The onset of COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed the way we live and work. Our homes became our offices practically overnight, and we were expected to adapt to the newfound situation quite quickly. This only highlighted the importance of agility and readiness to embrace the new and the unknown and do so successfully.
And it’s not only
the employees that had to respond to unforeseen circumstances. The pandemic has
also changed the way companies approach workplace design, which had to be
adapted to fit the needs of its employees. In this article, we’ll be taking a
look at five emerging trends in flexible workplace design that businesses
should use as pointers if they want to maintain a competitive edge in a
post-COVID world.
Biophilic
Design
In 2020, we saw
the emergence of natural materials and elements and their use in interiors in
an aim to simulate nature. This trend was also applied in corporate settings as
an increasing number of companies showed interest in reaping the health
benefits that come with the adoption of biophilic design.
Biophilic design,
in essence, relies on the use of natural elements that mimic natural, outdoor
environments in order to connect people to their surroundings and improve their
health and well-being, either by adding plants, maximizing natural lighting, or
by including other elements reminiscent of nature. Given how maintaining a healthy working environment has
become a top priority for modern businesses, we can expect more workplaces to
begin incorporating this trend in a post-COVID world.
User-Centered Design
Another major trend we’ll be seeing more of in the post-pandemic world is the implementation
of user-centered design. In an aim to create an environment that will stimulate
employees and increase productivity, companies are
conforming different areas of the building to their workers’ needs. The way
this is done is through division of buildings into zones that serve different
purposes.
For instance, many
companies are now introducing spaces designed exclusively for a meeting,
relaxing, working solo, or collaborating with other employees. Not only does
such an approach to office design allow companies to use the available space to
its fullest potential, but it’s also very practical. Unlike the traditional
approach where each worker is assigned a particular space to work in, user-centered
design allows employees to choose the place that’s in line with their
particular work needs. They are also able to modify their workspace with the
help of movable partitions, desks, and freestanding office screens, as well as
mobile folding room dividers.
Modular Building Approach
It’s true that
traditional office buildings have their set of advantages. However, in a
rapidly evolving business landscape, the need for the workforce to evolve and
expand sans constraints is growing. Office designs nowadays are expected to
adapt to these changes and allow for exponential growth and mobility. That’s
something traditional buildings just can’t do.
One
way builders are accommodating this demand for flexible workplace design is by
adopting the modular
building approach and leveraging it. Other than being an excellent
way to reduce costs and completion time, the modular building makes it easy for
companies to accommodate new changes in times when they are experiencing fast-paced
growth. On the plus side, modular buildings can also be transported, meaning
that if businesses need to relocate, they can easily do so.
Open-Plan Workspaces
Another emerging
trend that indicates a shift from traditional workspaces, open-plan workspaces
are taking the corporate world by storm due to the flexibility, productivity,
and networking opportunities they provide. Enclosed offices and cubicles are
being swapped for open concept offices with an aim to create more
creative, engaging, and collaborative work environments.
Because of their
relaxed atmosphere and an open environment that promotes and encourages
employee interaction and collaboration, open-plan layouts are particularly
popular in buildings with co-working spaces. They are also quite practical for
companies that often hold large meetings that call for large spaces while also
allowing them to accommodate remote workers when they’re working from the office.
Sustainable Design
The fifth major trend we’ll be seeing in the post-pandemic world is the focus on sustainable design. Sustainable buildings are seen as a
way to reduce business’ environmental footprint while simultaneously boosting
employee well-being. Because sustainable design makes use of energy-efficient
devices (lighting, heating, cooling, etc.), companies who make it a part of
their construction projects are able to cut operating costs significantly.
Sustainable buildings also require fewer repairs and come with lower maintenance expenses, which brings some serious
financial benefits to companies.
By adopting
sustainable practices and making their workplace design more sustainable,
businesses can ensure growth without compromising the world around them, which
could prove to be quite helpful when it comes to attracting top talent and retaining it.
Wrapping Up
Business practices along with workplace design are constantly changing and evolving. What was considered a practical solution back in the day is now being replaced with modern and more effective methods. The sooner companies incorporate these new methods and solutions, the more likely they are to ensure an inspiring work environment and happier, more productive employees.
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