Office design trends in 2023 will see staff continue to take advantage of the office environment. In a post-pandemic world, office workers have become accustomed to a hybrid working model that allows them to work both in the office and from home.
However, with living costs continuing to rise, 2023 will mean staff are ready to move back into the office on a semi-permanent basis to avoid these high living costs.
Because of this, it will be important for business owners to create an office environment that accommodates to its staff more than ever before. In the past, the office was only known as a place people came to work between the hours of 9am and 5pm.
Now, the office isn’t solely a working space anymore, it is a social hub, meeting area and a space that employees make a conscious choice to come to when they see fit. Office spaces now must cater to employee’s different working styles, be technologically savvy, and be a productive and inspiring space for staff to work in.
These are just some of the current office trends we’re set to see heading into 2023. Below, we’ve explored these trends further to help you create an office that caters to the needs of your staff throughout 2023.
1. A focused workplace
A major positive of working from home has been a quieter working environment. Especially where online communication has increased, the ability to concentrate better with little distraction has been valuable to many workers. As a result of this, many workplaces have then been able to adopt an open plan office concept to increase communication and team interaction when employees are working from the office.
However, with many more employees set to return to the office on a more regular basis this year, the need for quieter, more focused workspaces will be essential. Office design for 2023 will see the implementation of private working areas and designated quiet zones to create focused, productive areas of the office.
Acoustics will be essential to reduce noise levels so the use of sound dampening materials like carpet will help to limit any sound travelling. Wooden partitioning to section off these areas will also become popular due to its sound absorbing properties.
2. Staying in a connected world
Though more staff have started to transition back into the office, the hybrid working model has meant many employees and customers continue to prefer virtual communication. Because of this, having space in the office that will ensure quality virtual collaboration and connectivity is just as important now, as it was during the pandemic.
To facilitate this trend effectively, small phone booths and meeting pods will be ideal for staff needing to lead 1-1 client meetings over Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Within these booths, creating ‘media walls’ with space for screen monitors, and installing sufficient desk space will help to create an effective media meeting area.
3. Sustainability
In 2023 sustainability will be a core component of every office design, and not simply just a trend. Not only is this important for sustaining the global environment and improving business reputation, but it will be key when looking to retain and onboard new staff.
More than ever, staff are becoming more aware of the sustainable actions of the companies they work for, and if these actions are not deemed acceptable, staff will likely walk away.
Implementing low carbon, upcycled materials into your office design is a good place to start.
Reclaimed wood for office furniture and flooring is a simple yet effective way of achieving this, and the wood can easily be stained to achieve whatever aesthetic you’d like for your office.
Another standout design features that can also be created using reclaimed materials are slat walls and partitioning. You can see how we’ve included this feature in our recent work at Spinningfields, Manchester. Installing office partitions allowed the office layout to be sectioned out effectively whilst still creating an innovative design feature within the office design.
4. Biophilic Design
Biophilic design encompasses all things natural. Natural sunlight, greenery and earthy materials are all used to achieve this design, and are a great way of bringing the outdoors in.
Although this natural design trend began to grow in popularity in 2022, as more staff start to transition back into the office in 2023, this earthy office interior will be seen more often as a way of enhancing staff wellbeing and mood whilst in the office.
A study researching the impacts of biophilic design in the office found that employees exposed to views of nature and natural light were more productive throughout the day, than those that weren’t.
When refurbishing or designing your office space, make sure to increase your employee’s exposure to natural light rather than using only artificial light. Wooden planters and shelving with greenery and flowers are also a great way to implement biophilic design into your office.
Planters can be used to section out your office and can be positioned to be visible to staff at all times. Using wood for your shelving and planters will also help to maintain the natural feel in your office.
5. Modern office design
As well as creating a focused working environment for staff, it will be equally important for business owners to create an environment that supports employee work-life balance.
Whilst hybrid working has benefitted many workers, it is no secret that some struggle to distinguish their personal and professional life. Many staff have fallen victim to over prioritising their work and under valuing self-care which has led to a drop in energy levels. Now that more employees are starting to work from the office on a regular basis, companies are keen to counteract this issue.
Modern office designs are now incorporating recreational zones where staff can socialise and de-stress throughout the day. Examples of amenities in modern layouts are:
- Game rooms
- Dinner halls
- Relaxation rooms
Contact Us
If you’d like to speak to us about a new office design or refurbishment for 2023, you can call us on 0113 253 7307, or you can contact us here: https://www.gralyn-joinery.co.uk/contact-us/.
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