in office furniture for 2020? At RSC, LLC, we follow all the latest developments in office furniture and we’ve put together a list of the biggest trends we’re expecting to see next year. Read on to get some ideas for your office redesign so you can stay ahead of the curve!
Versatile Spaces
Today’s workers prefer a more informal atmosphere where they can get creative and not box themselves in. While you may have previously held all your meetings in the conference room, there’s a lot to be said for other types of common areas where workers can meet up for quick discussions or even longer brainstorming sessions. The focus here should be comfort and functionality. Try a lounge area with comfy couches and a pony wall featuring a whiteboard. Add some standing desks and you’ve got a perfect spot for impromptu meetings that may even bear more fruit than those stressful conference room affairs.
Natural Materials
Older office designs tended to be a bit bland and sterile. To maximize productivity today, workers want to see a piece of the outside world in their work areas. A design featuring splashes of wood, stone, or even concrete will make them feel more connected with the world around them so they can let their creative juices flow. You can even bring in some plants to improve air quality and breathe life into your dull offices.
A Splash of Color
Drab color schemes were another feature of yesterday’s office designs. Today, it’s good practice to ditch those gray cubicle walls and go for something a bit more colorful. While gray is a good color to tie your overall design together, try punctuating it with some office furniture in bold, warm colors like orange and red that will look great against natural materials and will make your office space feel more inviting and fun.
Focus on Privacy
An open floor plan featuring half cubicles was thought to increase collaboration and productivity, but it came at a cost: employees felt like they lost their privacy. In 2020, private spaces will be coming into vogue. We’re not talking about giving each employee a private office, but a soundproof booth they can use to make phone calls or discuss sensitive matters may be just what they need to be happier and get the job done.
The dawning of the year 2020 represents a big shift in design sensibilities. Office furniture designers have picked up on that and they’re throwing their old rules out the window. Don’t let your office design stay mired in 20th century paradigms; instead, look forward to the new century and don’t be afraid to make some bold choices that flaunt the conventional wisdom. Your employees will appreciate the change of pace and the focus on their comfort and productivity.