5 Trends We’re Watching as the Open Concept Office Evolves
Nearly 70 percent of today’s office spaces have adapted to some form of an open office concept. Open office spaces aren’t going anywhere, but the way they are designed is changing.
The idea of open offices has surpassed its infancy and is entering a phase of maturity that’s focused around providing the best experience for workers.
These are the top five trends we’re watching as the open-concept office evolves.
Spaces for Optimal Noise Regulation
Noise can be one of the biggest complaints from workers in open office spaces. More companies will become aware of this, and turn to some architectural improvements to solve the problem, and marketing them. Ceiling materials are some of the biggest offenders when it comes to carrying sound. But there are ceiling pad options that help absorb sound better than wood or concrete surfaces. Some working spaces may also implement the use of pink noisemakers, which can help mask sounds and improve employee focus.
Personalized Spaces
Ten years ago it would have been unheard of, and concerning if an employee were to walk into work one day and move their workspace to another area of the office because they “felt” like it. The traditional cubicle doesn’t offer much flexibility when it comes to office design, but open spaces do. Giving employees the freedom to move furniture and change their workspace will become even more popular and out-of-the-box as time goes on.
More Hotel, Less Work
Most people don’t like to feel like they’re working. It’s the reason our office dress codes have become so casual over the past 20 years and is a huge motivator behind the idea of working remotely.
As more businesses offer remote work options, companies will have to find even more incentives to attract workers to their office spaces. One of the ways they will do this is through hotel-level amenities and design. Onsite childcare, gourmet and local food options, fitness centers, laundry services, 5G, special tech offerings, special seating, and other amenities will become even more popular.
Bringing More of the Outdoors Inside
Bringing more nature into an office space, a phenomenon is known formally as “biophilic design,” will continue to grow in popularity. The reason behind comes from the fact that plants and natural light, nature’s hallmarks, improve well-being and productivity. Air purifying plants, skylights, natural materials like wood and organic fibers will be seen more in open office concepts. Some offices will even market features like living walls and grassy courtyards as differentiating amenities.
Wellness Will Be The Priority
Bringing nature indoors is one way that open office spaces will bring wellness to centerstage. That’s because the research is consistent, office spaces centered around well-being leads to happier, more productive employees who stay at their jobs longer. More water drinking options, high-level air quality filtration systems, nutritional foods that align with modern diet demands, layered lighting, spaces for physical activity, standing workspace options, and different types of work environments are all some examples of what you’ll see more of.
