Workplace Design Trends: Keep It Green, Modern and Inspiring

Chloe Taylor - Contributing Writer

Posted on Saturday 12th January 2019
Chloe Taylor

office design

Of course, your staff is the most important thing about your business—they are the ones who keep the operation going and who are the body and soul of your business. Even though a paycheck is the best motivator, money isn’t everything. Your employees need to work in a space that’s inspiring, practical, comfortable, modern and green in order to stay in top shape. So, if you think your workspace isn’t exactly a treat for the eyes and friendly to the environment, here are a few office design trends that will transform your space and wow both your employees and your clients.

Open space concept

Today, most modern workspaces replaced the traditional office with an open floor layout. Startups, co-working spaces and private spaces all want to encourage communication, collaboration between colleagues and teams and achieve that sense of togetherness among workers. The open layout does exactly that: it creates an enjoyable space that produces amazing ideas and creative solutions. However, make sure to plan for privacy. Some opportunities for privacy are crucial for productivity, so introduce mobile dividers, screens and glass panels that will create privacy but not disturb the open atmosphere.

Collaborative furniture

Collaborative furniture is a modern office design trend that’s catching on super fast. Since employee collaboration is the goal of every company, your furniture should be the key to that success that will encourage and promote teamwork. Think freestanding media units where workers can gather and discuss ideas in a practical way. There are also small acoustic pods for quick and uninterrupted meetings and large desks with ports, outlets and integrated screens for easy idea sharing and collaboration.

Corporate personality

workplace coworkers

All companies have a story to tell, so making sure your design tells that story in the best way possible is one of the fastest growing trends. For instance, offices in Asia and especially China put huge amounts of money in branding that will not only stick with customers and clients, but also inspire employees and make them feel like a part of a successful family. Luckily, you don’t have to spend half of your funds on branding. There are amazing agencies that specialize in interior design from Hong Kong that will create a complete corporate persona for your business and express your brand across your space in an aesthetically pleasing way (and do all of that while being very cost-effective). Strong branding is a vital element of long-term success, so make sure to paint your corporate personality picture the best you can.

Integrated technology

Technology entered the workplace and it’s not going anywhere. So, in order to have an office that’s modern and practical, you need to keep up with technological advancements. They help your employees work smarter, faster and more efficiently. Desktops are being replaced with laptops that provide more freedom, video conferencing tech is a must as well as various wireless charging stations, smartboards and data ports. Smart working is one of the trends with the brightest future.

Biophilia

One of the most popular design trends right now is biophilic design. This philosophy states that people need to be connected to nature, so they try to weave in the natural elements into manmade spaces that trigger relaxation and wellbeing. For instance, living walls are one of the best additions to any interior. They look beautiful, but also replenish the space with oxygen and fill it with pleasant pops of greenery. If that seems like too much work for you (green walls do need some planning and attention), potted indoor plants are another great way to bring nature to your workspace. You can also treat your employees to personal terrariums for their desks or create a little pond in the common area for an overall relaxing effect.  

Sustainability

eco-friendly office

There are more ways your office can be green beside the obvious visual cues. You can also boost sustainability in your space and do a great thing for your employees, your reputation and most of all, your planet. According to a 2016 research, 88% of millennials find their job more fulfilling when they can make a positive social and environmental impact, so make sure to give them a chance. There are easy and practical ways you can bring eco-friendliness to your office: recycling stations, high-quality furniture, energy-efficient electronics and many more. All of these additions to your office design will help the environment and save you money in the long run, but also attract a young and eco-conscious workforce that might be a great addition to your business.

All of these office design trends will not only make your workspace look more attractive, but also attract and retain valuable employees and clients who want to work with a conscious and modern company.

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