Creating a more attractive work environment is a priority in 2022 and beyond
More welcoming, more sustainable, healthier, with design elements borrowed from the home interior, more attractive for both personal employees and those working remotely – modern offices are developing in this direction.
The last year clearly outlines the preferences for coworking spaces and boutique offices. They allow people in the team to alternate remote work with work in an office environment, because they have open plans, there is a lot of space in them and, respectively, the opportunity to walk freely. Shared offices became popular even before the coronavirus pandemic, but even after its end, it is clear: working from there is more productive because the focus in coworking is on safety and comfort.
Home and office design merge
More and more office managers and designers recognize that there is no place better than home, which is why there is a lot of talk about the fusion between home and office design. Coziness makes employees feel welcome at work and is found in soft carpets and furniture, in round-shaped furniture, in comfortable sofas, warm lighting and artwork displayed in various corners.
Current coworking spaces and new standard offices are designed to support both in-person and remote collaboration – they have different types of spaces, so it’s convenient for employees to go there when they need to meet someone, and the rest of the time to work from home. This type of office inspires creativity and the exchange of ideas, becoming a kind of creative thinking center where cultural relationships are present.
Emphasis on sustainable materials
Along with current design trends such as aesthetics and functionality, sustainability will also dominate the office space in the future. Because for the active workforce – millennials and representatives of generation Z – how materials affect the environment is of great importance. Responsible companies take their opinion into account and choose environmentally responsible manufacturers of products from sustainable and carbon neutral materials. In addition, various businesses are looking for ways to improve their energy efficiency because in this way they manage to attract new talent.
How important it is to relax
Even during work, especially during work, it is very important that a person has the opportunity to relax. It is no coincidence that pastel tones do not go out of style in office furniture, because the mind rests when looking at gray, beige and other soft and neutral tones. Gentle blue, light brown, khaki and pale green remind of nature, increase mood and productivity. However, if there is a danger that the space will look too monochrome, designers recommend including a “split” color for an accent: orange, purple, yellow, red…
Spaces for “non-work” in coworking? Absolutely, it is even necessary that the office has a gym corner, a meditation room, a game room, a party area. There, people communicate differently than behind a desk because the atmosphere is relaxing and facilitates a “live and work” mentality. When the office is more than a place to work, it attracts more people to join it.
A private terrace, a patio, a roof garden – they are not just nice to have, they are a must, and although they are a luxury for many companies and offices, it is important to think about providing outdoor spaces. The concept known as biophilia (literally love of life) or awareness of the benefits for the the health and welfare from contact with nature is at the center of office design – now and in the future.
