The Top 5 Office Design Trends for 2016
As 2016 has progressed, office design has become more and more about comfort, adaptability and inspiration. Instead of boring cubicles and monochromatic workspaces, employers are rolling out new designs that they hope will keep employees happy and boost overall company success. Here are five of the biggest trends that are taking the office design world by storm this year.
- Shared Workspaces
The days of solitary cubicles and closed office doors are gone. The solo workspace is being replaced in many offices by shared workspaces where employees sit close to one another throughout the work day. These spaces help to eliminate the isolation that many individuals feel in their cubicles or offices. Work becomes inherently social, which means that employees can stay connected to one another and be more productive too.
Whether it’s a long bench or an oval table, a shared workspace allows employees to interact face to face. Experts believe that shared workspaces help to
- increase collaboration,
- cut down on redundancy,
- streamline processes and
- help eliminate distractions.
- Multipurpose Spaces
It’s normal for office spaces to be divided according to use. However, that long-term trend is on its way out as 2016 progresses. Multipurpose spaces that can be used for a variety of reasons are growing increasingly popular.
Instead of dedicated conference rooms, more businesses are moving towards combo spaces that can be used for team projects, presentations, board meetings and job interviews. Creating multipurpose spaces that are open and airy helps guests feel comfortable and lets employees do their best work too.
- Natural Accents
Bringing the outside into their office spaces has become a top priority for many business leaders. Invoking nature in the workspace is believed to help relax employees and improve productivity. Of course, natural touches also makes offices more inviting for clients and visitors.
An array of natural accents have become popular including
- living walls,
- reclaimed wood features,
- bare concrete and stone floors,
- plants inside the workplace and
- an emphasis on natural lighting.
- Comfortable Work and Lounging Spaces
Wireless technologies have changed the way people live. Now, they’re changing the way people work too. Because technology is so portable, workers are no longer tethered to their desks. They can get their jobs done from practically anywhere.
That’s why many offices have begun incorporating dedicated lounging spaces where employees can work together. These relaxing spaces are especially promising for businesses that need to promote creativity and team building.
- Clean and Tidy Surfaces
There’s no doubt that having a clean office has always been on trend. This year, though, things are going one step further with a banishment of wires, cables, cell phones and clutter. Offices are finding new ways to hide wiring and keep workspaces looking beautiful.
More than just improve aesthetics, keeping things clean helps improve productivity too. Employers can now find combo concealing and charging stations to keep desks clean. Cleaning up wire clutter in boardrooms and conference rooms has also become a must.
The most popular office design trends this year embody the ideals of comfort and creativity. Many adults spend most of their lives at work. Making that time both productive and enjoyable is one of the chief aims of office design today. After all, happy employees mean a stronger bottom line.
