Office design trends evolve over time, we’re always reflecting on the changes in the work culture, technology, and aesthetics. In 2023, we’ve seen several newdesign trends and inspirations in office spaces. Here are some ideas to consider moving through the rest of the year, if you’re still looking for a re-vamp:
- Flexible and Hybrid Work
- Due to the pandemic, we were noticing an influx of hybrid work. Work from home became very popular due to all of the restrictions caused by COVID-19. Currently, that trend has begun to decline as we see companies start to re-enforce back-to-office policies, and building vacancies are starting to fill up quite a bit again. That being said, it still makes sense to design a space that incorporates hybrid work since it has become a part of our work culture. Like flexible seating arrangements and tech solutions to support collaboration regardless of the employee’s location!
- Nature-Inspired Design:
- An aesthetic that seems to be quite popular right now is having a lot of greenery around the office. Bring the outdoors inside with natural elements like plants, natural light, and wood accents. The Naturalistic design has been shown to improve employee well-being, creativity, and productivity. If possible, live plants are always the way to go because they also help to improve air quality. If not, a fake plant will do just the trick to liven up the space.
- Minimalist Aesthetics:
- Minimalism has also been on the rise. Keeping things clean and spacious with minimalist design principles. Use neutral color palettes, sleek furniture, and hidden storage spaces for a streamlined look. Cluttered spaces have shown to impact our stress and anxiety levels as well as our ability to focus. So when our space is clutter-free, so is our mind.
- Technology Integration:
- Since technology has become so prominent in the way we as a community work, try to incorporate the latest technology into your office design. Consider wireless charging stations, smart lighting, video conferencing equipment, and touchless interfaces (Voice-activated systems, motion sensor, etc). This may not be entirely possible for every company since anything technology related can be extremely expensive. However, if you can’t obtain wireless charging stations for example, maybe allow access to regulars chargers, that way your employees have that type of access if necessary!
- Personalized Workstations:
- Allow employees to personalize their workstations! This can be done by allowing your employees to get chairs that work best for them, bins for storage of pens, personal supplies etc. Along with adding personal touches like photos and décor. Personalized spaces like this can boost morale and productivity. It can make your employee feel a little bit more at home!
- Outdoor Workspaces:
- If possible, incorporate outdoor areas for work or relaxation. This might include rooftop terraces (if possible), outside seating out and around the building, or outdoor Wi-Fi access points. At DBaC, one thing we are lucky enough to have is access to the water. So, a relaxing 10-minute break sitting by the water is feasible as well as being a 5-minute drive from the actual beach. However, it is can be possible anywhere to make an outdoor space comfortable for working or having a little break!
- Community Areas:
- Foster a sense of community by creating communal spaces for socialization, such as kitchenettes, lounges, and game rooms. This allows co-workers to gain a sense of community within each other and foster strong bonds that can help lead to great collaboration down the line.
Remember that the ideal office design should align with your company’s culture, values, and the specific needs of your employees. Consider seeking input from your team members to create a workspace that suits their preferences and enhances their productivity and well-being!