As workplaces rapidly evolve to meet the changing needs of businesses and their employees post-Covid, we’d like to share with you five emerging trends that we see gaining momentum in 2024.
1. Cookiecutter is out.
Gone are the days of the typical office template. Workers want everything the office has traditionally offered (colleagues, technology, mentorship, socialization) and everything they have become used to at home (privacy, acoustic control, fresh air). Now highly personalized, every office will look and feel different based on the company’s culture, demographics, and functions.
2. The office desk is back.
After a period of remote work and the adoption of hybrid models, businesses have been reevaluating the importance of the traditional office desk as employees return to work. Employees value the personalization and sense of ownership a desk provides, and research has shown that they spend more time at assigned desks than unassigned “first-come, first-served” desks.
3. Employee well-being is a thing.
In today's workplace, individuals seek to align with organizations that demonstrate a deep commitment to employee health and well-being. This growing ethos goes beyond simply offering an on-site gym. Companies are increasingly creating environments that help people connect, reflect, refresh, and recharge – embracing a more holistic approach to overall wellness.
4. Shared spaces, shared values.
In an era where digital communication prevails, the unique value of in-person interactions becomes ever clearer. There's an irreplaceable depth to relationships formed and nurtured in shared physical environments – spaces where trust and rapport flourish. We see organizations designing versatile spaces that help cultivate more meaningful employee relationships.
5. Ever changing is the new normal.
Following the pandemic, 38% of workplaces have already undergone remodeling. The most effective workplaces are those designed with adaptability in mind, mirroring the constant updates seen in retail environments. Embracing a culture of innovation, these spaces are committed to piloting new concepts, collecting insightful data, and maintaining a perpetual state of iteration.