fbpx

Office Design Trends That Took Over 2022

Office design in 2022 has mainly been characterized by its focus on employee well-being and integration with technology. Companies have now shifted towards an employee-first approach and are better equipped to support employees through adjustments made post a previously predominant work-from-home environment. In this article, we reflect on the trends that took 2022 by storm with an insight into what 2023 might have to offer in terms of office fit out.

1. Nature-focused designs

2022 marked the incorporation of all things green, with biophilic office interior design Dubai as its focus. Biophilic office designs bring the freshness of the outdoors inside the workplace. This includes providing access to natural light, incorporating natural elements like wood and stone, placing plant life in the workplace, and using brighter colors to liven up the space.

2. Lounge spaces

Lounge spaces have become an important part of the overall office aesthetic and fit out due to their approachable nature that encourages employees to relax while promoting a great work environment. These spaces have evolved to accommodate more than just a couple of chairs and a mini kitchen. Active table-based games, comfortable seating, and full-fledged pantries to name a few have been included to give employees their deserved breaks within the office space while encouraging positive interactions and collaborations.

3. Pod setups

Individual pods have become popular in the past year due to the privacy it provides for employees seeking a quiet and focused work environment. Generally, these setups include seating for one or a small group, outlets for charging, and soundproof walls for a focused experience.

4. Ergonomic Interior Designs

There has been an increasing trend in ergonomic designs within offices all over the world. Ergonomics seeks to improve the well-being of employees on a physical level, mainly by providing amenities and furniture that seek to improve the overall quality of health of the employees. Some examples of this include installing standing desks, chairs that are designed to promote good posture, mice that fit the hand in a non-straining position, and more.

5. Phygital Set-ups

Most offices have gone phygital to incorporate employee needs now that most have adjusted to a hybrid set-up. Phygital designs aim to bridge the gap between the physical and digital world by providing the connectivity and technology needed to make working in the office a seamless experience. Examples of this include minimizing touchpoints, increasing online connectivity, and creating inclusive access points from a technological standpoint.

6. Group-based designs

These workspaces focus on the openness of the workplace. This means having fewer closed-off areas and dividers and an increase in interactions and collaboration between teams and departments. These designs centralize mainstream areas, like planning rooms, into a shared space that enables easy access to discussions and individuals alike. It also recognizes the need for closed-off areas wherever needed for more focused work and incorporates specific rooms for the same.

7. Wall art

Long gone are the plain white walls that used to plague offices all across the world; instead, color and art have made major headway, replacing these blank walls with pieces that draw the eyes in and promote creativity and critical thinking. 2022 saw an increase in offices shifting towards a more colorful setup to entice employees to come back to the office. Accent walls and abstract art bring personality to the space and make it feel more welcoming for employees who work there.

8. Sustainable Design

Sustainability has slowly become one of the most important aspects to consider in 2022, primarily due to the positives involved not only for the environment but also for the business. By incorporating high-efficiency systems, LED lighting, natural light, the use of low-emission materials, and more, companies are able to align themselves with set CSR initiatives while saving on costs. As we head into 2023, the overall emphasis on the employee-first approach will largely remain the same. As companies go into the full swing of a pre-pandemic environment, aspects like hygiene and overall safety will begin to take charge and influence the office designs of the future.