The office was the designated workspace of our times. If you dig into history, you will see the signs of a modern office emerging in 1903 with air conditioning, filing cabinets, and wall-hung toilets. It was around the 20th century that desk jobs became an aspiration for youngsters. Prior to that, we heard about East India Company accountants making their way through thick ledgers followed by factories that were used partly as offices. The office that we know now has transformed.
Fast forward to the present, it seems we are nearing the end of the water cooler era. The exciting question is: what will the office of the future look like? The pandemic changed the game in that aspect, pushing offices to be more digital and collaborative, and less formal.
As businesses adapt to the developing needs of the workforce and advancements in technology, the workspace is no longer just a place for employees to gather and work, then go home. Instead, it has become a dynamic environment that plays a crucial role in fostering productivity, creativity, and employee well-being. The office is becoming more human.
This shift in perspective has given rise to innovative trends in workplace experience design, changing the way offices are structured and used.
The rise of remote and flexible work options, accelerated by the global pandemic, has reshaped our understanding of where and how work can be done. With the ability to work from anywhere, employees are seeking environments that offer more than just a desk and a chair. This change has forced companies to rethink their approach to workspace design. Talent can be found anywhere in the world, too.
Workplace experience design is a holistic approach to creating office environments that prioritise the needs and experiences of employees. It considers not only the physical space but also the technology, culture, and amenities that contribute to a positive and productive work environment.
At its core, it is about understanding employees with the same depth and complexity as we understand our customers. It prioritises equity-based, human-centred designs that foster trust, loyalty, and a sense of belonging.
At Unispace, we worked with Microsoft to create workplace environments that provide employees with the same connection to the brand it built with their consumers. The employees craved the brand experience, culture, innovation, and product performance that are so distinctive of Microsoft while at work.
Gone are the days when employees were confined to their cubicles from 9 to 5. Yet, the role of physical spaces in shaping work experiences and, by extension, organisational culture, loyalty, and talent retention cannot be understated. So, what are the key trends to watch as workplace experience design brings transformative opportunities to the table?
First, adaptable spaces. The dynamism of work today needs environments that grow beyond static physical confines. With the rise of remote work and gig economies, organisational leaders are presented with the challenge of nurturing cohesive, engaged teams that might not even share a physical workspace. Adaptability becomes paramount.
Second, having an optimised digital toolkit. Beyond mere collaboration, cutting-edge technological tools and platforms empower employees to function seamlessly regardless of their physical location.
Third, access to well-defined spaces, be it for focused work, team collaboration, well-being, or casual interactions, can significantly uplift employee engagement and performance.
Flexibility is another crucial trend that I expect to rise and persist. Granting workers the autonomy to determine their work timings and locations is not just a perk. Workplace design that integrates user experience ensures that employees’ professional and personal needs are met.
As people’s preference for natural environments rises, I see companies increasingly incorporating biophilic designs. This approach integrates natural elements into the workspace to enhance well-being and productivity.
This trend recognises the human connection to nature and incorporates elements such as indoor plants, natural light, and organic materials into the office environment. Studies have shown that biophilic design can reduce stress, increase creativity, and improve overall job satisfaction.
Even as employees continue to return to the office, remote work remains a significant part of the work landscape. Many companies are designing their offices with remote workers in mind, providing technology-equipped hot-desking areas and video conferencing facilities to ensure that both in-office and remote employees can collaborate seamlessly.
Workplace experience needs to reflect the values and needs of the occupants in meaningful ways. Diverse workforces need to ‘see themselves’ in the spaces they occupy—through art, interfaces, materials, finishes, and furniture choices.
For Orrick, a global law firm whose goal is to be the most inclusive law firm in the industry, we created a sense of belonging for employees in their Los Angeles office through an Art For Impact programme comprising an art-filled space with collaboration technology in every room.
Also, accessible multi-use spaces for people with disabilities, including wheelchair accessibility for fixtures and appliances, braille for the visually impaired, and quiet spaces with different colours for the neurodivergent. With the rise of artificial intelligence, humanity becomes more important.
Employee well-being has become a top priority for companies, and workspace design plays a key role in promoting it. Wellness rooms, meditation areas, and fitness facilities are increasingly common in office environments. These spaces support physical and mental health, reduce stress, and contribute to a more balanced and engaged workforce.
The role of the workspace has changed significantly, and workplace experience design is at the forefront of this transformation. As businesses continue to adapt to the changing landscape of work, the design of the workspace will remain a critical factor in attracting and keeping talent, fostering innovation, and promoting employee well-being.
