2021 Office Design Trends

C ovid-19 has changed many aspects of our daily lives. Among those is the way we to go to work. In a scramble to contain the virus, many businesses adapted to working remotely, and allowed employees to safely do business from home. Then, there was talk of employees never returning to the office. That conversation has now evolved into productivity concerns, lack of face-to-face/impromptu collaboration amongst employees (you can’t schedule a Zoom meeting for everything that happens in a day at the office), and then there's the overall morale of staff working in daily isolation. Yes, the office has changed, but it’s not going away. Now, instead, we are tasked with how to make the office safer, as well as, a place that employees love to work. So, here are office design trends to consider in 2021.

1. Being able to keep a healthy distance

The need for social distancing will continue to dominate in 2021 — and well beyond. As offices return to full capacity, this will need to be an intentional part of your workplace’s design. Large, open plan workstations have gained popularity in recent years but, for obvious reasons, office designers have had to rethink the layout. One clever way of accomplishing this is to create an ‘office neighborhood’, or pivot spaces, which give teams a place they can collaborate in smaller groups. These neighborhoods (basically small common areas) can be intentionally setup with moveable furniture to encourage social distancing. If the space is its own room, equip it with acoustic panels for sound-deadening when the team needs to make a video or conference call. It can also be fitted with moveable whiteboards for easy visual collaboration. These smaller spaces also allow for easy/quick disinfecting when the team is done using it.

Another thing to consider, especially in common areas, are the work surfaces. Make sure the furniture you purchase is easy to clean and anti-microbial. Materials need to be durable and able to withstand regular cleanings with stronger chemicals such as bleach and other sanitizers. It’s hard to find that type of durability in a big-box store brand, so make sure you purchase quality furniture for the type of heavy use it will receive.

2. Videoconferencing Space

If you’re like us, you’re kicking yourself for not investing in Zoom stock (their stock price has surged 722% since the beginning of the year). Videoconferencing has become an essential business practice, playing a critical role during the pandemic. According to research done by the PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers), over half of executives are expected to offer some type of remote work option to employees. That means that videoconferencing isn’t going away after the virus is contained. Offices will need to regularly interact with remote employees and clients. You’ll need a dedicated quiet space with furniture and equipment such as:

• Whiteboards

• Cameras & Microphones

• Acoustic Panels

• Table and Chairs

• Multiple Screens for Larger Meetings

• Places to Store Video Equipment

3. Resimercial design

Resimercial is a mixture of residential and commercial design. As Dorthy said, clicking her ruby-slippers together, “There’s no place like home.” It’s where we feel most comfortable and relaxed. It’s filled with comfy furniture, warm blankets, art and decorative touches that make us feel — well — at home. 2021 will see an even greater surge in resimercial office design. Employees will want the touches of home in a space that we spend 40+ hours a week.

• Plants

• Comfortable Furniture

• Durable (easy-to-clean) Fabrics

• Rugs

• Artwork

• Cozy Desktop & Overhead Lighting

Final Thoughts...  

When designing or redesigning the office, don’t be afraid to ask employees for their ideas. When everyone feels that their voice has been heard, it creates a joint-ownership of the space. This increases value, as well as, overall company morale. Again, the office is a place that some of us spend over forty hours a week. It needs to have all the things necessary to doing our jobs, a touch of home, and equipment that’s essential to an ever-changing office life.

2020 offered many unique challenges and opportunities for those willing to adapt. A great place to start is by changing your office space to reflect that.

Can we help you with your office design? We’re happy to help you find the right form and function for your space. Contact us to get started.

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