Today, the office holds a different meaning to just a decade ago. With the onset of the pandemic adding to an already trend in digitalisation, hybrid work models are becoming a reality – whether management likes it or not. In fact, for those looking to lure back their workers, office furniture might hold the key.
By creating an attractive and trendy workplace, employees will be naturally drawn to return. Even better if it solves many of the pain points of working at home, such as noise, discomfort and access to facilities.
Take a look at the top 10 office trends in 2023 which will help create a work haven that supports both employee satisfaction and productivity.
1. Ergonomics is everything
Granting exceptional comfort with its thoughtful design, ergonomics at the workplace is one of the most compelling reasons for people to enjoy working in the space. Often a luxury to have at home because of their price points, providing ergonomic pieces at the office makes more sense because they get more mileage from their lifespan. Ultimately, they return value by making your workforce more productive, by reducing strains, making them feel more alert, and lessening errors.
Herman Miller chairs are a popular example of ergonomic furniture, and have made long hours at the desk more comfortable with a good posture that supports the back, neck, and shoulders. You can also introduce them at different price points, like these ones from Humanscale, some of which have been described by The New York Times as “the gold standard in office seating”.
2. Let’s work together
While the open-plan office has fallen out of favour, formats that are less individualistic are still popular for their collaborative configuration. The modern work culture includes a more horizontal communicative process, and having office furniture that supports small groups and teams will continue to be one of the featured office trends in 2023.
This could be existing modular pieces that are rearranged and combined to encourage work dialogues, or designed pieces planned to serve collaborative functions. Pods are a great example of this, like the Enjoy Cross Discussion Work Pod that invites four to gather; or the Enjoy Executive with Sofa Work Pod that has seating for guests of the pod user, or just as an option for the person to enjoy a more casual setting.
3. Green is always in
Natural elements have been added to office environments for their pleasing, calming presence and the office trends of 2024 will continue to feature biophilic design. Rather than just adding standalone plants, integrating biophilic design includes fusing these elements into the furniture or walls themselves, like a live moss display below the meeting room tabletop or a texture cave-like wall at a lounge.
Many global brands have created entire headquarters around this theme. Amazon’s Seattle headquarters features three spheres with indoor gardens and green spaces to connect employees with nature to promote well-being. Etsy’s Brooklyn office incorporates natural materials like wood, stone, and greenery to create a “breathing headquarters” and includes a rooftop garden with refreshing views of the city.
4. Keeping it sustainable
As an extension of the former office trend, many companies are also looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainability by being more conscientious with their choice of materials. Furniture made from recycled materials or sustainably sourced wood can help achieve these goals, or companies can look out for those with a set goal for becoming carbon neutral or are designing a closed loop circular economy. As Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards become increasingly vital for businesses moving forward, it’ll be easier to find suppliers that provide options like FSC-certified wood and low-emitting finishes.
5. Make it mobile, modular and organic
With increasing hybrid working scenarios where employees have moving schedules and are working remotely, flexible workspaces are becoming an important office trend in 2023. Invest in office furniture that can be easily moved and reconfigured to suit different types of work or team sizes to accommodate the changing scenarios. Microsoft was way ahead in planning for this with their Amsterdam office, which includes “a series of teamwork benches, enclosed and semi-enclosed meeting rooms, open informal meeting areas, concentration booths, individual work carousels and work lounges” to suit different types of work – whether individually or collaboratively.
6. Giving it a sense of multipurpose
Similar to the earlier point on mobility, multi-functional furniture will become increasingly popular due to their adaptable functions. This is especially helpful for maximising space for the individual, or serving multiple users with one shared purpose, and can also mean catering to growing needs for wellness. Think desks that can be converted into standing workstations, or storage units that double as casual seating. IKEA is especially known for their finesse in this area with their catalogue, but many other modern designers are incorporating more function in their furniture, so keep a lookout when shopping.
7. Link up with technology
Technology’s integral role in today’s office makes design with technology integration an emerging trend. As more companies rely on technology to stay connected and productive, furniture that can support this will become increasingly important. In 2023, expect to see more furniture that incorporates charging stations, built-in screens, and other technological features like these Humanscale monitor arms that add to work ease.
8. Make it yours
Nothing makes an employees more comfortable and connected to their workspace than if they recognise unique identifying markers that speak to them. Adding customisable options gives one a sense of ownership, while catering to different preferences in tastes, heights and uses. Allow for shared boards, pinnable partitions and nooks for workers to personalise, and even adding the company’s logo on items can give a sense of pride especially if the brand is prestigious. One can also add personalisation like how Dropbox did with their San Francisco office, and add pop culture references and cheeky signs to foster company culture and identity.
9. Play with the palette
As the stuffy conventional guidelines give way to more personality, so too can colours and patterns be more readily introduced to the workplace. There are no better examples than the offices of Google and Lego to share. But one needn’t splash out like them and pick the boldest and brightest out there – you can introduce colours in pops with small pieces of statement furniture – like this Loook Box Sofa, or just choose a wallpaper to spruce up a meeting room. To start, experiment with the existing corporate colours and play with the tones, or draw inspiration from Pantone’s colour of the year. With the right decisions, companies can create an inspiring and energising office that is a joy to work from.
10. Loud and clear
Suffice to say, the biggest change of the last decade for the workplace is the rise of video conferencing and calls. Acoustics thus now plays as a major factor in the office and can have a significant impact on productivity and well-being. In 2023, consider installing sound-absorbing panels or furniture with built-in sound barriers that help to reduce noise pollution, especially if you have an open-plan or hybrid situation. WeWork Singapore has a dedicated quiet space called The Library at their Beach Road outlet, but you can also choose to invest in small work pods to give your employees a soundproof place to have important meetings, discussions and calls.
Invest in an office that invites engagement, creativity and productivity. Be inspired by the offerings available at DSolutions.
