A new building starts with shell and core works, then fit out project management begins to get the building ready for occupants. During this process, workspaces are defined to suit the purposes of tenants.
As time goes by, these offices will need to be updated to suit the growing needs of a company. Here are just some of the office design trends that are expected to dominate 2019:
Sustainable Trick-Outs
Office fit out projects in 2019 will not be complete without sustainable design concepts. The incorporation of plants and green design, modular furniture, and digital spaces will be the norm in the future. These innovations aren’t just chic; they can also improve the performance and well-being of employees.
Having plants around the office will back up the ventilation work of office HVAC systems by helping circulate the air inside the building. Green, live things are also soothing to overworked eyes. Smart technology that replaces manual systems and offers greater results will cut the workload of employees and allow them to focus on their specialties. Modular furniture such as ergonomic chairs and standing desks will help maintain the health of employees.
Space Optimization
Stairs can’t just be stairs nor break rooms just be places where employees can get a cup of tea or coffee. Optimization of spaces means integrating experiences into office areas. Break rooms, for example, can have a wellness area with some gym equipment to an aesthetically arranged rock climbing wall. Libraries can incorporate meditation areas and other quiet spaces. Jogging trails can be incorporated around the office for workers looking to release some tension in between work.
Divide to Unite
Make the office look interesting by breaking up space. This can be done by adding décor or changing the arrangement of furniture and equipment. A lounge can be provided in the middle of desks to give teams a place to meet briefly or relax. Decorate to catch the eyes of employees who feel their attention waning from the task.
Good office design can also encourage collaboration among employees. The lounge idea can be augmented with whiteboards and long tables for quick meetings. Water coolers, which are coming back thanks to health trends, can be made more inviting with a few comfortable benches.
Co-working Spaces
It sounds contrived to folks who are used to working in single-office settings, but tech startups have started the trend of sharing their spaces with their neighbors. Much like open offices, these shared spaces were put up to create large collaborative spaces where employees from similar or different companies can interact and share ideas that can help innovate their work.
Natural Lighting and “Smart” Workspaces
Smart workspaces mean employing cutting-edge technologies in the office. These could include motion-detectors that adjust temperature settings according to the number of occupants in the office, coffee makers that anticipate the needs of the caffeine-deprived, and a booking system that ensures that no two teams can book the same conference room at once.
Natural lighting is also important for maintaining the energy and productivity levels of workers. A survey in 2016 indicates that productivity and sales increase by 3 to 40 percent in workplaces with good daylight. Workers who get more natural light, and therefore, their daily dose of vitamin D, have better serotonin regulation and are less stressed than other confined employees.
Office design is crucial for employee productivity and satisfaction. Give people too little space and they’ll feel stifled. A harmonious, spacious, and modern design with an eye for the future can go a long way in promoting a sense of wellness among employees and encourage them to stay.
