What people expect and need from their office environment is ever-changing and evolving. With the new thinkers such as Google and Apple designing the ultimate office environment for their workers, these new spaces are thankfully a far cry away from the stereotypical stuffy, segregated offices that some of us have had to endure in the past (and in some unfortunate circumstances still do!). Although these companies have seemingly unlimited budgets to create these wonderland style working environments it isn’t unobtainable for the humble office to achieve similar interior spaces. In this post we are looking at the trends which are set to continue to grow in 2017 and how you can apply them to your office.
Flexible Layouts
With more and more employees taking on varied roles within businesses, more often than not a dedicated desk and pc isn’t sufficient to undertake all the types of tasks they need to carry out. Introducing flexible working areas into an office can allow staff to move around more and choose a space which will allow them to get on with the task in hand. This could be as simple as a break out areas for informal meetings and a quick catch up with team members. It could be multifunctional and easy interchangeable office furniture allowing staff to easily configure the space to meet there needs for the short term. Soft wiring is a simple installation method which allows rewiring and extending data connection points in order to configure a space in a more semi permanent way without effecting other areas of the office. It could even be as simple as replacing your desks with sit/stand alternatives.
Integrated Technology
Workspaces and break out areas with integrated technology are on the increase in all areas of interior fit out. With wireless connectivity being integrated into more and more devices, charging points are becoming more of a necessity. with Starbank’s very own Connected Surfaces technology we are able to integrate wireless charging into most furniture pieces, from desks to coffee tables, side tables and shelves. This allows staff to utilise the flexible areas for working without being tethered to chargers.
Designing for Wellbeing
Architects and designers are recognising the importance of designing workspaces that take into consideration the wellbeing of the workers within them. Design choices are informed by how it will impact employees and ensured that it will not have any negative implications for them. This type of design process has seen a positive effect on employee’s overall health, happiness and productivity while at work, resulting in a reduction in staff turnover. These design choices cover all aspects of the interior fit out from: lighting, comfort, airflow, flexibility, working lifestyle, collaborative and private areas and indoor plant life are all questioned about their impact on staff prior to being designed and developed into the interior space.
Outdoors Indoors
Incorporating plant life into the office design is only set to increase during 2017 and beyond. introducing plants into the office is more than just dotting a few plants here and there once the office has been built and fitted out. It is making plant life an integral part of the overall design, through living walls or dividing spaces up in the office with trough like planters and plants. As workers spend on average 8 hours per day inside the office, introducing plants helps to improve air quality/ purity and therefore the overall wellbeing of staff.
