Share this: Like this:
Are you ready for the future of office design in 2013?
- How will your workplace respond to the latest trends in the global economy?
- Is your office equipped to withstand the changes in technology at the speed of light?
- Do you have a green superhero who is reviewing sustainable practices in your office?
Trend 1: Technology continues to break down barriers of the traditional workplace, allowing for more open floor plans, flexible work schedules and spaces, shared office arrangements etc. Look to see even more flexible spaces with within the world of work. There will be an increase in more touch down spaces and hoteling – places where employees plug in their laptops for the day. Cloud computing reduces the need for so much storage and filing cabinets.
Trend 2: Globalization is changing the way we view everything. The world is getting even smaller. As more Baby Boomers retire, our work force balance will include more people from different parts of the world. They bring to our offices varying political, societal, cultural and religious viewpoints. If we honor these employees and their traditions, we have the opportunity to access a much wider pool of talent. And they will have a different way of looking at work that can enhance your company. They also provide an entree into new people who expand your client base. It is commonalities that attract us to one another.
Trend 3: Sustainability is an important value to Gen X and Gen Y. Expect that your future employee will expect you to honor the earth by using reusable or local materials, adding natural elements and reducing energy needs and waste.
Another aspect of this trend is reconstruction. Instead of building a new office location for the ground up, offices are redesigning and updating their existing spaces. While they may not go for a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Development (LEED) rating, many are going Energy Star, which takes a look at reductions in energy usage. The costs of reconstruction can be less prohibitive and the decrease in energy usage results in a reduction in long term expenditures.
_________
Why is all of this important to you?
Your office design needs to reflect the shifting expectations and needs of your employees. When you incorporate great design into your workplace, you will:
- retain and attract the best talent
- experience an increase in overall productivity
- increase your bottom line.
I am passionate about bringing my client’s brand to bear through the design of their space. Not only do we improve employees’ productivity and the functionality of your space but we ensure that your clients experience your company’s brand through your office environment.
To set up your complimentary consultation call for your new office, please contact us at info@averydesigninteriors.com.
Love to hear from you in the comments - which business trends do you see that are affecting the way you work?
Share this:
Like this:
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Great post. I like the 3rd picture with the tree in it. Wondering if I get that one in my house. LOL Let me know if anyone does!
I am not a fan of the open floor plan office spaces trend. It makes it challenging for people to be productive. But I love the idea of incorporating green practices and sustainability into new office spaces.
You are so right! With the right atmosphere, employees are naturally more productive! I know myself, in the Spring when I can sit on my back deck and work on my computer, the bright sky above me and the quiet sounds of nature… I get soooo much done, and enjoy being there!
I once worked at a company based in a beautiful old brownstone. The top floor was a lounge/lunch area with a communal table, couches and lots of natural light. It really made us feel like our boss cared about our well-being, not just our ability to crank out work, and that had a big impact on everyone. Great piece to encourage people to consider the environments in which their employees spend such an enormous part of every day.
Beautiful places boost creativity. Unfortunately for business owners, there has to be an ongoing innovation as human nature gets bored way too easily…
Ooo, Catherine, these three trends are juicy for office space design. And I agree about design’s importance in attracting talent. In my last corporate job, the thing that I loved most was my beautiful, high ceiling office. It had a measurable affect on my productivity level.
I’ve got to agree with Janine, too. I’m not a fan of the open office spaces. They’re way too distracting for this nosey parker!
Offices have different designs now depending on what suits the business. I don’t know how the open floor plan works for employees but who am I to criticize it.