Due to the office’s evolution and transformation, expectations, projections, and goals are more divergent than ever. Office design will evolve to adapt to changing markets and new strategies.

Here are some office design trends that will define workplaces for companies.

One of the things you can do to move an organization forward is to pay attention to the physiological well-being of the employees. Many organizations consider the office environment a significant factor in an efficient workforce. Successful and flexible firms boost organizational performance by designing productive office spaces and maximizing space. Here we name five office design trends you can use to update your office workspace.

1. Dynamic and Flexible Design

As the workforce is becoming younger, a dynamic and flexible office interior is becoming more in demand and preferred. Such is because the new breed of workforce dislikes the traditional office setup. They want more personal spaces and to be able to work when they want and where they want it.

Indeed, dynamic and flexible workspaces with lightweight, movable, and multi-functional furniture may be the millennial-approved workspace design. Rearranging this style of workspace according to mood or taste is easy. Undoubtedly, changing things from time to time can help to clear the air and refresh perspectives. This design is also cost-effective because it requires little setup time and is not permanent. This type of design property will be helpful for any future workplace updates.

2. Modular Office Design

Although modular office design may seem dynamic and adaptable, it is determined by “interchangeability.” In addition to the apparent benefit of rearranging furniture, there are many other creative uses for it. Modular furniture consists of separate parts that can be combined and rearranged in various configurations.

Certainly, modular office layouts give workers various ways to set up their workstations, sparking their creativity.

It is a strategy to help employees stay creative, active, and highly productive. Employees can easily reimagine their workstations to optimize their time at the office. The modular design also future-proofs an office as it can help it adjust to the changing dynamics of the workplace and employees. (What is Modular Office Design? | Inspiring Workspaces by BOS, 2018)

3. Better Illuminance and Lighting

Smolders, de Kort, and Cluitmans (2012) found that a high or reasonable amount of radiance induces alertness during office hours. The same study concluded that exposure to higher illuminance could improve the employee’s subjective feelings of attention and, simultaneously, measurable performance (Smolders et al., 2012).

Lighting and illumination are not new concepts in industrial design, but the methods for improving lighting in workspaces have evolved and become much more modern. Significant trends include biophilic design, bringing nature into the office, and natural lighting from floor-to-ceiling windows. Certainly, the use of traditional lighting by combining different lights when large windows cannot be opened.

4. Monochromatic Design

Monochromatic is a style that contains or uses only one color. By definition, it does sound like the most boring design. However, monochromatic color designs can make a space look clean, crisp, and elegant. It makes a simplistic approach of stripping off the unnecessary and focusing on the core functional experience. (A minimalist and monochromatic office design – Build Australia, 2018)

Three elements can help pull off a successful monochromatic interior design: choosing the right color palette, choosing a monochromatic textile, and accenting with monochrome patterns (Lori, 2017). A black-and-white monochromatic design can transform an old workplace into a sleek and edgy one, while a blue monochromatic design can be very playful. Another method for integrating the brand into the workplace is using color and pattern. The intelligent use of color and patterns can make the workplace lively.

5. Sustainability

Office environments continue transforming from formal and impersonal workplaces to inspired and wellness-focused spaces. This trend is called sustainability. According to Eco life’s blog, sustainable design is a mindful intention to reduce negative environmental impacts through thoughtful design with energy-efficient technology, sustainably sourced materials, and other natural and greener choices.

Sustainability is not just about choosing greener options; the workplace should be used in the best way possible to avoid wasting resources, time, and space. Sustainability encourages buildings and nature to work together in a good way for the environment. As more and more businesses get better tools to work toward a greener and more sustainable future, more and more green and sustainable options are becoming available. Environmental risks have pushed big and small companies to research sustainable design and make it part of their corporate social responsibility as a promise to society. If more companies follow this trend toward green design, it could show the rest of the world how to go green.

Plan to remodel your office this year? Seek expert advice.

SDW Realty is an experienced fit-out construction company working with the country’s most prominent brands in the Philippines. Let us work together to achieve your design visions just like what we did with our other clients. To see our portfolio, click here.

Resources:
1. A minimalist and monochromatic office design – Build Australia. (2018). Build Australia. https://www.buildaustralia.com.au/gd/the-minimalist-monochromatic-design-behind-candlefoxs-hq/
2. What is Modular Office Design? | Inspiring Workspaces by BOS. (2018, December 17). Inspiring Workspaces by BOS. https://www.bos.com/inspired/what-is-modular-office-design/
3. Sterkenberg, Z. (2019, November 13). Office Futures: The Office Design Trends of 2020. Ambius.Com; Greener on the Inside. https://www.ambius.com/blog/2020-office-design-trends/