{"id":28408,"date":"2022-03-31T10:13:13","date_gmt":"2022-03-31T09:13:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/spaceandsolutions.com\/?p=28408"},"modified":"2022-04-19T14:57:49","modified_gmt":"2022-04-19T13:57:49","slug":"what-does-the-future-hold-for-office-design","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/spaceandsolutions.com\/what-does-the-future-hold-for-office-design\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does the Future Hold for Office Design?"},"content":{"rendered":"

While the nature of work has changed a lot over the years, the one thing that has remained constant has been the working environment. Sure, there have been minor changes, such as shifts between open plan spaces and individual offices, but nothing has disrupted the idea of the \u2018traditional office\u2019 quite like the pandemic. It\u2019s becoming clear that the global health crisis is shaping the future of office design.<\/p>\n

The COVID-19 Impact<\/h3>\n

While the concept of wellbeing was certainly starting to make its way into the workplace prior to the pandemic, it was the crisis itself that really turned wellbeing from a \u2018nice to consider\u2019 into a true operational necessity. Businesses were unable to retain staff and get the most from their people without prioritising wellbeing.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve reached a point where, in order to build a strong employer brand for the future, companies must be prepared to build work environments that are adapted to both the body and mind. For many, that will mean reconsidering the traditional office space, and designing modern environments that tick all four of the most critical employee criteria.<\/p>\n

In years past, employee expectations of their office may have focused more on the basics, such as a comfortable desk chair, a refreshment station and functional desk.\u00a0 In fact, one survey<\/a>, conducted in 2017 found that 85% of employees wanted their office to have tea and coffee making facilities, be clean, offer private WCs and temperature control. Today, the list of wants and needs is more complex, with the more important considerations for office environments including:<\/p>\n

1. A space which prioritises wellbeing and mental health<\/p>\n

2. Productivity and the ability to achieve<\/p>\n

3. Ability to work in a way that suits each person<\/p>\n

4. Sustainability and responsibility<\/p>\n

How is Office Design Changing?<\/h3>\n

Prior to COVID-19, most office spaces were, naturally, designed for productivity. Desks would be positioned close to each other to allow for teams to collaborate, for example. Teams would sit together. Meeting rooms would offer a private space in which to discuss. Kitchens would be used for heating lunch or grabbing a drink.<\/p>\n

But the office of tomorrow has a new purpose.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s looking set to be a place driven by employees\u2019 needs for flexibility. Over the past couple of years, employees have had a taste of different working models – flexible working, agile working, and hybrid working – and they\u2019ve liked it. They\u2019re naturally reluctant to give up the benefits of this flexibility, such as spending more time with family, saving money on the commute, being able to run errands, and so on.<\/p>\n

With the rise in remote working and the introduction of new working models, the office is no longer a place just for productivity. Employees should be able to work productively from anywhere in this new landscape. Instead, the office is becoming a place to socialise, to collaborate, to inspire, and to create. Tomorrow\u2019s office needs to be a place that offers something different than employees can get at home, while also providing the essential tool, support and infrastructure that allows the organisation itself to evolve and continue to meet its own business goals.<\/p>\n

Design is set to play a significant role in that. When designing for the future, we need to ensure we\u2019re still facilitating that same level of productivity, while also helping employees to be comfortable, included, powerful, motivated, and successful.<\/p>\n

As office designers, here\u2019s a glimpse into our vision for the future\u2026<\/p>\n