How Office Trends Are Changing in 2024
As the serviced office sector becomes increasingly competitive, with providers continually searching for new ways to meet the demands of an evolving workforce, those tasked with designing these workspaces have used research, as well as employee feedback, to inform their choices when it comes to curating a better work environment.
In our latest blog, we’re looking at what we believe will be the upcoming trends in the serviced office sector this year, what influences them, and how venYou is responding.
Functional Flexibility
Employees are changing the way they utilise their office space in 2024. At one time, segmented layouts interspersed with dividers and storage cabinets were the norm, and many employees’ working patterns had to fit within the confines of this workspace. Today, teams are opting for workspaces that work around them. From modular collaboration spaces to private booths with conferencing capabilities, varying levels of privacy, different layouts, and even amenities traditionally associated with more social settings have all been incorporated by office designers to meet the demands of business in 2024.
One of the main factors both driving and meeting this need for flexibility is technology. Technology has empowered many teams to take advantage of more flexible ways of working. Shared timetables between team members have made the process of scheduling with each other easier, while online video calls make meetings more accessible. Advances in technology have given employees freedom when it comes to planning their workday, and many office spaces have adapted to this requirement by providing designated spaces for video calls, smart conferencing, and robust security systems.
Workspaces that promote Inclusivity
Over the last decade, office providers have become acutely aware that teams are made up of individuals from different backgrounds who process their environments in different ways. There has been a focus placed on how spaces can be made more accessible and inclusive of those using them. One design trend that has been increasingly incorporated within workspaces is the inclusion of multi-sensory spaces that accommodate neurodiversity, the different ways that people’s brains work.
Combining open spaces for social interaction with quiet spaces that offer privacy means that offices can better meet the needs of those who may struggle with either. Taking a multisensory approach to office layout helps to accommodate different needs and make work a safer, easier place to be for individuals. In 2024, using research into how we can best meet the needs of employees, more and more office designs are going to reflect the role that environment can play in wellbeing.
Balancing Fun with Function
In the past, it may have been seen as inappropriate for an office space to include a bar or lounge area stocked with a range of beverages, including some alcoholic, that was open to employees throughout the workday. Nowadays, office culture has changed, and the social aspects of the workplace have been seen to be as important as the work. In a business landscape post-Covid, social interaction between teams and other businesses has never been more encouraged. Bar and lounge areas in an office are now commonplace and allow people to nurture relationships both on the clock and outside the 9-5. Increased employee satisfaction and better relationships have made this trend one we think will be here to stay!
Standing out from the crowd
In the age of social media, people are increasingly driven by how a space looks. Funky bar areas and trendy lounge spaces, as well as more greenery and natural light have all been attributed to increasing staff engagement and inspiring creativity and productivity. The benefits of a well-designed space have proven invaluable for businesses, as well as promoting the health and wellbeing of employees in work. Not only does an aesthetically pleasing space benefit employees, but welcoming clients into a unique reception area can make your business memorable, and give someone a positive idea of the work environment your team operate in.
How is venYou responding?
Behind many of the trends we are going to see in office space in 2024 is a common set of goals; to accommodate more, inspire more, and entice people back into the office. As employees demand workspace that works around them, many serviced office providers are responding with creative ways of meeting these needs.
At venYou, we have been listening to our clients, conducting research with them to see what it is that ticks all the right boxes in being the best serviced office provider we can be. Their responses have formed the basis of the changes we have made in recent times, which includes the investment in and implementation of state-of-the-art technology across all of our locations; the flexibility to make each office unique to our client and their requirements, from layout, branding and everything in between. We’re proud to offer a complimentary bar and networking events to enhance social interactions amongst clients, whilst promoting health and wellbeing with mindfulness and wellbeing courses, and the inclusion of greenery and more serene spaces for our clients to relax. This is something we will continue to invest in going forward for the benefits of venYou, and ultimately our clients.
With a wide choice of high-specification, city centre properties which offer a variety of amenities, from Thomas House’s Executive Lounge area to Scottish Provident’s Terrace, our team can provide you with the perfect space to help you progress your business and your team.
If you’re looking for an inspiring office space for 2024, contact venYou today on +44(0)28 9091 8500 or email dlinehan@venyou.co.uk.