Working in an office has changed significantly over the last 20 years and is almost unrecognisable. So what will the office look like in another 20 years? There are plenty of innovative ideas and designs out there right now, so let’s take a look at what we might be able to expect for our future generations of white-collar workers.
There is a great deal of focus on the welfare of workers and the knowledge that productivity rises when we feel relaxed, valued, and sociable. Adding greenery and natural light are two ideas that are believed to decrease stress and help to aid creative thinking. The idea behind this is that if a natural environment surrounds workers, it will produce a higher level of feelings of well-being.
In the future, office workers may rely on virtual reality much more. Designers can experience models of their designs, and there is the opportunity to visit environments and walk around, adjusting space size, look, and lighting aspects. VR also has a place in training, where real-life scenarios can be practised in the comfort of a mock-up reality. VR could become management’s new best friend, as you can imagine an immersive environment where employees receive no distraction.
Paperless workplaces have been on the agenda for quite a while now, and while it hasn’t been achieved yet, it is still a goal many aim for. Many feel that paperwork anchors you to a desk and prefer the theory of an agile workforce, untethered, so some are experimenting with not supplying desks and giving employees only one storage drawer.
The future office will have to be a flexible and adaptive space. Some prefer traditional working practices with a desk, and others prefer hot-desking, sitting on giant balls, and using an elevated standing desk. The solution could be to have different zones with one area reserved for ‘retro’ working. When you need Gloucester Office Furniture, consider https://www.severnfurnishing.co.uk
An office may cease to exist altogether. With the advent of the digital era, we can now work anywhere with an internet connection. As the typical 9-5 only suits some, work can become a 24-7 enterprise. Biologists have revealed that 9-5 is out of sync with human’s natural biology and body clock, so if we want improved health and well-being, we may need to be more flexible with our working patterns in the future.
Collaborative working and space-sharing are ideas that will become more commonplace for the next generation. Digital operations mean working across time zones, borders, and cultures. Sharing business via email, telephone, video conferencing, and social media will become more of a reality and help break down communication borders.
