How we work has changed considerably over the past few years. This year we expect more workers will be heading back to the office environment. However, many companies will continue to offer work from home and hybrid work arrangements post-pandemic. This blog will look at how workplace design adapts to workers changing values, preferences, and priorities.

More natural light

Office spaces are becoming brighter and more open. With more technology and less paper, offices take cues from their natural counterparts. Sunlight/natural light is recognized as an excellent way to improve worker productivity and overall happiness in the office.

Modernfold Acousti-Clear® and Pureview glass walls are an excellent option to provide acoustical separation without blocking natural light.

Collaborative spaces

Working together is key to success, so it’s no surprise that companies are shifting towards areas that encourage collaboration among team members. No longer will there be an assigned desk for each person in the office. Instead, people will have the flexibility to work as they please, where they please. Collaborative spaces are also a way to show off your company culture and values. When employees can collaborate, they are more likely to be engaged with their work, leading to better overall performance.

It’s also an efficient use of space. With a collaborative workspace, you don’t need as much space because people will get up and move around more often than if they were confined to their desks all day. In addition, you can create shared spaces that allow people from different teams or departments to interact with each other, which leads to greater collaboration and new idea generation.

Incorporating Modernfold operable walls and Skyfold vertical retractable walls into office design provides the flexibility to transform open, collaborative spaces into smaller breakout spaces when necessary.

Less focus on hierarchy

One of the most exciting interior office design trends for 2022 is less focus on hierarchy. As work environments shift from a top-down approach to a more horizontal system, employees feel more empowered and valued by their peers and leadership.

Hierarchy can be seen as an obstacle limiting creativity and productive cross-team collaboration—productivity skyrockets when teams are encouraged to work together and share ideas.

As you embark on your office design projects, we welcome the opportunity to collaborate with you to optimize space flexibility.