Office Design Trends: How to design future-proof offices

A new Year also brings new Office Design trends and ideas the transition to New Work continues and the Office Space transforms more and more to a place to meet colleagues and collaborate. Find out what is new in our Office Design Trend List.

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Office Trend: Hybrid Workspaces

Hybrid work is rapidly becoming a popular office trend. This work model combines the flexibility of remote work with the benefits of in-person collaboration, allowing employees to work from home or the office depending on their preferences and job requirements.

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One of the main advantages of hybrid work is that it provides employees with greater autonomy and work-life balance. This can lead to increased job satisfaction, as employees are able to tailor their work schedules to better fit their personal lives. Additionally, the flexibility of hybrid work can make it easier for companies to attract and retain top talent, as it offers a level of freedom that traditional office models cannot match.

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However, hybrid work also presents unique challenges that need to be addressed in office design. Offices will need to be designed to accommodate both remote and in-person workers, with flexible furniture arrangements and multiple collaboration spaces. Technology integration will also be critical, with video conferencing and collaboration tools becoming even more important for remote workers.

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To ensure that hybrid work is successful, companies will need to prioritize communication and collaboration. This could mean scheduling regular team meetings, fostering a culture of transparency, and providing employees with the tools they need to stay connected and productive.

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Overall, hybrid work is an office trend that is expected to continue to gain popularity. By embracing this model and designing offices that support it, companies can create a more flexible and productive work environment that meets the needs of both their employees and their business.

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Office Trend: Sustainability

Sustainability is an office trend that is likely to gain further importance. With concerns over climate change and the environment becoming increasingly pressing, companies are looking for ways to reduce their environmental footprint and operate in a more sustainable manner. This trend is expected to extend to office design, as companies seek to create workspaces that are eco-friendly and energy-efficient. Offices may also incorporate biophilic design, which integrates natural elements like plants and natural lighting to create a more sustainable and calming workspace.

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One of the key aspects of sustainable office design is the use of environmentally friendly materials. This could include using recycled or upcycled materials, using low-VOC paints and adhesives, and incorporating sustainable furniture and fixtures. 

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In addition to the use of sustainable materials, offices will need to be designed to be energy-efficient. This could include the use of energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems, as well as the incorporation of renewable energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines. Office design will also need to consider waste reduction, by incorporating recycling stations and minimizing single-use plastics and other materials.

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Additionally, a focus on sustainability can be a key part of a company's corporate social responsibility efforts, which can enhance its reputation and appeal to customers and employees.

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Overall, sustainability is an office trend that is expected to be a top priority. By incorporating sustainable design elements and practices, companies can reduce their environmental impact, improve employee wellness, and demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility.

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Office Trend: Employee Wellness and comfort

Employee wellness is becoming an important office trend. With the COVID-19 pandemic highlighting the importance of physical and mental health, companies are realizing the need to prioritize employee wellness in the workplace. This trend is driving office design that creates a more supportive and health-focused environment for employees.

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One of the key aspects of employee wellness in office design is the incorporation of natural elements and biophilic design. This includes the use of natural lighting, indoor plants, and outdoor spaces to create a connection with nature. Biophilic design has been shown to reduce stress, boost mood, and improve cognitive function, all of which can enhance employee well-being and productivity.

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In addition to biophilic design, office design can incorporate features that promote physical activity and movement. This could include adjustable desks that allow employees to switch between sitting and standing, on-site fitness facilities, and bike storage and shower facilities to encourage active transportation. These features can help employees stay active and healthy throughout the workday, reducing the negative effects of sedentary work.

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Office design can also address mental health and well-being, by incorporating spaces for relaxation, mindfulness, and socialization. This could include quiet rooms for meditation and yoga, nap pods, and social spaces for informal gatherings and team building. By creating a more supportive and inclusive workplace culture, companies can help to reduce stress and promote mental health and well-being.

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By incorporating biophilic design, physical activity, and mental health features into office design, companies can create a more supportive and health-focused work environment. This can improve employee well-being, productivity, and job satisfaction, leading to a more engaged and successful workforce.

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Office Trend: Inclusion and Diversity

Diversity and inclusion are becoming increasingly important office trends. Companies are realizing that a diverse and inclusive workplace is not only the right thing to do but can also lead to better business outcomes. This trend is driving office design that creates a more inclusive and equitable environment for all employees.

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One of the key aspects of diversity and inclusion in office design is the creation of spaces that are accessible and inclusive for all employees. This includes the use of universal design principles, such as wide hallways, automatic doors, and adjustable desks, to ensure that all employees can navigate the workspace comfortably. In addition, offices can incorporate lactation rooms to create a more welcoming and supportive environment for all employees.

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Office design can also incorporate features that promote collaboration and inclusivity. This could include open-plan layouts that encourage interaction between employees from different departments, as well as meeting spaces that are designed to accommodate different types of work styles and communication preferences. By creating a more collaborative and inclusive work environment, companies can foster a culture of innovation and creativity.

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Finally, companies can use office design to showcase their commitment to diversity and inclusion. This could include incorporating artwork and other design elements that reflect the company's values and diverse perspectives, as well as providing training and education opportunities for employees to promote understanding and awareness of different cultures and backgrounds.

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By incorporating inclusive design features and fostering a culture of collaboration and understanding, companies can create a more equitable and supportive work environment. This can lead to improved employee engagement, innovation, and business outcomes, making it a win-win for both employees and the company.

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Office Trend: Technology Integration

Technology integration is an office trend that is expected to be crucial. As technology continues to evolve and play a larger role in our lives, companies are realizing the need to integrate technology into their office design to improve efficiency, productivity, and employee experience.

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One of the key aspects of technology integration in office design is the use of smart technology. This includes the use of smart lighting, temperature control systems, and security systems that can be controlled remotely or through voice commands. Smart technology can improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and provide a more convenient and comfortable work environment for employees.

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Office design can also incorporate features that support remote work and collaboration. This could include the use of video conferencing and collaboration tools to connect employees who work in different locations, as well as the incorporation of flexible workstations and seating arrangements that can accommodate different work styles and communication preferences. By integrating technology into office design, companies can support remote work and collaboration, creating a more agile and adaptable workforce.

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Overall, technology integration is an office trend that is expected to continue to shape the future of work. By incorporating smart technology and supporting remote work, companies can improve efficiency, productivity, and employee experience. This can create a more agile and competitive workforce that is better equipped to adapt to the ever-evolving business landscape.

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Office Trend: Flexibility and adaptability

Flexibility and adaptability are expected to be significant office trends. With the ongoing changes in the business landscape and the growing demand for work-life balance, companies are realizing the need to create more flexible and adaptable workplaces to attract and retain top talent.

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One of the key aspects of flexibility and adaptability in office design is the creation of flexible workspaces. This includes the incorporation of movable walls and furniture that can be easily reconfigured to accommodate different work styles and team sizes. The use of hot desks and coworking spaces can also create a more adaptable and agile work environment, allowing employees to work from different locations and collaborate with colleagues from different teams and departments.

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By creating flexible workspaces, supporting work-life balance, and embracing technology and remote work, companies can attract and retain top talent, improve employee wellness and productivity, and stay competitive in a rapidly changing business landscape.

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Biophilic Design

This office design trend integrates natural elements into the office with the aim of creating a healthy and sustainable working environment. In doing so, it has been proven that a green, "living" office environment has a positive impact on employee well-being and productivity.

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By the way, if you furnish your office biophilically, it doesn't matter whether it has an outdoor area or not - biophilic design can be integrated into any office. The possibilities here are many: in addition to using natural materials such as wood, bamboo and stone, the use of water also offers many options for biophilic office design. Waterfalls and fish tanks, for example, transform any office into a place with a very special flair. 

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In addition, plants in particular - in the form of vertical gardens or moss walls - are a popular element when interior designers furnish offices green. 

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Biophilic office furnishings not only reduce stress levels, improve concentration and increase energy levels and well-being, but also have another positive effect. In warm summers, office spaces are cooled, creating a pleasant indoor climate. The reason: when the room temperature rises, the plants transpire and release excess water into the air through their leaves. With a biophilic office design, even up to 33% of air conditioning can thus be saved.

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By the way, if your office lacks natural daylight, there are plenty of plants that can get by with little light. For example, cacti, succulents and tropical plants like the lucky feather can be used wonderfully as the basis for a biophilic office design. 

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Tip: If more natural daylight is not possible, the same positive effect can be achieved with daylight fixtures.

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Biophilic design not only means green design, but also goes hand in hand with maximizing the use of natural light in your office space. More light and an improved indoor climate have an immediate effect on employees: they are happier and there is less sick leave. 

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In addition, working in a green environment brings people together, making the work environment more social and therefore more pleasant for everyone.

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If you want to make your office biophilic, it is recommended to start with one or two elements and add more biophilic design elements over time, so that your green office grows gradually.  

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Bringing home comforts into the office

Since the pandemic, employees worldwide have become accustomed to working from the comfort of their homes. There, they have spent the past two years furnishing their workplace entirely according to their needs and preferences. Now, employers just need to think about their own habits to find out what employees want from their office in the future. 

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Cozy office spaces with various workstations and the highest level of comfort must therefore be an absolute priority for office furnishings. 

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Comfortable office design includes: 

- soft carpets, 

- comfortable seating, 

- warm lighting and indirect lighting, 

- curtains at the windows, 

- decoration and 

- plants. 

If there is an outdoor area, it can also be equipped with comfortable seating. 

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By the way, 45% of all telecommuters regularly work from the sofa, while a full 38% even work in bed. 

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Of course, no one will be putting beds in the office, but soft, cozy couches are an excellent alternative to the traditional desk workspace and the perfect way to create a work environment that matches the comfort of your own home.  

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Office trend sustainability

Environmentally friendly office design is becoming increasingly important for designers, as well as for employees and employers. Office design is all about natural materials and energy efficiency, but also about enhancing the well-being of employees. 

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Eco-friendly office design looks like choosing each furnishing element wisely and leaving as little of an ecological footprint as possible. After all, a healthy globe is just as important as a beautiful office. 

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To implement the Office Trend in your office, you can choose environmentally conscious manufacturers of office furniture. Recycled or extra durable materials made from renewable resources are great for sustainable office design.

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In addition to sustainable materials, it is recommended to go for LED lights as well as maximum use of natural light. This is not only energy-saving, but also increases employee productivity.

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Furnish the office in neutral colors

Neutral colors have proven to be particularly effective when furnishing offices. Thus, all shades of cream and beige must not be missing from the list of office trends. The light, subtle tones are perfect for minimalist office interiors, but are just as good a basis for the bold who want to make their office space a little more colorful. 

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For a natural ambience, warm wood tones are excellent as a combination, which can be integrated in the form of furniture or wooden floors.

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If isolated color accents are to be set, it is advisable to select them according to the corporate colors and use them specifically in the office furnishings.

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In addition to cream, off-white and beige, other colors are particularly suitable for office spaces: natural green gives energy, reduces stress and has a motivating effect. Calming blue is also ideal for offices, because it conveys a feeling of security - the mind is free and can concentrate better. 

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For more pop, even shades of pink can be used in office design: Salmon and rosé, for example, are ideal for creating an office design that surprises. 

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Tip: When decorating your office, it's a good idea to incorporate the surroundings into the color scheme. If the office is surrounded by a lot of gray - for example, in the form of tall buildings made of concrete or steel - intense color accents can give the rooms more dynamism and thus provide a nice contrast to the surroundings. If, on the other hand, the office is located in an area with a lot of greenery, different shades of white and combined textures have a particularly harmonious effect. 

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Office Trend: Meeting Boxes 

Telephone or meeting boxes offer a number of advantages: In open-plan offices in particular, there is more peace and quiet because there is less noise from conversations. As a result, employees are less distracted, stress levels decrease, and concentration and satisfaction increase. In addition, confidential conversations can be conducted discreetly. 

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If you decide to furnish your office with meeting boxes, you have countless design options. 

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Furnish your office with flexible furniture

Workers who offer their employees hybrid working must ask themselves whether it makes sense to set up 12 desks in the office if only 6 are used. Or whether the meeting room will be used as often as it was before the pandemic began. 

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Larger office areas could instead be adapted to meet the needs of employees who work remotely and are only in the office from time to time new work is the buzzword. Flexible office furniture that is mobile and can be stowed away is optimal for meeting the needs of different employees and their individual needs. With the help of modular desks and rollable partitions, an office area can be reconfigured again and again, offering optimally flexible working conditions for hybrid working.

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Office trend: Noise reduction

Especially in open-plan offices, noise disturbances are unavoidable, but can be controlled. Acoustic partitions, for example, absorb disturbing sound waves and thus improve room acoustics. Other options include carpets, which provide a quiet working environment because they also absorb sound waves. Even plants can be used to reduce noise and also have a positive effect on the room climate.

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Flexible office space as an office trend

Telecommuting has become the new standard. The office must therefore make combined working easy, so remote workers can come and go with ease. 

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In addition, workers want options when it comes to their workplace. They don't want to be locked in one room all day, but are looking for variety. One person may be most productive at a desk, while another may concentrate best in a comfortable lounge atmosphere. The third wants to switch between the two.

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Workstations that are not assigned to specific employees, so-called pod areas, as well as cafés and recreational areas with sofas are essential, along with conference rooms, to make employees feel comfortable. Common areas and individual workstations should offer enough work space, comfortable seating and sufficient power outlets so that each employee can make phone calls, work in a focused manner or hold video calls in peace. 

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Convertible office spaces are therefore the future of the new way of working: work environments in which not every employee has a personal workstation are ideal for hybrid working. One advantage in particular is obvious: cost savings. After all, since all employees will never be in the office at the same time, employees can save a lot of money when renting office space, and energy consumption from lighting and computers is also reduced.

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Conclusion: The work environment is in a constant state of change

The working environment is always going to change and adapt according to the latest needs of employers, clients but also employees, to acquire top talents and keep them motivated and satisfied employers have to keep up with the latest working standards.

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Implementing the latest office trends can help you stand out from the competition and therefore gain the trust and respect of top employees as well as your clients.

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All the preceding aspects make it clear: the right design for your office depends on many different factors. Only a careful needs analysis will lead to a successful overall concept that will have measurable results in increased productivity.

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Then contact us and we will advise you on your current project without obligation. We look forward to your inquiry!

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