A new decade is upon us and is likely to bring with it plenty of change. In the context of the workplace there are many different influences that could have an impact on what our offices look like – and how they function – in 2020 and beyond. These 5 key office trends are likely to make an impact this year.
1. Sustainability and CSR
88% of consumers want brands to help them live sustainably. Unsurprisingly, this need is one that is increasingly being reflected in the employer-employee relationship as well as that between customer and brand. Adopting more sustainable working practices is becoming crucial for businesses looking to attract, and retain, the best talent. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is likely to move from a nice to have to an essential in 2020, affecting everything from the coffee you choose to supply for staff to the workplace policies you implement.
2. Smart buildings
The arrival of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the workplace in 2020 will have a lot of advantages for both employers and staff. Sensors and microchips collect data that can be used to improve building efficiency and comfort, optimise space and energy use and increase functionality. This technology can be used to make positive changes to staff wellbeing and performance as well as to improving building productivity.
3. More tech integration
Alongside the technology that can be used to make office buildings smart we are likely to see much more adoption of tech-driven solutions from 2020 onward. From automation through to voice activated machines and software solutions, the workplace is already moving on from reliance on basic technology set ups that revolved around a simple printer, network and computer. Offices today are heavily dependent on technology and that isn’t likely to change any time soon.
4. A focus on employee wellbeing
Research is increasingly revealing the impact that employee wellbeing can have on bottom line results. A happy and engaged workforce is more likely to be productive, innovative and creative – all of which are essential in increasingly competitive business environments. As a result, people-centric office design is becoming much more of a priority, creating positive healthy environments in which the emphasis is not just task driven. Mental health is also rising to the top of the agenda, not just in terms of the way that employees are handled but the environments that they occupy too.
5. Moving away from conventional office space
The rise in popularity of co-working has triggered a re-think of the way that offices are set up today. Environments that encourage greater collaboration are already becoming more popular and are likely to dominate office design trends into 2020. Co-working design and facilities will provide a lot of the inspiration for this, as will the focus on providing an environment and amenities that deliver a positive human experience.
2020 is going to be the start of many new things and these key office trends indicate the direction in which the workplace is headed at the start of the new decade.
