The Covid-19 pandemic changed almost every aspect of our day-to-day lives. One of the most notable changes relates to the need and use of our office spaces. With most employees working from home to social distance, the professional office now serves a different purpose.
The latest trends, therefore, seek to have the office space function alongside the possibility that many workers will continue working remotely. Office space development layouts do not only focus on creating a productive space for employees but a healthy and safe one too.
5 Office Space Development Trends in a Post-Covid World
The need for social distancing and constant sanitizing have set the tone for the latest trends in office development. We take a look at some of these below.
Smaller Office Spaces to Suit Hybrid Models
While the everyday use of an office has decreased, office spaces have not become completely redundant. With productivity increasing by 13% when employees work from home, it is no surprise that post-Covid-19 trends incorporate hybrid models.
The hybrid office will allow employees to do individual work at home but still have a central meeting place for work that requires collaboration. By doing this, there is no longer a need for huge floor plans to allow for employees to have an office. Rather, smaller spaces that are open plan and provide shared working areas are the go-to for this model.
Spacious Layouts to Accommodate Social Distancing
The best way to prevent Covid-19 infections is to limit contact between employees. Social distancing is therefore an important consideration when designing your space.
But Covid-19 or not, we are all more aware of how easily infections can spread. As a result, socially distanced workspaces will give employees peace of mind and help them focus on their work even in a post-Covid world.
Desk Distancing
The best and most effective way to encourage social distancing is to place the office furniture in such a way that it compels employees to keep their distance. For example, placing desks at least six feet apart from each other.
Businesses have also needed to place high contact office pieces like water coolers and printers spatially and away from work areas. Thus, office spaces are now alternating desks and workstations or positioning them facing away from each other so that everyone feels comfortable.
Smaller Conference Rooms
With fewer people in the office at the same time, and with video conferencing becoming so common, new office designs will likely feature smaller conference rooms. As there is no longer a need to accommodate a lot of people in one meeting room, it makes sense that offices don’t need to have giant conference rooms.
Smaller conference rooms also provide a space for a few employees to collaborate while social distancing as we get used to the new normal.
Open Plan is Here to Stay
As office spaces become more of a meeting place for employees, an open plan space provides many benefits. Not only does it allow for easy collaboration, but it’s also a great, cost-effective trend that helps prevent the spread of Covid-19.
An open-plan space reduces the number of surfaces touched by employees. No doors are constantly opened or closed. Further, open plan spaces allow for air to freely flow through the room, which provides ventilation for the whole office. Most offices should have an HVAC system to help with this as well.
Touchless Technology Integration
Entering office buildings and shared bathrooms using contact biometrics proved to be extremely problematic and dangerous during Covid-19.
Therefore, the post-Covid-19 office trends are moving in the direction of hands-free technology. This includes contactless ways for employees to enter their offices by using sensors or by scanning QR codes.
Further, using technology such as video conferencing within the office is a new and effective trend keeping human contact to a minimum.
Smart Materials and Nature-focused Design
With many employees experiencing the benefits of working anywhere, office spaces need to be more inviting. The incorporation of outdoor elements like plants is a great way to improve the atmosphere of the space.
Good air quality and materials that are antimicrobial have proven to be essential during this time. Therefore, post-Covid-19 trends will likely see the addition of smart materials into our spaces. These include updated HVAC systems and using materials that do not mold and are easy to clean and maintain.
Final Thoughts
It’s safe to say that the office is here to stay albeit serving a slightly different purpose. The latest trends have embraced the benefits of working from home by limiting the use of the office to collaborative work.
While it’s clear that post-covid office space development trends are focused on promoting health and safety, doing so will lead to increased productivity. This is because employees feel respected and comfortable.
If you’re considering development of a new office space or tenant improvements of an existing property, feel free to reach out and chat with us at Chad Fisher Construction.