While some business owners may overlook office design, there are significant benefits that can come from a well-designed, optimized workplace. That’s why you must always be incorporating the latest innovations and trends of the modern office.
Trends and Innovations to Expect in the Modern Office
Hot-Desking
As the world becomes increasingly more wireless, the need for assigned seating and desks will not be as necessary as in previous years. That’s why a trend called “hot-desking” will soon take the corporate world by storm.
Hot-desking is the method of employees using rotating work stations and surfaces as they need them, rather than assigning permanent spots to everyone. The idea is that employees seamlessly move around the workplace, setting up in different areas as need be and interact with each other in the process.
It’s used to create flexibility and enhance collaborative efforts between your team members. Sometimes, the stagnation of sitting at the same desk all day can cause a creative block that lowers efficiency. Hot-desking keeps the workplace loose and the ideas flowing.
Going Green
In an effort to boost creativity and wellness in the workplace, you might begin to see more businesses incorporating elements of the outdoors into their office layout. This is called biophilic design, an innovative new way to connect your employees with nature.
Biophilic design usually involves adding more plants and sunlight (via skylights and windows) to the modern office. Google was an early innovator of this practice. Their experiment found that the increased presence of nature in the workplace improved employees’ energy, productivity, wellness and creativity.
Just make sure that you take the time to consider whether or not this trend reflects your business’s unique brand, culture and values. For instance, if your company isn’t a major proponent of sustainability and environmentalism, it may seem disingenuous to embrace this approach.
The ‘Internet of Things’
As technology adapts to the latest trends and innovations, we will likely see an increased emphasis on products being linked to the so-called Internet of things, the interconnection and exchange of data between the internet and web-enabled everyday objects.
Think of a thermostat that can connect with your phone. Now, imagine an entire office embracing this new technology. These devices will be able to help businesses manage their energy supply, gather data and control objects remotely.
This newfound functionality will bring your company much convenience and efficiency. You will be able to conserve your time and resources when you have devices that are working for you.
By embracing the changes and innovations that are shaping your industry, your workplace will become a shining example of the modern office.
