One of the pandemic’s biggest impacts has been how it forced us to rethink the role of the traditional office workplace. The crisis has created the need for a transformation of our work space environments to support remote work, social distancing, and to provide cleaner and more efficient office designs.
So what will the updated office and the C-suite of the future look like? The answer is already in the minds of leading designers who shared the latest office design trends and inspirations at a recent NeoCon virtual event to help clients achieve the look, comfort and well-being of employees and managers, with cost-effectiveness in mind.
The role of the office will change “from an obligation to a destination, where the comfort of employees is key.’’ The primary goal will shift from productivity to a sense of belonging and well-being (both mentally and physically) for which design will have a major role.
The latest trends in office décor also rely on the elegant looks and durability of TFL, or Thermally Fused Laminate panels, to bring a luxurious sense of realism and ergonomics to any office space. Here are some fresh designer tips for top office designs that take full advantage of TFL’s benefits:
- Hybrid Work spaces: No longer relying on staid rows of cubicles with bulky desktop computers and unsightly telephone contraptions, modern office design turns to the sleek and nimble. Workers need comfortable decentralized spaces where they can set up a laptop, or a quiet area where they can participate in a video meeting.
- Collaborative spaces: Collaborative areas should be easily accessible where work teams can gather and brainstorm ideas. Think about flexible walls and dividers that can be moved to accommodate multiple activities. According to Ariane Bouchard, Marketing Manager at Uniboard, TFL and HPL panels are the go-to material for office spaces to create shelves, furniture and furnishings that are easy to expand, or reconfigure.
- Comfortable and attractive cafeterias: One of the top changing roles of the updated office environment will be the emphasis on creating an attractive destination for staff with all the comforts, beauty and extras not found in home offices. Adaptable furniture made from the latest collections of TFL and HPL, materials that are easy to clean and naturally anti-microbial, coupled with 21st-century appliances and technology will make your office spaces more elegant and efficient.
- Agile Office spaces: Keep in mind that employees may not inhabit the same work space every day. They may come in one day to complete some tasks with fellow workers, and then carry out their part of the project at home. Meanwhile, the space they accessed is now occupied by another person who is using a smartphone, laptop or tablet to be productive. Make sure there are plenty of data ports, charging stations and electrical outlets to power these digital accessories, and integrate wire management into the design of laminated desks, tables, surfaces and storage units.
- Move Away from the Grey: Don’t design for a dour, dystopian environment. Use TFL panels and High pressure laminate (HPL) to liven it up with dynamic colors and textures The addition of colour can promote energy, and elevate thought patterns by inspiring creativity and enhanced problem-solving. Don’t be afraid to include a trendy solid color like Adobe (K81) to enliven any area. If you’re looking to preview a new colour or finish try Uniboard’s Digital Sample Box and Design 360 apps to help turn your creations into reality.
- Select the right material: The importance of selecting the right combinations of color and texture is, more than ever, the key success factor of creating a professional, polyvalent and pleasant working environment.