Workspaces have transformed many times since the pandemic in 2020 and now companies and staff are gradually spending more and more time in the office. The huge amount of upheaval of the past few years has meant that some companies are struggling to create a long-term workspace strategy. It can be difficult to know which hot design trends are fads, and those that will have longevity and shape the future of our office environment.
So, let’s check out the office design trends that look set to pick up pace in 2023. And let’s also discover how vinyl wrapping can help to make your office hot to trot.
Hybrid and Flexible Working
The pandemic has continued to have a big impact on the way we work, with many companies maintaining a “hybrid” approach that supports a blend of in-office and remote work. The challenge can be how best to optimise the space left by remote employees.
Offering a wide range of work zones and making good use of the available space for quiet working or collaboration areas is a perfect solution. Work pods are fast becoming a hit in the office, enabling staff to fully concentrate on the task at hand.
Vinyl wrapping has been around for some years now and is seriously taking off as the go-to for a professional office fit-out. Desks, office furniture, conference tables, wall panelling and work pods are all prime candidates for a brand-new look using our durable architectural film.
An Enhanced Office Experience
Businesses are placing greater importance on offering a “enhanced” office experience for employees. The aim is to create a space where employees want to spend their time by offering an elevated working experience.
This doesn’t mean just looking at the work spaces. It’s considering every aspect of the design to welcome employees to the office, and to keep their staff happy while they work.
Some lucky employees are enjoying such perks as indoor basketball courts and massage rooms! The rest of us would be quite happy with a clean, modern kitchen area, new staff lockers or a bright staff room with up to date and comfortable furniture.
At Fusion we have completed projects for some fabulous companies with amazing results, creating much more aesthetically pleasing staff areas to relax in. These companies really do value their staff and know that a happy workforce is a productive one.
Design for Diversity
With a spotlight on equality, many companies are now addressing the unique needs of employees from a variety of backgrounds. Employees have different experiences depending on their gender, race, age and ability.
How can we ensure that our employees are completely at home in their working environment?
As we have touched on before, quiet spaces are perfect for absolute concentration. Some workers can be over-stimulated by their environment (triggers can include noise, lighting etc.), so implementing private spaces for them boosts workplace diversity.
With the seemingly constant increase to the retirement age, we also have an ageing, but vitally important, workforce of older staff. Ergonomic training and the use of ergonomic seating, lowering of high shelving and regular breaks for exercise will all help to keep staff healthy. Not just for the older employee either – the younger generation will also benefit from such practice.
Around one billion employees need assistive workplace technology. This can include wheelchair ramps and lifts, screen readers and magnifiers, and adjustable sit-stand desks.
Look at your office space and see what could be modified for you to have an inclusive workplace for all.
Fusions vast range of vinyl patterns, colours and prints can be used on almost any flat surface to create a calm, clean and uninterrupted environment.
And don’t forget that lift wrapping is one of our specialities. Just a little change like enhancing the lift interior or the doors to add to the appeal and look of essential aids.
Connecting Humans with Nature
Humans have an innate attraction to nature. It helps us to feel calm and less stressed. Plants and plenty of light spaces all help to give us that feel good vibe.
And, if you’re passionate about sustainability, (and if you’re not, then you should be!) make sure you use a company like Fusion who have a green agenda. Using a framework such as the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) you can reduce the carbon footprint of your office upgrade project.
This is where vinyl really does come into its own. It’s such an eco- friendly way to update everything from doors to walls, furniture to bathrooms, kitchens, pods, walls and beyond! No mess, no waste and saving thousands of pounds by reusing what you already have rather than sending it to landfill.
So, why not have a real think about some of these ideas for a modern, fresh, inclusive and sustainable way to update your office space? Get in touch with our friendly team and find out how vinyl wrapping can create the environment your workers need and deserve. They will certainly thank you for it!