The Corona Virus Pandemic has changed a lot of things, including how people work and the office environment. Offices had to adapt to the different needs and requirements brought about by productivity and technological demands. Here are seven office space trends to follow in 2023.
1. Design
The design of office spaces has seen some dramatic changes, some of which are necessary to accommodate various needs and behavioral changes. Open-plan offices with plenty of airy rooms and natural touch are now more common, primarily due to the need for social distancing. Open spaces are more ventilated and aim to improve the office’s safety, functionality, and aesthetics.
Another design trend for office space is flexible workspaces that increase the workers’ mobility. Hybrid working allows workers to work part-time at home and part-time at the office. It creates more flexibility and helps save a lot of money for both the company and the employees.
2. Color and Pattern
Companies are considering office color as it can affect the mood and behavior of employees. Different colors can invoke various emotions and feelings in the office, such as tranquility, trust, chaos, or hunger. A pattern enhances the effect the color has on the employees and emphasizes the emotions it evokes.
Green and green tones are some of the top colors for 2023 as they help create a relaxing ambiance. It also helps keep employees motivated and increases productivity by reducing stress levels. Blue also creates a calm and safe environment to help employees concentrate.
Neutral colors continue to appear in most offices as they help boost moods and increase productivity. The trending color palette includes light colors such as white with mixtures of grey-brown khakis and beige. Bold colors are also trending in 2023 as they create a warm interior space and make people feel good. Colors like shades of pink and red can improve moods and enhance attention.
3. Sustainability
Most businesses are prioritizing sustainability in their office spaces in a move aimed at reducing the environmental impact. Using sustainable materials in office spaces also improves the company’s image and attracts more talent. Sustainable office designs focus on saving energy and natural resources by using eco-friendly and non-toxic materials. They also help improve the well-being of employees.
Sustainability measures include using energy-efficient windows and HVAC units, increasing insulation, and reducing CO2 emissions. Other measures include LED lighting, recycling materials, and using natural light to save energy.
4. Privacy
Offices require a bit of privacy where employees can conduct private meetings or do some personal work. Privacy can be achieved even in an open floor plan by using sliding doors, a frosted pane of glass, or meeting pods. This creates flexibility in the office where employees can interact and work together in the open spaces and still have private areas where they can work with minimal destruction.
5. Comfort
Increasing comfort in office spaces is trending in a big way, especially after the pandemic, and most people were used to working from home. Offices are also introducing modern office furniture with rounder shapes, plush carpets, and artworks. These features help employees feel more at home and increase their productivity.
6. Health
Companies are also introducing outdoor spaces with rooftop gardens, courtyards, and pools to improve the comfort of employees. Increasing the comfort of workers also improves their mental well-being and overall health. Comfortable seats can reduce lower back issues, which goes a long way to attracting more employees and retaining them.
Companies are dedicating non-working spaces for workers where they can socialize and unwind to improve their mental health. This includes gyms, meditation rooms, and game rooms that increase the employee’s morale and encourage them to come in every day.
7. Technology
Smart offices are also on the rise as they help the company properly manage time and effectively utilize the available office space. Tech features also enhance security at the office and create a seamless work environment. Trending innovative office trends include automation, cyber security, 5G and video conferencing, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Your office space and design reinforce your brand and form part of your reputation. It can also impact employee productivity and the success of the company. Most of these trends are expected to be widely adopted in the next decade.
