A well designed office space keeps workers engaged and makes the best use of the space. Today’s workplace is drastically changing. Perimeter offices with rigid layouts are of the past and open floor plans with built in community areas are quickly taking over.
Collaboration is the new work model for 2016. You must have heard by now of the R&D company that started out with four people in a garage sitting on folding chairs and tables. There was energy, a buzz. Something was happening. As the company grew bigger, it moved into larger, more-traditional office space. Employees ended up getting private offices with windows, but something happened — they lost the energy. As such, more and more companies are investing in their work environment and making sure it is one that fosters productivity and creativity. This article will look at emerging office design trends in the UK that we will see plenty of in 2016 and beyond.
Multipurpose Workspaces with Designated Lounge Areas
Modern office spaces are now including lounge areas to make working more enjoyable as people are looking for more interaction at work. Gone are the days of the rigid work station that one must be forced to sit at from 9am – 5pm. Employers are beginning to accept the idea that employees do not have to be at their desks with their heads down to actually be productive. So we see more and more cubicles disappearing and being replaced by non-assigned seating. Incorporating lounge areas in your office space makes the work environment more comfortable, which stimulates relaxed collaboration.
Unconventional Meeting Spaces
Private booths and other innovative workspaces are increasingly popular for one-on-one collaboration. Companies will seek to incorporate office desks that offer more convenience for small groups (4-6 persons) to meet, as well as you can expect to see a shift toward height adjustable tables for standing meetings.
Future Proof Layouts
Flexibility is a growing trend as traditional office spaces, planned in advance with permanent layouts, are giving way to the need of an ever-changing work landscape. With continuous changes in technology and expected shifts in working culture, it is increasingly difficult for companies to predict which job functions there will be in the next few years. As a result, many companies are creating work spaces with flexibility built in. Flexible work spaces with adaptable furniture allow for new technologies to be easily integrated.
Bringing The Outdoors In
Nature is having a serious moment in design. Reclaimed wood panel installations and exposed concrete flooring are all becoming more prominent. We can also expect to see more glass wall trends throughout 2016 as the fishbowl concept is fast expanding. The idea behind this is to design the room around natural lighting, and to maximise the amount of sunlight that enters the room through glass and reflective materials. Fishbowl-style wall-length windows are becoming more and more affordable, and glass-brick or toughened glass dividers allow natural light to reach rooms that would otherwise be blocked off from the sun.
Offices Organised by Colour
Several studies have shown that colour boosts happiness, productivity and creativity. Organising your work environment with colour helps your thoughts be more organised and creative. Accordingly, in 2016 we will see more offices integrate pops of colour in unexpected ways.
More companies are realising the real impact workplace design has on productivity and a company’s bottom line. The aim of workplace design is to create a working environment that fosters productivity and collaboration. If you need help designing your office space, contact us today.
