How hybrid work is changing the way we design office spaces
Since the covid pandemic flexible working has become the norm with a new trend of ‘hybrid’ working taking the lead. Companies are trying to make their offices more attractive to employees, and hot desking spaces have become increasingly popular. But what is this trend, and more specifically how is it impacting how we design spaces?
Hybrid working can be defined in many ways but essentially, it’s a form of flexible working where workers spend some of their time working remotely and some in the office. This has led to an increase of spaces offering hot desks, as well as employers focusing on creating calm environments that workers want to come and work at, and this has been a huge influence on workspace design trends.
Flexibility and adaptability have become extremely important with workspaces now having to accommodate both remote and in-office workers. This means incorporating layouts that can be easily reconfigured based on daily or weekly needs.
Having furniture that can be moved around easily to create different environments that accommodate employees' needs and the tasks at hand is extremely important. The Diffuse range of acoustic screens was designed with this flexibility in mind, allowing multiple configurations, depending on the changing needs of organisations.
Another key aspect of office interiors that has been influenced by remote and hybrid working is technology integration. With more employees working remotely at least some of the time, office spaces must integrate advanced technology. This includes video conferencing capabilities so that workers can be connected. It is also interesting that it isn’t just internal meetings that are more likely to happen over video calls but meetings with suppliers and customers too. This has also seen an increase in the need for smaller meeting rooms in offices rather than large conference rooms, as many participants are likely to be working remotely.
Continuing the theme of collaboration, it is interesting to note that many office spaces have a higher focus on collaboration. Rather than traditional cubicles or closed offices, there’s a trend towards creating collaboration zones. These areas are designed to facilitate teamwork and spontaneous interaction encouraging creativity and innovation.
These types of more collaborative spaces are also more flexible, as they can be used by individuals working or for team discussions. However, they can create more noise especially when spaces are larger and there is nothing to stop the sound. That’s why introducing acoustic solutions is essential.
This leads us nicely to the next point of workspaces emphasising health and wellbeing. The pandemic heightened awareness of both health in the workplace and mental health more generally.
As a result, offices now prioritise factors like good air circulation, natural light, ergonomic furniture, and spaces that support mental health and social interaction. Also creating spaces that feel calm is important with more natural themed spaces becoming common and the rise of ‘resimmercial’ design, where offices are designed to echo the soft furnishings and muted tone of home environments. Offices are now more likely to have natural colour schemes such as greens and beiges as well as more natural textures such as wood. In addition, important elements such as plants and acoustics are now seen as a necessity in an office rather than a nice to have. This is because it has been shown how much nature can impact mental health positively, as well as good acoustics showing that employees are not only happier in these environments but also more productive.
Companies are increasingly focusing on creating engaging and positive employee experiences and this involves creating spaces that are not only functional but also enjoyable to work in with areas like lounges, cafes and wellness rooms.
But it’s safe to say that since the pandemic and the push towards more hybrid working, workspace design has changed enormously with more focus on wellbeing as well as flexible spaces that can change and accommodate our new way of working.
Our range of innovative and sustainable acoustic solutions can help to create engaging and calming workspaces where people want to be.
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