Work spaces aren’t just static spaces that are bare and devoid of personality. As work cultures across the globe evolve to meet the requirements of working in the 21st century, workspaces must evolve too.
In this new millennium, work spaces are an expression of self, for a firm, employee or even industry. Naturally it goes to follow that work place furniture and décor is no longer about practicality alone but encompasses aesthetics, form, functionality and style. As work spaces work double time to keep pace with technological progress and paradigm shifts in workplace culture, 2016 promises to be a year that will witness some interesting office furniture trends that will be practical and cost-effective.
In this new millennium, work spaces are an expression of self, for a firm, employee or even industry. Naturally it goes to follow that work place furniture and décor is no longer about practicality alone but encompasses aesthetics, form, functionality and style. As work spaces work double time to keep pace with technological progress and paradigm shifts in workplace culture, 2016 promises to be a year that will witness some interesting office furniture trends that will be practical and cost-effective.
Image source: courtofficefurniture.com
Shut out the noise
The most common complaints that employees still have is the ambient noise at a workplace. And soundproofing is going to be a buzzword in 2016. With the growing trend of open plan offices, increasingly organizations will incorporate soundproofing technologies not just in their conference rooms but also at individual workstations. Cubicle office partitions that can be adjusted will be incorporated to tackle this other than walls which will further aide soundproofing in an office space. Other than this acoustic booths will also be installed.
Layouts that encourage time away from desks
Though this trend already gained popularity last year, its presence will be further consolidated in 2016. Organizations are increasingly opening up to the concept that small intervals spent away from the desk leads to better productivity. Open furniture layouts that let peers engage with each other promote collaboration and boost better ideas.
Image source: news.health.com
Standing meetings around quirky desks
Don’t be surprised if you find your executives and clients standing rather than seated in the meeting room in 2016. A trend that is being debated but will be witnessed across organizations in 2016 is that of standing meetings. Irrespective of whether it is a client meeting or an in-house one, the conventional conference room will be given a miss. What will replace this room is a section created with an interesting office partition and a quirky desk for people to stand around and discuss strategies at length.
Image source: courtofficefurniture.com/product/modular-workstations
Health over wealth
Ergonomically designed features will still be a dominating trait of office furniture. The basic ergonomic workstation will receive an upgrade, with armrests, footrests and the works. Companies will take the initiative of providing a workspace that will boost the health of their employees. Not just workstations but recreational areas in office spaces too will be designed with ergonomic principles in mind.
Image source: idnews.co.uk
Partition parties
Even though open layouts are being embraced, individuals still need some privacy at the office. Additionally even if people are working in small groups, they will need an assigned place to themselves. Which is why partitioned spaces, cozy nooks and working corners will move to the mainstream at the workplace in 2016. Columns and pillars are construction features that had to be worked around and were considered hindrances, but not anymore. Smartly designed office partitions will be used to create collaborating zones as well as singular workstations around columns and pillars for those employees who want some much needed seclusion.
