2023 Office Design Predictions
The landscape of workspace design has rarely undergone such a rapid, seismic shift as it has in recent years. As we start chapter 2023, it is clear the workplaces are no longer simply a place to work, but have instead transitioned into an essential infrastructure for building social capital and fostering a sense of purpose and belonging. Businesses are more aware than ever that workplaces are now a place where a blend of community and culture can bring out the best in both employees and employers. And a place where a serious push towards sustainable living and working can be played out.
So, what office design trends will reign supreme in 2023?
Impactful Prints and Textures
Office spaces and their designs have evolved over the last few years. As employees’ needs progress, so must the approach to workplace design.
Office interiors will be more dynamic as we approach 2023, with fun and modern prints on fabrics, wallpaper, and flooring, as well as different layers of textures. The same colours will be used, but different materials, textures, and fabrics will be used to create a variety of different effects. Colours and textures that are appealing can increase employee engagement and satisfaction. Organic shapes and varied textures can help to create a more visually appealing workspace while also promoting space fluidity and harmony.
Office interiors continue to be functional at their core, but employers are increasingly incorporating elements of comfort and features that facilitate improved employee wellbeing.
Balance of Collaboration and Desks (blending home, work and third places)
In addition to these trends, we’re seeing an increase in open-plan offices and more collaborative spaces where employees can collaborate on projects or simply have face-to-face conversations.
A building that is buzzing with collaborative energy provides a dynamic work environment. The goal for office design this year is to create spaces within the office that feel more like home, with elements of third places – public spaces outside of work and home where people can socialise and relax.
Designing the office to encourage collaboration can enhance its appeal to commuting employees by providing opportunities for networking and relationship-building with co-workers. Companies want people back in the office because they know that working remotely can have a negative impact on collaboration and creativity. As a result, the layout of an office will continue to be significantly influenced by collaboration and social interaction.
If you would like to speak to the team at Dthree about starting your fitout project or any fitout advice you may need, please do not hesitate to contact us, or read out \Office Fitout Guide’ here.
Inclusive Office Spaces
When designing office interiors in 2023, designers should focus on creating flexible spaces that allow employees to move around freely without feeling confined to their desks all day. One way to accomplish this is to use different types of furniture for different purposes within the same room.
The trend toward personalization will continue this year. Because the workplace environment should be tailored to the needs of each individual employee, there is no one ‘right’ way to furnish your office. Individualized workstations can give employees the freedom they need to do their best at work.
Employers must also have areas in their offices that evoke a sense of belonging and inclusivity. It is critical to provide employees with a broader range of work settings that allow them to play to their strengths while also increasing employee productivity and comfort.
Rethinking the office space to foster neurodiversity is critical so that the needs of the neurodivergent workforce are considered. More than 15% of adults in the UK are neurodivergent*, which means they process information differently than society considers normal. Employers are modernising their workspaces to encourage more collaborative participation. This means that texture, colour, sequencing, temperature, and odours are all factors to consider during the design process.
Creating neurodivergent-friendly workspaces will accommodate and embrace employees’ diverse sensory responses to a shared environment, improving everyone’s health and wellbeing. Read our blog for more hybrid working tips to make companies more inclusive.
Sustainability
In 2023, office interiors will continue to be influenced by long-term trends. As a society, we are becoming more conscious of our environmental impact, and this has permeated commercial workplaces as well. Sustainable design concepts, such as green building practises, are becoming more popular in offices today, but we predict these concepts will become even more prevalent in 2023. Increased engagement with initiatives such as SKA , BREEAM , WELL, LEED will make impactful changes towards a net zero target.
This trend will likely continue as consumers all over the world increase their demand for environmentally friendly products and services. A more detailed approach to sustainability and the long-term impact of office fit-outs are at the forefront of designers’ minds. Our designers are Dthree Studio create workspaces that offer longevity without compromising on style. See more of our completed projects here.
The other major trend we see emerging is adaptive reuse, which involves reusing old structures or buildings rather than demolishing them. This is beneficial for businesses, people, and the environment. Whether you are setting out on redesigning your existing space or have a blank canvas from which to work, there are some pertinent steps which should not be overlooked when designing your sustainable workplace.
The Rise in ‘Smart’ Offices
Technology, controllability, personalization, and interactive collaboration are all important aspects to consider in today’s office design. We’ve seen how the physical workspace is evolving to support hybrid working. While homes are acting as the new office, for hybrid work to be truly hybrid, the physical workplace is beginning to take shape as a critical hub for rich collaboration. The Internet powers all this hybrid collaboration and connectivity across teams, spaces, and digital resources.
With some employees working in the office and others remotely, seamless collaboration is essential, as is the ability to stay synced through shared resources. SaaS apps and other cloud-hosted services play a critical role in powering these interactions.
Overall, the design trend is moving towards using technology as an essential part of the workplace. It’s no longer just about having technology – it’s about how that technology can impact every aspect of our lives. Office spaces must adapt to accommodate these changes for them to remain relevant and functional for employees.
To find out more about the technology solutions supporting the hybrid workplace read DeVono’s latest guide on Achieving a Seamless Digital Experience.
If you want to know more about how we can help you improve your workplace to get the best out of your people and business, get in touch today.
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