Workspaces have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic. At first, offering remote options was born out of safety concerns and keeping everyone healthy. However, as society began to learn more about the virus and found that new strains were weaker in most instances, companies began wondering how to mesh remote work and in-office advantages.
Experts predict the office setups of today will be extinct by 2030. Companies will choose to leave behind dated space they no longer need and move to a more remote or hybrid approach. Much of the transition is driven by employees wishing to have the flexibility to work and live where they are most productive and comfortable. What trends are driving those changes now and in the future?
1. Remote or hybrid positions
News reports show a disconnect between what workers want and what companies offer. Many brands are calling their employees back to the office, but those people are looking for fully remote positions. Some jobs don’t function properly off-site, such as a credit union teller needing to interface with customers directly. Businesses should allow some tasks to be done off-site and bring others back into the office.
2. Inclusive and welcoming design
The focus on inclusivity and a familylike atmosphere continues in design as companies try to create a positive culture. The idea is to make employees feel happy to be there.
Companies can help people feel comfortable by using warm, inviting colors and adding touches like couches, gender-neutral bathrooms, nursing rooms for new mothers, and outdoor workspaces. When investing in these spaces, businesses should consider what features are needed to make them functional, such as awnings to protect against sunlight and other elements in outdoor workspaces and comfortable chairs or rockers for nursing rooms.
3. Smart technology
Many offices are embracing a smart building concept to keep temperatures steady, turn off lights when not in use and track energy usage. Smart thermostats and lights save a company money while reducing power consumption. Brands seeking a greener approach can embrace technology that allows them to set the ranges and forget them.
4. Plants and green spaces
Although not a new trend, the idea of bringing the outdoors inside will continue into 2025. Studies show an increase in mental cognition by adding plants inside an office. A little greenery adds a cozy touch and can improve productivity and air quality. Plants brighten a space and make working environments more comfortable.
5. Pods and zones
A more hybrid approach requires a different setup inside offices. Rather than a dedicated desk, workers might have floating spaces they use, depending on what’s available on a given day.
There will be more meeting spaces as companies place more impact on collaboration. However, they might not look like a traditional room with a conference table. Instead, businesses can add living rooms where teams gather and brainstorm ideas.
A more flexible future
Businesses are adjusting to the mix of in-office and remote work, resulting in a shift in design that attracts employees. They should feel comfortable returning to the office but also be able to work from home when necessary. The design trends of today will result in a different type of workspace that drives how companies operate and improve workers’ lives.