2022 Workplace Design Trends

The pandemic has changed the way we live and work and workplace design trends are moving at a pace faster than we’ve ever seen before. As we’ve journeyed through waves of COVID-19, government guidelines have differed across the globe and continue changing at different paces. However, one thing has remained the same worldwide; the workforce of today have been forced to adapt quickly to continuously changing rules.

With employees having so much leverage in the job market, businesses have much to gain and lose. Now more than ever we must understand how teams’ want to work. Employees expect new and more relevant workspaces as they begin the return to work. Therefore companies should focus on designing their workplaces to become perks in themselves, environments your team enjoy visiting and working in.

Our top 6 workplace design trends for the year ahead…

So how do we move the workplace forward in 2022? Through the pandemic we have been listening to what businesses want, analysing what companies are prioritising and how they envision their workplace post-pandemic. So here’s what we predict for workplace design in 2022.

1. The great wait

Some employees are experiencing feelings of anxiety about this transitional period, also known as ‘The Great Wait’, where businesses are beginning to map out their return to work. A wave of employee resignations has forced employers to act cautiously to avoid this happening again. Therefore, creating a workplace that your team loves may gain a better following than you once imagined.

As workplace specialists we are often asked about how employers can influence the return to work. As believers in the power of the workplace, we urge companies to design their offices to become a perk for your team. So designing your office smartly and making it a great space will ultimately encourage your workers back.

2. Activity based working

The pandemic has made us all appreciate the office for its’ ability to foster collaboration and many businesses thrive upon collaboration, brainstorming and conversation. An activity based working style office allows greater collaboration amongst teams when and how they require it.

It requires transitioning your office layout from individually assigned workstations, to a variety of spaces for specific activities. Not only does this allow teams to collaborate more effectively, it creates room for more amenities like cafés and recreational rooms to further embed connectivity amongst your team. Bringing your team back together will not only benefit your employees but also the success and progression of your business.

3. Workplace IT tools

Workplace agility is synonymous with digital capability. To implement more collaborative work practices strong technology that enables seamless connectivity will allow staff to remain truly connected, even whilst on the move.

In some cases, hybrid working will continue and this means video calls will remain a part of our working days. Platforms like Zoom, Teams and Slack need to be accommodated for in the office so those working in the office can communicate with remote workers. Supporting this technology through workplace design means your office is up to date with modern working means and will make working tasks more efficient for your employees.

4. Workplace design flexibility

Designing a modular workplace means it can be physically reconfigured when needed. Therefore this means being able to adapt based on activity-based working.

Some examples include break out areas that can be transformed into event spaces, individual desks that can be put together to create collaborative tables or meeting rooms that can be turned into private offices when needed.

Often working days involve a variety of tasks. So it is key that space managers and users are able to easily reconfigure the physical workplace.

5. Sustainability in workplace design

Sustainability is now at the forefront of many businesses’ decision making but it’s so much more than just a trend. The importance of the environment for businesses is growing and there has been a large movement towards greener living in recent years.

At AIS we put the environment at the forefront at all our workplace design and build decisions and processes.

6 Wellbeing workplace facilities

The pandemic has accelerated the focus on well-being and mental health in the workplace. An organisation that takes this into consideration is now much more attractive to new talent. Parent rooms, gardens, meditation rooms are just a few of the trends we’ve seen emerging. Incorporating these facilities into your space make your workplace a destination that your team want to spend time in. 

We can’t wait to see what 2022 has in store for the workplace. With more choice in how we work and talent retention and acquisition being priorities to business owners the workplace really will become a destination that employees love to work in. Ready to transform your workplace for a brighter future? Get in touch today.