Office Design Trends for 2020

Employee experience:

The next generation of workers look further than job stability. They value spaces and companies that have a shared purpose and meaning. Millennials care about the big issues. In a recent global study, nearly one third of millennials placed the environment as their top concern. With a similar portion believing that business’ should try to improve society.

They appreciate environments that contribute to their values and add to their quality of work through design.

AI in the workplace:

AI will continue to increasingly collaborate with the workforce. Improving operational efficiency, making faster, more informed decisions and innovating new products and services.  How we plan and design space in response will have to factor in the different speeds and working behaviours that technology will impact.  Plus plan for how human skill sets may change as AI evolves.

Feeling at home at work:

Spaces need to make employees feel comfortable, valued and able to be themselves. Working spaces need to promote a strong sense of culture and openness. This includes flexible and adaptive spaces that respond to employees’ needs.

As the lines of work and life continue to blur, we will continue to see the erosion of distinct workplace interior styles.

Designing for mental health:

The next progression of the ‘wellness’ movement. Part of achieving enriching workplace environments is creating well rounded spaces so that employees can harness their full potential. The realisation that design can deliver sustainable value to one’s physical well-being is now starting to overturn into mental well-being. This has unleashed a proliferation of mental health themed research, including recommendations, design guidelines and recognition for innovation in this space.

Materials and colour:

Colours and textures will turn more natural and organic in the workplace. As we continually look to nature to inspire innovation. As in nature where everything serves a purpose, we expect to see a shift towards function over aesthetics and the selection of materials and colour that serve a purpose in creating enriching workplace experiences.

Chat to us today about how we can help you develop your workspace agenda towards positive change.