The future of office design: How to future-proof your workspace for 2023 & beyond

The past few years have brought about a significant shift in the way we work. With the pandemic leading to remote work becoming the norm, traditional office spaces have taken a backseat. But as we’ve entered back into a world of normality, it's clear that the office will remain a vital part of our work lives. In this blog, we'll explore some of the key trends in office design and how to future-proof your workspace for 2023 and beyond.

1. Prioritise flexibility

The word flexibility (or often described as a hybrid working) has become a buzzword in office design, and for good reason. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of being able to adapt quickly to changing circumstances – and your office space should be no different. Workspaces that can be easily reconfigured to meet the changing needs of workers is more important than even before. This means incorporating modular furniture and flexible layouts that can be easily rearranged to suit different working styles and collaboration needs.

For example, Arc screens can be used to zone for individual working areas, whilst the addition of office meeting pods create a private, quiet space for one-on-one meetings. In short, flexible office design should enable different types of spaces for focused work, collaborating, and even relaxing.

2. Embrace technology

Technology has played a significant role in enabling remote work, and it will continue to shape the future of office design. As more companies adopt hybrid work models, office spaces will need to be equipped with the latest technology to support virtual collaboration and communication. This could include everything from video conferencing systems to virtual reality tools that enable remote workers to feel more connected to their colleagues and the office space itself.

Another way technology is expected to be incorporated into modern office design is through the use of innovative storage solutions such as smart lockers. Smart office lockers offer much more than just a safe place to store belongings, though. Giving employees the freedom to work wherever and whenever they want, allows for cooperation, which saves a lot of time for administrators.

3. Encourage sustainability

Sustainability has become an increasingly important issue in recent years, and it's set to play a significant role in the future of office design. Future-proofed workspaces will need to prioritise sustainable materials, energy-efficient technologies, and waste reduction strategies. This could include everything from incorporating renewable energy sources such as automated lighting and heating systems, through to designing spaces with sustainability sourced materials.

Choosing furniture that is made from environmentally responsible and renewable materials is the perfect way to demonstrate sustainability in 2023 and beyond. Sustainable office furniture materials include:

• FSC Woods: FSC (Forest Stewardship Certification) is an environmental certification given to wood that is sourced from responsibly managed forests in the most environmentally sustainable way possible. Sourcing office furniture from a manufacturer that works with FSC wood is a great way to lower the overall carbon footprint of your office space.
• Stone Wool: Made from 100% natural stone, stone wool is a durable materials that is both functional and sustainable. It contains no harmful materials, is 100% plastic free and rated Fire class A1 due to its incombustibility.
• Recycled Fabrics: Materials such as natural hemp, silk and flax fabrics made from plant stem fibres offer a sustainable solution for modern offices.

4. Prioritise wellbeing

The pandemic has highlighted the importance of prioritising employee wellbeing, and this trend is set to continue. Now and in the future, office spaces will need to be designed with the health and wellbeing of workers in mind. This could include everything from incorporating green spaces and natural light to prioritising ergonomic furniture and providing access to mental health resources.

Ensuring that employees receive sufficient natural lighting is key. It provides vitamin D which impacts our mood and helps to keep the body clock in check during productive working hours. Additionally, adding plants around the workspace is a great way to create a positive ambiance and prevent that stale feeling.

At Haiken, our Zorla planter by Zilenzio is a mobile floor screen that can be filled with natural or fake plants. It provides a modern solution for incorporating greenery with sound absorbing effects for noise reduction – perfect for open plan office arrangements! 

Office design trends and furniture from Haiken

At Haiken, we are passionate about providing design-led furniture that enables employees to feel inspired. For more information on our office furniture range, or if you’d like to speak to an expert about your project, contact our office furniture consultants today. We’d love to help bring your workplace to life.