Work Redefined: 7 Modern Office Design Trends to Watch

What’s trending and how are designers redefining the office environment?

As office design continues to change, keep up with current trends and watch what’s coming next. These are some of the top trends in modern office design right now that we expect will continue to grow over the next few years. The biggest trends focus on creating productive, comfortable, and stylish workspaces without breaking the bank.

1. Integrated Technology

So much of our work these days is centered around technology. We connect with our team via email or instant message, we access our files via the cloud, and we use online productivity systems to keep our to-do lists under control. But working from a computer is not the only way to integrate technology into your workspace. Large in-person meeting rooms can be replaced with smaller, virtual conference huddle spaces. Smartboards, rather than projectors or whiteboards, allow for tech supported collaboration. Desks and side tables now often have wireless charging capabilities built into the worksurface (like the LOS Zens Wireless Charger). And of course… there should be power outlets everywhere to support a mobile-friendly office.

2. Flexible Workspaces

Not only do employees need the flexibility to move around the office and work in a variety of spaces, but the physical office (and the furniture within it) can be just as flexible. What’s trending now is folding, rolling, and expandable tables, benching systems that can expand and contract as teams grow or shrink, furniture that serves multiple purposes without taking up extra space (like LOS Computer Desks), and even movable walls that can transform a room in an instant. With mobile furniture and flexible workspaces, the physical working environment can more fluid and dynamic. This allows for not only an agile workforce, but an agile workspace.

3. Biophilic Design

It’s great to have a big window with a view, but the modern office brings that nature in. Think exposed brick, warm wood, moss walls, and plants galore. Natural textures and plant life not only make the space more visually interesting and inviting but will actually make people feel better. Biophilic design taps into our human need to connect with nature and that direct or indirect exposure to natural things boosts mood and reduces stress. 

4. Smart Storage

Office storage solutions don’t need to be bulky, ugly, or in the way. Smart storage and organization accessories like slim, under-desk mobile pedestals, floating shelves, and cubbie units that double as space dividers not only look great, but they keep your supplies organized and out of the way. Storage furniture can also bring a room together, like wardrobes, credenzas, and cabinets that perfectly match the desks (like the Advent Furniture collection). Modern offices optimize space by tucking things away, bringing things up off the floor, and focusing on multi-functional pieces.

5. Leisure & Relaxation Space

While for some companies, a nap pod may seem a step too far, many modern offices are integrating leisure and relaxation spaces into the work environment. Think ‘break room’ that feels more like a cozy lounge, or a shaded outdoor garden space with comfortable seating for reading a book during your lunch break. Leisure spaces can also have games like ping pong or wellness activities like yoga classes (we have an ongoing ping pong tournament in the break room and do yoga on-site once a month!). Providing spaces for more than just working allows the office environment to support a better work-life balance.

6. Ergonomic Equipment

As a leading manufacturer of ergonomic office products, we can’t stress enough the importance of quality ergonomic equipment in any office environment. Sit stand desks can be used for solo workstations or combined in a benching system, monitor arms are perfect for desktop computers or adjustable laptop docking stations, and ergonomic accessories like footrests and anti-fatigue mats add simple comfort. Standing desk converters provide sit stand capabilities without the commitment of a sit stand desk and can easily move from desk to desk. Outfitting workstations with sit stand desks or standing desk converters allows for different users to adjust the worksurface to their sitting or standing height and work comfortably.

7. Collaborative Environments

While the corner office isn’t completely going away, dynamic office layouts are slowly increasing in popularity. Workspaces that allow for more collaboration in an open environment not only boost productivity but make more sense from a business perspective as the layout can easily be changed as needs change. Sit stand benching systems allow teams to work closely while giving each person the freedom to adjust their workstation for optimal ergonomics. Mid-size offices with multiple workstations allow people to work together within their team. Open spaces with hot desks, couches, and huddle pods can allow small groups to meet up easily without the formality of a conference room. The modern office is all about variety, and spaces for collaboration that are simple and flexible are redefining the office.