Hybrid working has created a shift towards increased use of smart technology within the workplace. From booking of co-working spaces to sensors for air quality monitoring, natural light levels, and space utilisation, this is just the start for embracing increased adoption of smart technology.
Artwork for the office space
Wall art or graphics communicates the brand to staff and visitors. Artwork has been proven to be more than merely decorative. It can help to boost productivity in many cases and inspire creativity.
Office design has evolved to a point where the primary focus is now on creating a space where staff are comfortable, where they enjoy working and ultimately, where they can be most productive. These factors allied to an emphasis on employee wellbeing have resulted in artwork becoming commonplace in many UK offices and a key consideration for all office designers.
Hybrid working and the physical office
Traditional workplaces are designed to accommodate most staff being present at any given time. However, we have all witness how the pandemic has accelerated the remote working trend, with most employers now embracing hybrid work as the norm. If you want to attract the top talent, they now expects this flexibility while it also offers companies the opportunity to downsize large floor space to accommodate smaller capacities.
So how does this impact the office design? It has led to a growing emphasis on designing a workplace that acts as a social anchor, a space where human interaction is encouraged through smart design and layout.
A variety of work settings in the office
The office workplace has adapted to include spaces designed to facilitate concentration, collaboration, mindfulness, and wellbeing as core themes. Whether you are looking to move to a new space or an office refurbishment, the focus has shifted to ensuring the workplace works for those working in it.
The desk can be a space where individuals can concentrate but at times, it is useful to move away from the everyday settings when working on intensive projects. A popular alternative is to create dedicated concentration spaces with no noise, no distraction, and no mobile phone usage.
Collaboration has seen a huge spike in interest. Many workspaces have moved away from traditional meeting rooms and incorporated dedicated collaboration spaces or hubs which are less traditionally furnished and more geared towards interaction with smart technology.
Sustainability in the office space
Depending on your fit out budget, there are all sorts of ways you can influence environmental performance, from added insulation to the inside of external walls, to designing the office layout to maximise solar gain and reduce dependency on artificial lighting. Using natural ventilation rather than expensive, energy consuming air conditioning will help contribute to a more sustainable building. Even having adequate bicycle storage plays its part in supporting a green travel policy that cuts fuel emissions and costs.
Design can have a positive impact on sustainability with the use of upcycled furniture, materials with high recycled content and a focus on optimising natural light to reduce energy usage.
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