This Year's Main Office Design Trends

15/08/23< Back to news index

If 2022 was the year of 'back to normal', then 2023 is the year that we acknowledge that normal has changed and start to fully implement some of the key learnings into office design.

• Adaptability is the biggest buzzword. We all now understand the importance of an agile work environment which can seamlessly adapt to changes. While we can't foresee every possible future situation - how many of us saw COVID-19 coming?! - we can invest in the future by making our buildings, fittings and fixtures suitable for multiple requirements. Some people are still wholly or partly working from home; others are pleased to be back in the office. Now we have the relevant experience we can find inexpensive ways to accommodate the needs of all. The likely change to a 4-day week, along with many staff working remotely, will make smaller offices preferable and cost-effective. In terms of technology, these may require some updates to ensure that remote workers feel involved and can take part in meetings easily.
• Informal Retreats are another idea emerging from the period when we all worked from home. Even the smallest office can set aside a space where staff can leave their tasks behind in order to think and reflect, or just take a quick break.
• Better Working Experience relates to the complete office experience; the aim is to centre this around individual workers. Factors such as natural light, comfortable temperatures, and the right atmosphere in terms of noise levels can greatly enhance innovation, productivity, and teamwork.
• Movement in an area that wasn't given much consideration pre-Covid but which has huge health implications for staff, as regular movement greatly improves our wellbeing. Rather than use only one part of the office, staff can be encouraged to move around freely and interact with each other, like they do at home. This is simple to organise, for example by locating break facilities as far from desks as possible, and having desks set up for specific tasks so staff need to move more.
• Remote Workers have their own specific requirements and keeping them involved should be a priority. If a worker can't be in the office, you could lose valuable contributions to your project. Small changes, so they feel present at the meeting, can make all the difference.

All these need to be considered, so we move forward from the difficulties caused by the pandemic and advance together with a healthy, productive workforce.