Office design has come a long way over recent years. Changes to the world of work, including the rise of hybrid or remote working, have led to a need for a different type of office space. Gone are the days of sterile cubicles and fluorescent lighting. Today’s office environments are designed with a focus on flexibility, collaboration, and the holistic wellness of the workforce.
As organisations recognise that their most valuable assets are the people who drive their success, they are reimagining office spaces to foster creativity, productivity, and a sense of belonging. Employees are looking for more than just a place to work: they’re also in need of somewhere they can feel productive and welcome in.
Whether you’re an office manager, business leader or commercial property owner, these are some of the features that you need to know about and add to your office space to meet the needs of the modern worker.
Inclusive Areas
Rising multicultural workforces and a focus on promoting inclusion and wellness, mean that businesses need to incorporate spaces to help everyone feel comfortable at the office. That might include prayer spaces, accessible bathrooms, nursing rooms for working mothers or meditation spaces. Adding these spaces might require a full office refurbishment, so consider working with the team at Amos Beech. They can help you to transform your outdated office into an inclusive and welcoming modern office.
Breakout Rooms
Today’s employees expect separate spaces to work and collaborate with their colleagues, so you should try to incorporate comfortable lounge areas with ergonomic seating for workers to have productive, collaborative and informal work sessions. These meetings, often known as breakout sessions or collabs, require a space that is communal but not a stuffy meeting room, so creating this kind of option for your workers can help you to improve the internal culture and make collaboration easier.
Standing Desks Or Active Workstations
Some office workers spend as much as 75% of their working hours sitting down, which can be disastrous for their health. The majority of modern workers are aware of this and eager to do exercise while at their desks. To facilitate this, you could provide adjustable standing desks to encourage your employees to vary their posture throughout the day. Also, you could consider offering under-desk treadmills or cycling desks that allow employees to work while walking or pedalling.
Outdoor Spaces
Being cooped up in an office all day can be hard for anyone’s mental wellbeing and general health, so offering outdoor areas such as rooftop gardens, patios, or outdoor seating areas for employees to enjoy fresh air and nature during breaks. Also, you could consider offering walking paths or green spaces for short walks or outdoor meetings. Offering outdoor areas is particularly valuable for offices that let staff bring dogs into the office, as they will need somewhere to go to the bathroom.
Wrapping Up
Ultimately, the specific needs of your office may vary depending on your industry, company culture, and the preferences of your employees. Regularly assessing and adapting your office space to meet these needs is crucial for maintaining a productive and comfortable work environment. This guide should help you to make the most of the space you have currently and find inspiration for ways to modernise the design of your workplace.
