Post-pandemic work has changed and commercial office design is changing, too. Modern corporate offices aren’t just focused on productivity and collaboration, but making employees feel as comfortable at work as they are when they’re at home.
Keeping up with the latest commercial office design trends isn’t about looking great on social media or attracting more Gen Z employees. It can help you stand out from your competitors while also helping your office work more efficiently.
Whether you’re moving to a new building or simply looking for ways to update your workspace, here are some trends you should think about incorporating into your new office design.
Trend #1: Flexible Office Environments
More and more offices are switching to a hybrid schedule, where employees split their work hours between home and the office. As you can imagine, this arrangement requires that workspaces adapt to an ever-changing team.
Offices with open layouts are relying more on modular equipment that can be changed based on the employee’s needs. For example, sound dampening wall panels help create a sense of privacy when needed, but move out of the way when the team needs to collaborate.
Another popular trend is the inclusion of multifunctional spaces. Remote workers who love the ability to switch from the sofa to the kitchen table often work best when they can switch up their location in the office as well.
Consider adding more transitional spaces that can be used for a variety of tasks, such as casual work, meetings, or socializing.
Trend #2: Balancing Collaboration and Focus
Bringing everyone into the office may be great for collaboration, but it can be distracting for tasks that require a lot of focus.
The best office design ideas aim to solve both problems and get the best of both worlds.
Designing an office specifically for collaboration can help foster the sense of teamwork that may have been lacking since 2020. For tasks that require deep focus, private work areas can provide a quiet office space free of distractions.
Trend #3: Employee Wellbeing
If your employees are hesitant about getting off the couch and commuting every day, a more employee-centric environment may make coming into the office seem more appealing.
In 2024, businesses are starting to make room for things like barista stations, ping pong tables, and even wellness spaces for yoga or meditation.
Even more “traditional” offices are disposing of their existing furniture in favor of more ergonomic equipment, such as standing desks, supportive chairs, and better lighting.
Trend #4: Aesthetics
Let’s be honest: commercial office spaces have never been known for their aesthetics. But it’s hard to thrive with nothing more than a potted plant and a few motivational posters.
Revamping the space with some interior design elements will make employees feel more “at home”, which can ease the transition into the office.
Whether you liven up the conference room with an accent wall or incorporate a biophilic design with lots of greenery, office aesthetics is one trend we are happy to get behind!
How To Redesign An Office
Inspired to redesign your commercial office space? Start by identifying the values that are most important to you and where your current office falls short. Do you need more spaces of collaboration? Or do your employees need more private spaces where they can work free of distractions?
Another pro tip? Ask your employees for input, especially if you’re trying to design a more employee-centric space. You may find that they don’t care about a game room but would prefer a well-equipped coffee station.
Next, look for a local interior design company that has worked with commercial spaces before. Even if you want your office to feel homey, there is a big difference in how commercial and residential spaces operate, and you don’t want to sacrifice productivity.
Finally, be open to moving into a new space altogether. Plenty of businesses have found that the layouts and locations that worked well for them pre-pandemic are no longer appropriate for their 2024 team. Starting over fresh in a new space may be the perfect solution.
Let’s Get Moving!
Redesigning your office is fun, but it requires a lot of heavy lifting (literally!). Thankfully, you don’t have to do it yourself.
Recruiting a local moving company to move and store furniture or pack your office equipment makes it much easier to rearrange your layout and create a space your employees will be proud to commute to.
And if you’re moving into an entirely new building, we can provide the muscle and the organization to ensure that nothing gets left behind. (Take a look at our Ultimate Office Move Checklist!)
Contact us today for a free quote!
