2021 OFFICE TRENDS

It’s clear that we’re facing an abundance of change when it comes to our offices. From social distancing to biophilic design, there’s a number of new trends that can help your employees feel comfortable and safe while we settle into our “new normal.” 

To help you decide what changes to make, our workspace design experts have outlined some of the top office trends for this year.

A COVID-Safe Workplace

In addressing COVID-19, there are several things you can do to make employees feel safe. First, requiring masks in the office is essential to limiting transmission. You can also provide hand sanitization stations throughout your office like we did here at Vari. More importantly, you can safely distance your employee’s workstations. At Vari, we are spaced 6 feet apart with privacy screens between each desk. 

If your office layout doesn’t allow for increased spacing of workstations, creating physical barriers between employees is the CDC recommendation. This can be done by adding modular walls or privacy panels between desks. Open office environments should consider using transparent options to maintain a light and open feel while providing safety barriers.

Biophilic Design in the Office

You might consider bringing the outdoors inside your office in the form of biophilia, which is defined as a connection to nature. By adding plants and natural elements to your workspaces, a multitude of benefits are realized, including stress reduction and increased productivity. Plus, you can use larger plants to create buffer zones within the office.

Resimercial Design Practices

If you add traditional residential furniture, like couches and coffee tables, to your commercial space, this is known as resimercial design. These relaxed, lounge areas can be used for a one-on-one or small group meetings in an open space or as part of an executive space. Either way, resimercial design practices are a growing trend for companies today for its ability to create relaxed work areas within your office.

Agile Workspaces

Now that remote work is on the rise and office redesigns are underway due to the pandemic, agile workspaces are more important than ever. With flexible furniture, which is furniture that rolls or can easily be moved, you can change and adapt spaces at any moment, which is perfect when adjusting to a hybrid workforce or changing guidelines. 

Whether you go for bold adjustments or small ones, keep in mind that change will be constant as we continue to adjust to our “new normal.” But, by being flexible, you can adapt to whatever comes your way.