The events of recent months have paved the way for a new approach to office design. With many workplaces having to quickly pivot and provide home office solutions for staff during lockdown, many will be left asking, what will the new normal look like?
From an office design perspective, the new normal may give rise to a more innovative approach for how companies can mix space, surfaces and technology to create safe and flexible working hubs for team members.
Here are some office design trends that we predict will prove popular in a post-Covid world.
Glass Partitions
The cubicle may not be dead after all! Floor to ceiling glass was already proving popular in modern design, but we predict glass will prove even more important in providing safe staff hubs while ensuring staff still feel involved in the wider office landscape.
Glass partitions are a great way to enforce social distancing and safely divide up the space. They provide the extra benefit of natural light, while at the same time creating a private hub that can increase workplace productivity.
Sanitising Stations
If it’s not obvious by now, workplace wellness is key in office design! Additional cleaning and sanitisation resources will need to be implemented to ensure employees are able to practice good hygiene and stay on top of their health. We recommend placing hand sanitising stations in prominent places around the office.
Spatial Considerations
A need for more space around workstations and within boardrooms will drive office design that maximises the existing footprint and fosters innovative solutions for storage, access and equipment. Clever furniture design and placement will also be key for creating more workable spaces.
Embracing Technology
Be prepared to embrace technology to create a more hands-free and connected workspace. As a mixture of employees work from home and the office, virtual collaboration is crucial. From smart white boards to video screens, digital collaboration tools allow for employees to safely focus on their work.
Additionally, touchless technology can play a huge role in ensuring employees feel secure and comfortable about their return to the office. From touchless soap dispensers to automatic doors, smart lighting and contactless sign-in, it’s time to reduce the number of touchpoints in your office in a bid to create a safe workplace environment.
Photography credit: Ryan Linnegar Photography
Renovation Rather Than Relocation
With many businesses facing the uncertainty of the current economic climate, we predict plans for large scale expansions and relocations will be pared back with companies investing in smart renovations and layout revisions rather than upscaled relocations.
Want to know how innovative design can help your business navigate a post-Covid future?
Our team of Brisbane office designers can guide you through your next office renovation or fitout. Click here to book a free commercial interior design consultation with us.