Design Trends that Influence Office Space
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The office is changing to adapt to different lifestyles of the workforce. The way a company designs its space may attract and keep employees, or even affect productivity. These trends are shaping office layouts. The Shrinking Talent Pool Many developed and developing nations such as Italy, US, China, Japan, and Germany will come across a talent shortage as employees age and hit decreasing growth rates. The US will experience workforce growth of approximately 0.7 percent between 2010 and 2020. The shrinking talent pool will force companies to find creative ways to attract and retain top talents. They need to design their office spaces in a way that engages and meets the wants of a young workforce. Providing spaces and choices for how, when, and where work takes place is a trend that businesses must consider. Activity-Based Work Spaces The complexity, unpredictability, and flexibility of today’s work means that a single and all-purpose space turns off most knowledge workers. Businesses must adapt to these changing conditions to intrigue a talented worker. Designing activity settings or purpose-created spaces for specific activities that is accessible to everyone helps attract and engage employees. Purpose-built spaces may include formal meeting areas, impromptu meeting locations, individual workstations, or shared break sections make up for the deficiencies of an allpurpose office area. There is no one solution for offices, companies must look into the personality of their workforce and the direction of their company.
Buildings either Boost or Hurt Performance Buildings have the capacity to boost performance by 12.5 percent or reduce by 17 percent. The swing shows the importance of building design and office layout. Factors, such as background noise may help with routine tasks while it distracts and reduces the productivity of writing or research-based work. Lighting has a positive impact on work, as long as it does not create glare. Engagement Matters An engaged workforce may improve a business’ bottom line by about 20 percent, while disengaged or even hostile workers may lead to a 30 to 50 percent turnover rate for companies. The office can act as a communication tool that promotes and celebrates individual or team success, communicating company objectives, and offering area for working together. It is important to engage employees by allowing them to provide input on how to design the workspace. Engaging employees, the effects of a shrinking talent pool, activity-based workspaces, and building design have a hand in enticing and keeping a talented workforce in today’s changing office environment. Sources: http://www.thecaretakers.com.au/commercial-fitouts/ http://www.hok.com/thought-leadership/top-10-trends-influencingworkplace-design/ http://www.inc.com/aaron-aders/5-office-design-trends-to-superchargeyour-workspace.html