Beginning in 2021 we were talking about the new way of working and it seems we still are. We can only hope that things are finally recovering from the strange reality that the pandemic put us all in. Life has truly changed and workspaces are no different. Here’s a round-up of what we can expect from business spaces in 2022 and beyond.
Flexibility is the new normality
Now we’re not talking about flexible working here, we’re talking about flexible physical spaces.
Activity-based working, a work style that allows employees to choose from a variety of physical and virtual work settings depending on the nature of the task they’re doing, is growing in popularity.
For this working model to be effective the physical workplace needs to be modular and flexible. This is because a single space may need to be set up for effective collaboration, a meeting or individual focused desk space.
One thing we’ve definitely learnt over the past three years is that workplaces need to evolve and be ready for anything. The ideal is a space which can physically adapt overnight at no cost to the business. It needs to be able to change to allow personnel fluctuations, activity changes, and customer demand.
If businesses like personal training who had to make the leap from face to face to online pretty quick had spaces built to adapt, things would have been easier.
Sustainable Design
Sustainability is a ‘trend’ across all parts of society – why the quotation marks we hear you ask, well because the word trend should be used cautiously here. Sustainability is here to stay and will become something we automatically do rather than something we are currently focusing on.
With growing pressure from Governments, customers, competitors and employees, businesses of all sizes are focusing on sustainability, so as to not be left behind.
We are seeing more businesses make use of furniture in different ways rather than buying new. The action of companies repurposing hardware to be used by those less fortunate when they need to upgrade has also risen in popularity.
Changing building uses rather than demolishing and building new is becoming more common. Sustainability shouldn’t be thought of just from the material aspect of the product but from its use, life span and how it can be reused or repurposed in the future.
New Technologies in the Workplace
When the pandemic meant staff sickness affected business, many turned to digital solutions to fill the gap and what started then as a short term quick fix has become a serious shift towards automation within many business sectors.
The World Economic Forum predicts that AI and automation will lead to 97 million new jobs by 2025, meaning naturally we will see it become the norm in our everyday lives.
In the workplace, this could mean virtual receptions, less face to face meetings, Augmented Reality (AR) product demonstrations, AR meetings in a virtual setting and more. We will also see a bigger need for apps and software to help with people logistics e.g. reserving meeting rooms and desks.
Ultimately this has an impact on infrastructure within the world of work. Things like bandwidth, server cupboards and even how many sockets are in a space will become ever more important.
Smart offices
We will start to see the introduction of completely smart offices and buildings. These spaces can collect and share data and react to different circumstances, Gymshark has installed a human tracking lighting system which tracks how spaces are used and can continually assess and optimise their office design as the company evolves.
Smart workspace will use digital sensors to monitor and respond to things like occupancy, air quality and natural light levels making spaces work the best for the business.
Universal Design
Inclusivity is important to many businesses and this will continue to be the case. In terms of workspace, this means finding solutions to suit the masses as well as individuals.
We find different preferences for different generations, lifestyles, cultures and more.
People have different needs based on whether they have kids, or pets, are fitness fanatics or tech junkies; spaces need to be able to accommodate everyone. To uncover a truly happy workforce businesses will need to find a way to hear the unheard voices of those who like to stay in the shadows rather than continue to cater for those who make themselves heard.
This is all on top of building regulations which have legal standards for accessibility.
Neurodiverse spaces
Neurodiversity refers to the differences in our brain functions and our different approaches when interpreting information. ADHD, Autism, Dyspraxia and Dyslexia are all examples of neurodiverse conditions. Similar to universal design there has been a recent shift to designing spaces which suit individuals with a neurodiverse condition.
This may include creating quiet spaces, areas with sound and light control and considering the use of colours / fabrics.
Focus on a Healthier Workplace
A focus on being healthier has meant a renewed focus on a healthier workplace. This time the focus is not simply on adding plants, opening windows and offering some free fruit. Workplaces now need to feel like home away from home. Gyms, gaming areas, doggy daycares, rooftop gardens, outdoor spaces, meditation rooms, creches and bars are all the types of additions we can expect to see in workspaces moving forward.
Focusing on a sense of community and socialising, a welcome and warmth that doesn’t come with the standard corporate box have proven to improve businesses’ overall performance by creating happier teams.
Co-Working and Communities
Co-working has shot up in popularity over the recent years. These spaces will ever become
spaces where business communities are created, amongst different business teams.
We will see coworking spaces begin to develop their own culture and create more of a community vibe rather than individuals just working within the same space.
Workspaces are ever-changing to provide the best environment for people. Although it has seen massive turbulence over the last few years, the workplace is still an important environment for a successful business. If you have any questions about workspace and what is right for your business, we’re here to help. Get in touch with Laura lmelville@stpescotland.co.uk.
