Research shows that employees feel most productive when they have control over their work environment. No “one-size-fits-all” design can adequately be adjusted to the vast range of employee and working methods out there. Adjustability, therefore, goes a long way toward improving employees’ happiness and productivity. The trend towards adjustability includes everything from standing desks where you can quickly spread out plans or notes and immediately collaborate to tech-enabled spaces that let workers plug and play everywhere from the kitchen to the roof terrace. Internet access everywhere is also essential so that employees can get work done no matter what type of space they’re in.
It’s important to consider how employees feel about their surroundings. The workspace must be conducive to productivity, and design has a lot to do with that! We really think that mood-setting is going to be one of the major trends in office design for 2020. For example, focus areas need to have that inviting yet comfortable touch. They’re a place to rest and relax, with natural textures allowing spaces to act as an oasis on a busy workday. Plants and natural light should also be included in these areas, as they are proven to generate a sense of calm, helping employees better accomplish their tasks. Shared areas should strive for a coffee shop atmosphere that’s casual, relaxed, and inviting with a diversity of seating arrangements in energetic tones and even music to make it more vibrant and lively. These areas in the workspace are where the high volume of social activity and collaboration should be contained.
We talked in previous articles about bringing the greeneries in with biophilic design or using plants inside the office space, and when the weather doesn’t permit it, this is indeed a practical option, but you just can’t beat the real thing. For 2020, we’re predicting that more and more businesses will begin embracing their outdoor surroundings by transforming them into well-equipped, functional work settings.
Sustainable fabric is already popular in the fashion industry, and we’re expecting it to move into the realms of interior office design shortly. We’ll be seeing less machine-made, synthetic materials, in favor of more sustainable, low emission, animal-free fabrics like organic cotton, bamboo, recycled wood, and re-purposed plastics. Fancy testing any of the trends discussed above in your 2020 new office space? Let our Truspace team give you their guidance.
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