What Are The Top Workplace Trends?
Trends within the workplace are ever evolving, and they are constantly taking on new forms and shapes on how they transform a workplace. Identiying new trends can be very challenging as trends can range from new perks being offered to employees, different seating options, different desk arrangements, and so on.
Our workspace experts compiled their thoughts on what they believe are the top workspace trends right now and trends that are here to stay.
The top trends that I am seeing are unassigned workstations, shared private offices and less personal storage.
There are three top workplace trends that I am currently seeing, and they are wellness perks/programs, flexibility and technology intergration.
Modern work trends include total wellbeing (to include mental wellness), flexible spaces that provide both choice at work and allow for a more future-proof environment that can be changed and reconfigured easier, a return to address privacy in the workplace, and increased focus on work culture. Technology continues to accelerate change at work. Remote working and coworking spaces are also impacting how companies think about their workforces and policies. We also continue to see a residential influence in commercial spaces.
Practicing wellness in the workpalce, open offices and Zoom video conference meetings.
Even though the workspace emphasizes collaboration and community, having privacy is still very essential in an every day office space. Whether the office has one person or a whole team of people, some discussions are not meant to be overheard. Having acoustical privacy when needed allows employees to have comfort and trust that their conversations will not be overheard. On another note, everyone works differently. It’s important to offer open collaboration areas, but some employees need their peace and quiet in order to concentrate. Having these spaces available to them lets them know that their work habits are valued.
A more soft approach to design, lots of breakout spaces, touch down areas, different work settings, more of a focus toward well-being and attraction/retention.
Shared worksations, more work from home opportunities, smaller footprint, benching areas, no storage at stations and shared storage like lockers.
Companies are still trending toward ergonomics and wellness (light/movement/sound) but the color choices trends are starting to change.
Agile spaces, investing in culture, wellness and hybrid workplaces that can change quickly
Technology integration throughout offices, more use of ancillary and collaborative spaces, and the use of freestanding, movable phone booths instead of a conventional built phone room.
Open plan with residential feeling for the pace.
Right now the biggest workplace trend is making the space seem more residential than commercial. There is a lot more soft seating and gathering spaces being added into commercial offices.
Less closed room office spaces and more open office workstations.
Collaboration spaces and soft seating are taking over as some of the top workplace trends right now.
More open office layouts, less private offices, less traditional (tall panel workstations), less storage needs and more collaborative spaces (soft seating).
Collaborative spaces, height adjustable tables and sit to stand units are the clear top trends within workspaces.
One of the big trends I see is that companies are wanting to have a fun exciting environment. Whether it is a golf simulator, ping pong table, or fun breakout room. Companies are looking for things that promote happiness and excitement in the workspace.
Also, I am seeing a lot of clients look for the best of both worlds. The want the collaboration that the open office brings, but also the ability for their employees to have a place to focus and get work done. So being able to provide a mixture of options in both these trends is a great feature to be able to provide to our clients.
