How modern workspaces are inspiring creativity and collaboration
Office design, now and for the future, needs Giant Leap's guidance.
Considering that almost a third of an average person’s life is spent at work, these workspaces play quite a big role in our mood, productivity and our general feeling towards work. From Danish style in the 60s and 70s to the cubicles of the 80s and 90s and then the great shift to open-plan offices in the new millennium, how we’ve designed our workspaces has been influenced by psychology, fashion, economic changes, as well as a growing number of younger people in the working world.
2020 saw the latest change in workspaces with a shift to health and wellness. Many companies said goodbye to their big corporate spaces and opted for smaller layouts as hybrid working became the norm. More entrepreneurs choose work-from-home spaces or co-working spaces that suit their wish to easily move between home and a more professional environment. However, the companies who have chosen to maintain their work environment have seen the need to embrace the influences of these changing styles and influences and create office spaces that are inspired and smart.
The biggest shift in office design is…
The new look of offices isn’t just to be aesthetically pleasing. They’re designed to put the needs of the employee first. And those needs have certainly changed in a short period of time!
Because the world proved we could work more comfortably, efficiently, and productively in more inviting environments, offices aim to create precisely that mood. A greater awareness of different workstyles, of employees seeking more wellness in their workspaces, and the big effect office design can have on morale places a much-needed focus on how to address what employees want in a work environment.
If done right, suddenly the office once again becomes a place where socialisation leads to great solutions. It’s where colleagues from different departments could potentially work right next to each other instead of being in separate areas, allowing for peer-to-peer learning or closer collaboration. If an office feels joyful or soothing, the people in that space are far happier to spend time there.
Hallmarks of the modern office
If you look at a picture of an office from the 80s and one from today, you’ll clearly see a difference. But, it’s the thought behind those differences that matter and there are some clear design hallmarks of the modern office that make it one for the history books:
Colour: The right choice of colour and lighting creates a welcoming environment where people are productive and social. The goal is an atmosphere that fosters focus and connection and implementing the principles of colour psychology can help achieve this. Bright, lively colours have an invigorating effect, often boosting energy levels. Meanwhile, warm neutral tones foster feelings of relaxation and concentration. Cool shades such as blue or green are known to bring about a sense of calmness. Bye bye, boring grey offices! You’ll find a lot more colour variety and interesting colour palettes in offices where they can also be used to designate specific areas or simply create spaces that look more like home environments.
Ergonomics: Ergonomics has become a hallmark of modern offices due to its profound impact on employee well-being and productivity. By designing workspaces that prioritise ergonomics, employers ensure that employees can work comfortably and efficiently, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and fatigue. Ergonomically designed office furniture and equipment, such as adjustable chairs, standing desks, and ergonomic keyboards, promote proper posture and reduce strain on the body, leading to improved concentration and overall job satisfaction.
Flexibility: Offices are showcasing a wonderful adoption of flexible workspaces. Modular furniture systems offer companies the ability to rearrange layouts and establish collaborative areas effortlessly. With movable walls, sound-absorbing partitions, and versatile furnishings, spaces can be swiftly adjusted to suit changing needs. This adaptability allows for seamless transitions between expansive communal spaces and more secluded, semi-private zones. Additionally, the implementation of hot-desking and shared workstations empowers employees to choose their preferred work areas daily.
New considerations for office design
We’re certainly not thinking about offices the way we used to. Where maximum efficiency was the primary objective before, the future looks different with modern office culture focusing on innovation and teamwork.
So, one of the new considerations for office design is company culture. Whether a company wants a more formal or structured environment or another prefers more open space and collaborative environments, these factors that embody the company culture will play out in the design. The design can help create a desired company culture by providing environments that lead to the atmosphere or actions a company desires.
Another consideration is future planning. Having seen how quickly office design can change based on social trends, companies have to develop a solid foundation of office design that allows for future changes. By factoring in the company’s changing needs or employee growth, it minimises the need for major office design changes every few years.
Specialised expertise for office design
Getting an office design right for now and the future requires specialist guidance. Giant Leap are pioneers in creating workspaces that reflect a company's values, culture, and aspirations. With a rich history of designing and building corporate interiors both locally and internationally, they've transformed the way businesses perceive and utilise their spaces.
Although Giant Leap have worked with multinational corporations and local companies of various sizes, their expertise is evident in the fact that each workspace they’ve designed is a reflection of the client and their needs rather than showcasing a specific style or trend. Whether it’s including biophilic design, creating more casual spaces, or having privacy pods for online meetings or one-on-one chats, Giant Leap meets the clients’ needs with integrity and innovation. It’s no wonder they’ve won a slew of awards!
Another aspect of Giant Leap’s considered design is working with Home Fabrics to find the right fabrics for their office designs. Upholstery fabrics in offices have to provide comfort through colour and texture. In some cases, performance fabrics are required for furniture in areas of high traffic. Whatever the need may be, Giant Leap and Home Fabrics have a long history of success when it comes to delivering inspiring workspaces.
Office design that works
Workspaces are no longer dull and depressing. They’re fantastic opportunities to really bring people together with a shared energy to strive for both personal and professional goals. All they need is the right environment and some great fabrics in fantastic design can get that right!
