07 Feb The Second Wave of Workplace Change: 2022 Trends
COVID-19 has drastically changed our lives as we know it, especially when it comes to office design. This year, office spaces will be more sustainable, integrate elements of a home, and prioritize comfort. No matter where you’re at in the design process, our team at JMC is here to help.
It’s safe to say COVID-19 has transformed offices definitely for the foreseeable future, and maybe forever. Though the majority of people are still working from home, others have slowly returned to their offices, even if only for a few days a week and many spaces look entirely different.
Let’s explore together the office trends this 2022:
Biophilic design
Essentially, biophilic design focuses on incorporating elements of nature throughout the office space. Whether you have access to an outdoor space or not, every office can embrace a more green-friendly atmosphere.
2022 is the time to stray away from rows of desks and artificial lighting. Look to incorporate natural materials like wood, water, and plants into your office space.
This can be done by using natural materials like wood, bamboo, stone, or incorporating waterfalls, fish tanks, and plants. Even if your space struggles with natural lighting, there are many low-maintenance plants that can thrive in low-light areas like some cacti and snake plants.
A Sense of ‘Home’ at Work
Since many people are still currently working from the home, the idea of the design and aesthetic of an office has changed. For those employees who are in the office, the goal is to provide comfort and safety at every level and to make employees feel more relaxed as if they were at home.
To foster a safe, comfortable sense of “home” in the office, we can incorporate residential elements such as comfortable couches and chairs, soft lighting featured in common spaces or artwork displayed throughout the office.
Sustainability will be a priority
Environmental sustainability is on the rise and many are becoming more aware and conscious of it. Being eco-friendly means that every item you purchase for your space is thoughtfully chosen to not have a negative impact on the environment.
Aside from sustainable materials, an eco-friendly office should focus on energy efficiency. LED lighting and increased access to natural lighting are not only energy-efficient, but also increase productivity for employees.
Lighter Colors- neutrals are not going anywhere
One of the corporate office interior design trends for 2022 is to use lighter colours with a mixture of greys, greens and neutrals.
Light wood materials mixed with pops of colour on the floor and or walls is a popular option in an office environment that can help employees feel more cheerful and positive.
Colours help companies stay on brand, and many find ways to incorporate their logo or brand colours into the design of their space — including colored furnishings, paint, decors and even flooring.
An emphasis on noise reduction
In an open-concept office, noise is inevitable but it can be controlled. When there is a lot of noise, it can be hard for people to concentrate and be productive.
A great first step to controlling the noise in your office is to take a look at your flooring. Carpets play an important role in creating a quiet working environment. Other sound absorbing materials like acoustic partitions, rugs, and even plants can help quiet down a room.
Easily transformable office
Telecommuting is becoming the standard across the globe, so your office needs to adapt to combined work so remote workers can easily come and go. Convertible offices where not every employee has a personal workplace are a great option for hybrid workforces.
There are a lot of benefits that come with transformable office spaces, but there is one clear winner: COST.
Transformable offices are a cost-effective option because they take up less space, but also allow for more employees to be in the office. So if every employee decides to come back into the office on the same day, there won’t be any issues!
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