Office Design in a post Covid-19 era

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the way companies approach office working, and subsequently have a direct consequence on how office spaces are designed and used.

Traditionally the office was a space where everyone had their own workstation and dedicated space, often in a larger open plan office divided by screens, while senior managers may have had their own separate offices. This way of working may provide a sense of personal space and stability, but it may also limit collaboration, flexibility and innovation, while creating a clear hierarchical structure.

Pre-pandemic a shift had started for open plan offices, with everyone working in a shared space without any dividers between the desks, encouraging communication and interaction in the open office space. While some meeting rooms or breakout areas would be provided for the more intimate meetings.

With the advent of people working more regularly from home, companies had to adapt, with many allowing a fully flexible working pattern, and therefore the office spaces also had to adapt to allow for more flexible working spaces, Some of the current trends in office architecture and design are:

1. Creating flexible and adaptable spaces to accommodate the growing demand for remote and hybrid work, by providing open-plan layouts, breakout areas, meeting rooms, and co-working spaces that encourage interaction and knowledge sharing.
2. Offices may have movable walls, modular furniture, and multipurpose areas that can be easily reconfigured according to the needs of the users, allowing for different modes of work and interaction.
3. Implementing desk sharing, via hot desking, touchdown areas, or communal tables allowing employees to work from any available workspace, and thus do not have assigned workstations or dedicated spaces. Desk sharing will save money on office space and reduce overhead costs, as fewer desks are needed to accommodate the workforce.
4. Companies are also more aware of the diversity and individuality of their staff, and are creating spaces that cater to different needs. For example, offices may have adjustable lighting, temperature, and acoustics, as well as ergonomic furniture and equipment, that allow the users to customize their work environment.
5. Offices are also using technology to protect the health and safety of the users, such as contactless access, sensors, and apps, to monitor and manage the occupancy, ventilation, and cleaning of the spaces
6. Adopting a more sustainable approach to lower energy consumption, such recycling waste, and optimizing water and energy efficiency, and using renewable materials for any new works.
7. Incorporating natural elements, such as plants, wood, and daylight, to create a biophilic environment to improve air quality to reduce stress and enhance the well-being and productivity of its staff.

Having more collaborative and social spaces in an improved environment, fosters a culture of collaboration and communication, while allowing personalised and human-centric design can also improve the comfort, satisfaction, and ultimately the performance of the end users.

By following the latest trends and innovations, office architects and designers can create offices that are not only functional and beautiful, but also inspiring and meaningful.