With every year comes new trends to incorporate into your office design. However, 2019 is a special year in that it does not really entail “trends” but major shifts in the way we see office design. New values and beliefs are being incorporated into 2019 office designs, and they’re here to stay for good.
Experience-driven spaces
Experience-driven spaces refers to user-centric design elements of a space in the office. It’s no longer enough to have a one-size-fits-all approach to office design. Instead, there must be different components to meet the needs and interests of different employees, whether active and social or introverted and reflective. The emphasis here is on employee experience, and can include features like:
- Massage, yoga and physio spaces
- Meditation and prayer areas
- Rock climbing walls
- Beverage stations
- Game and leisure rooms
While this is a major investment, it’s a proven way of increasing employee morale and job satisfaction, and therefore well worth considering if you are redoing your office in 2019. Additionally, clients and visitors will be blown away by the unique facilities at your office, promoting a positive impression of your company.
Free range spaces
Taking a leaf from the plethora of coworking spaces that have popped up throughout the world, corporate offices are also looking to create more free range spaces in 2019.
Flexible and agile workspaces are needed for today’s world, with more people using laptops instead of being locked into place by their desktop. Employees want to be able to work from anywhere they are comfortable, collaborate and communicate freely, and generally enjoy freedom of movement.
To facilitate smart working, employers will need to provide abundant power points, wireless charging stations, data ports, video conferencing technology, smartboards and more to their employees. This is sure to be a worthwhile investment, as employee productivity will skyrocket when they are given room to innovate and create. Allow your employees to work in the style that they please by creating a free range space in 2019.
Nostalgic touches
Vintage style has always been in, but in 2019, we can expect to see even more nostalgic touches throughout offices. This can be in the form of:
- Antique decorative items alongside modern furniture and equipment
- A balance of weathered and smooth textures
- Classic architecture and interior design
- Earthy elements
- Vintage games or activities such as board games or arcade games
Such nostalgic touches add a air of homeliness and realness to any office space, making for a more inviting workplace than one that is stark white and clinical. This is a simple change than any business can make today to keep up with 2019 trends.
Biophilic design
Biophilic office design refers to design inspired by nature, and it’s a trend that is here to stay for good. While greenery has been used in offices for several years now, biophilic design goes deeper, focusing on a true integration with nature.
Creating an eco-friendly space that positively promotes nature is essential for a modern office. Biophilic design has been shown to reduce stress and absenteeism, promote creativity and wellbeing, and save resources for business owners. In the near future, biophilic design will be the standard.
Elements of biophilic design to consider working into your office in 2019 include:
- Living green walls
- Pot plants
- Materials such as wood and stone
- Organic shapes and biomorphic forms
- Plenty of natural sunlight
- Thermal comfort
- High-quality ventilation
2019 is an exciting year for office design trends, as it firmly cements previous years’ trends as the new norm. In the future, we can expect to see modern biophilic design and state-of-the-art technology paired with vintage touches, resulting in a stunning workspace that is conducive to productivity.
Business Relocations
As the leading business movers in Auckland, Christchurch and beyond, Business Relocations are excited to see what styles and designs offices showcase in 2019. Contact us on 0800 800 247 or at info@businessrelocations.co.nz for any of your office relocation needs. Our friendly team of commercial movers are more than happy to assist you with your move.
