Unleash Your Productivity: Workspace Trends 2022!

Standard cubicles are quickly becoming a thing of the past thanks to innovative workspace design. Gone are the days when teams keep to their own areas – today, organizations are opting for new ways for people to collaborate, focus, and efficiently get things done. 

Looking to change the way your employees work together? With the Great Resignation impacting companies across the country, now’s the time to consider how to transform your workspace into a place that can help you attract top talent! Knowing how to design a modern office that will boost productivity and engagement will work wonders for both team morale and your bottom line. 

Here are the top workspace design trends to pay attention to this year.

Why Workspace Design is Shifting

Though many businesses are changing the way they work, there are a handful of reasons why these changes are taking place. Factors include:

• Demographic shifts in the U.S. workforce
• The rapid rate at which technology is advancing
• The Great Resignation and a shortage of top talent
• Updated research on the impact a workspace can have on employees
• Financial considerations

Organizations can use this data to adapt and design a workspace that contributes to their overall success.

Demographic Shifts

The American workforce looks much different than it did decades ago. Baby Boomers are entering retirement, while Millennials are taking over. Gen Zers are also entering the working world.

Considering Millennials and Gen Z grew up with technology that wasn’t present for Boomers, these age groups work differently. Craving collaboration, today’s employees appreciate feedback as well as utilizing technology in their everyday lives. This need for teamwork will move workspace design toward open, collaborative spaces.

Technological Advancements 

93% of U.S. adults use the internet, up from 52% in 2020. Technology is advancing rapidly, and offices must keep up should they hope to stay relevant in today’s marketplace. Laptops, smartphones, and tablets have changed how we work, making it easier to take projects on the go rather than being tied to a desktop.

With the cloud helping teams share solutions and productivity apps becoming a staple on mobile devices, organizations everywhere are shifting the way they communicate and work together. That’s why today’s businesses must update their workspace design to accommodate the latest and greatest tech advancements.

A Shortage of Talent

A record 47.4 million workers voluntarily quit their jobs in 2021. With the workforce shifting each year, companies find it harder to recruit and retain top talent. However, the more appealing a workplace is, the better chance an organization has to hold on to its team members. That’s why workspace design is so vital. 

Updated Research

Studies across the board have found that high-quality workplace design positively impacts employee retention and satisfaction. In addition, the proper setup has the power to boost productivity, focus, and how much employees feel valued. 

From comfort to mood, team members rely on their workspace to help them feel prepared to finish their work. With this updated research, businesses have started to focus more on how they can improve their workspace and put the well-being of their employees first.

Financial Considerations

Workspace design doesn’t always come cheap – especially for companies with a tighter budget. However, those looking to improve creativity and collaboration have begun to set aside funds for a new place to work, as they understand the impact it can have on their team and its success. Though workspace setup can be costly, in the long run, organizations may lose more to a modern office design that doesn’t allow their employees to do their best work.

The Top 5 Workplace Designs for Maximum Success

Yes, it’s important to meet your sales goals, but it’s more important to consider the success of each one of your team members – and the right office design will allow you to do just that. Here are the top 5 workplace designs you can implement for maximum success.

Workplace Design #1: A Focus on Flexibility 

Traditional cubicles and standard desk arrangements don’t allow for much wiggle room. And unfortunately, in today’s world, flexibility is key. That’s where modular, adaptable workspaces come into play. These setups make it easier for employees to work together to complete projects.

With movable furniture, team members can better interact with one another, shifting their space to meet their current needs. Plus, flexible office spaces allow for maximum comfort, as no employees are stuck in the same spot for prolonged periods.

Workplace Design #2: A Blend of Private and Public

Though collaboration has become a significant workplace consideration, many teams still appreciate their private spaces. Blended spaces offer a combination of private, semi-private, and open workspaces. This allows all employees to find the best spot for their style.

These offices typically include common areas, meeting rooms, breakout areas, and private seating. They’re excellent for teams that incorporate collaborative meetings and 1:1 sessions into their workflows.

Workplace Design #3: The Wellbeing Oasis 

With research continuing to prove that our surroundings impact our health, many organizations are focusing on how their modern office space can improve the well-being of their team members. For example, providing areas where employees can stand and move around instead of simply sitting in one spot for 8+ hours each day.

Natural light has also become a priority, as 47% of employees admit they feel tired or very tired from the absence of natural light or a window at their office. Standing desks are a staple in this design concept, as well as placing stairs, lounges, and restrooms away from workspaces to encourage movement.

Workplace Design #4: Amenities Galore

To recruit and retain top talent, it’s crucial to consider what your ideal team members prioritize. Millennials, in particular, search for companies that are laid back and ensure they feel comfortable enough to do their best work. This means including common areas with food and drinks, workout rooms, outdoor break areas, and game rooms.

Adding these amenities to your workspace may seem trivial, but when hiring new faces, it can make a significant impact. Proving you care about your employees’ well-being will help applicants understand how much they’ll be valued when joining your team.

Workplace Design #5: A Technological Haven

Technology has taken over all workplaces, but to truly incorporate tech into your modern office design, you need to opt for an arrangement that makes it easy for employees to utilize their current systems. This means setting up furniture, workstations, and lounges with connectivity in mind. Consider adding things like:

• Built-in power stations at every desk
• Table-top touchscreens
• Wireless streaming dongles
• Interactive displays
• Personalized lighting systems
• 3D printers
• Chairs with electrical outlets and USB ports

The more you can integrate technology into your workplace, the better your productivity levels. 

Designing Your Perfect Workspace

If you’re hoping to create a comfortable, inviting space for your team to collaborate and meet their goals together, Metro Offices is here to help. We can customize various workspace solutions for your unique work style and needs.

Send us a message today to learn more about how we can help you design a workspace that allows you to surpass your business goals!

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Women-owned and locally-focused, Metro Offices has been a catalyst for workspace innovation since 1989 and continues to be the premier provider of virtual and in-person office space in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Serving over 30,000 businesses, our high-touch services and solutions are designed to help entrepreneurs, founders, and CEOs scale their businesses and optimize their professional reputations.