5 Office Design Trends to Improve Productivity

Just like fashion, office designs change all the time, especially in the past few years. In the olden days, creativity wasn’t given much thought and strict office rules mandating that employees work in their own cubicles made them uncomfortable.

But would you agree that if an employee is spending 8 hours a day, 5 days a week in this office space, they should feel not only comfortable, but motivated, energetic, and relaxed?

By simply making a few adjustments or choosing a modern office space, you may notice some changes in the atmosphere. People will want to work in a fun environment, they will bring more ideas to the table, and they will probably even be more productive.

So if you’re looking to move to an office that offers more design or to change up the current space, here are some office design trends that can make all the difference when it comes to keeping employees happy in the work place.

1. Flexible Spaces

The key to having a flexible space is that it doesn’t restrict furniture from being moved. It allows desks to be adjusted, meeting areas to be easily accessible, and still offer space for employees and customers to move around. Simply working in a different space can make a big difference in productivity and creativity. This can be accomplished by having an open layout or by having movable walls so that the room can be changed into whatever shape is needed at the moment.

For example, if employees need to concentrate on a particular task or their work requires them to have their sound on, they can easily relocate to a meeting room so they won’t interrupt others. Allowing them to work in different spaces can also give them some stimulation while motivating them to become more efficient.

2. Collaborative Furniture

More companies are now realizing that having furniture in collaborative working spaces is important – and a growing trend in the workspace today. As meetings and shared spaces are a vital part of doing business, having furniture that supports these tasks will not only add to the modern design trend but increase productivity.

It’s easy to find collaborative furniture – being that it’s in. There are also various types, including acoustic pods where small meetings can be held conveniently, large meeting desks with outlets so nobody will have to worry about going in with a full battery beforehand, and freestanding media units that allow employees to project their work on a screen, adjustable tables, task lighting, and a lot more.

3. Technology Innovation

If companies haven’t taken advantage of integrating technology into their strategies and daily tasks, they’re falling behind. But why not make it convenient for everyone by mounting a TV to a wall in the meeting room or setting up screen projectors? Keep in mind that technology is constantly being updated, so it’s important to have the right equipment needed in order to work efficiently.

One growing trend for many companies is the use of laptops instead of desktops, so employees can work remotely. Now that work can be taken with them, it’s important for office spaces to be adjusted as well. There should be power around the office that is easily accessible, video conferencing equipment, presentation screens, data ports, smartboards, wireless charging stations, and open seating that allows employees to easily move around without feeling like they’re invading others’ spaces.

Bluetooth technology is becoming increasingly popular in offices due to its convenience and ease of use. With Bluetooth technology, employees can use their mobile devices seamlessly while they're working at their desk or throughout the office without having to worry about cables getting tangled or having limited range between devices like they would if they were connected via USB cables or Wi-Fi network signals. This type of wireless connectivity helps eliminate clutter that can often occur when there are too many cables lying around.

Install acoustic panels on walls where employees spend most of their time (e.g., conference rooms or workstations). Acoustic panels can help reduce noise distractions by absorbing sound waves instead of reflecting them back into an open space. This will help decrease distractions for workers who are trying to concentrate on specific tasks at hand.

4. Natural Designs

Known as a biophilic design, this growing natural design trend focuses on a stress-free environment. Biophilic design is a type of interior design that incorporates natural elements into the built environment. It can be used to reduce stress and improve health, productivity, and well-being. Hence it’s popularity, more and more office designers are integrating this design into their presentations and recommendations for clients.

Popular characteristics of this new trend include large windows that allow natural light to shine in, large, potted plants, organic color, and materials and patterns with natural colors like brown and green. Use plants and water features to bring nature indoors. Plants can reduce stress and improve concentration. They also add color and texture to your office space. Studies have actually shown that this has helped employees to feel more relaxed, focused, and energetic.

Bringing in natural light through windows or skylights can help increase productivity by reducing stress and improving moods. Natural light also helps reduce eye strain from staring at computer screens all day long. This type of lighting is best when it comes from above, since it allows people to see better while they’re working on tasks that require fine motor skills like writing or typing. If you aren’t able to add windows or skylights to your office space, consider adding large mirrors to reflect light into other areas of the room where there may not be enough natural light coming through windows or skylights alone.

5. Comfortable Work Spaces

If employees are not comfortable in their working space, it’s not likely that they will want to come to work. In other words, if they sit in cheap desk chairs or are confined to cubicles all day, they won’t be nearly as successful as they would be if a little more investment was made towards the workspace. When taking the time and energy to create a modern looking, comfortable space for employees, you may notice higher employee satisfaction, lower turnaround rates, and higher productivity.

Some aspects of comfortable working spaces include open seating areas, such as couches where employees can work on their laptops. Some companies are even in ping pong tables, video games, and areas where employees can take power naps to stay energetic.

One of the easiest ways to improve the comfort level of your employees is by providing ergonomic chairs. Ergonomic chairs have been designed specifically with comfort in mind and provide support for both back and neck. This can help prevent muscle discomfort and injury while at work. Ergonomic chairs also include features such as arm support and adjustable backrests, which can help keep an employee’s head at eye level while working at a desk or computer station.

Carpeting and flooring can also help improve employee comfort levels. Carpeting provides extra cushion for those who may be standing for long periods of time during their work day. For example, carpeting could be installed under desks where employees are standing most often or have been standing for prolonged periods of time throughout the day (e.g., retail sales associates). Carpeting can also be installed in break rooms or other areas where employees may spend a lot of time on their feet.

Moving to a New Office?

Whether you’re looking to move for business reasons or simply want a new, innovative working environment, you will want to work with a professional moving company that can handle the process for you. Especially with new furniture or fragile belongings, it’s important that they arrive to your new space in the same condition as before they left. So it’s important to find movers that are experienced, trained, and licensed so you can focus on the benefits of your new office space.

The professionals at Chicago Office Movers not only have over 35 years of experience in the commercial moving industry, but are fully equipped to plan, organize, pack, relocate, and install all of your furniture and equipment at your new location. We ensure to handle all parts of the moving process so you and your employees can stay focused on work with little interruption.

If you are undergoing any office renovations, Chicago Office Movers will proudly relocate and store your furniture during the remodeling process. This will allow you to get that modern office look and not have to worry about your furniture in the process.

Free Estimate

For more information or a free estimate on our office moving services, contact Chicago Office Movers at 312-244-2246 or fill out a contact form. We look forward to working with you soon!