Office cubicle spaces are an outdated, dinosaur concept. First popularised in the 1960s, it became the dominant type of office in the 70s right up to the 80s and 90s. Today, they are now often synonymous with a jail cell – a dehumanising relic of the past; restrictive, suffocating. Workspace design experts today say cubicles are a “hard no.”
Refers to the deliberate planning and arrangement of physical spaces within a space, workspace design aims to optimize functionality, efficiency, productivity, and well-being for those who occupy and utilize the space. This encompasses the layout, furniture, lighting, colour schemes, environmental elements, and overall aesthetic considerations tailored to the specific needs and objectives of the people using it.
Effective workspace design takes into account factors such as workflow, collaboration, communication, ergonomics, sustainability, and the integration of technology to create environments that support both individual work tasks and collaborative activities, fostering a conducive atmosphere for work. Workspace design impacts employer branding as well as employee well-being, it can also significantly impact productivity and work culture, both for the office space and co-working space.
At INFINITY8 we put detailed attention into designing a workspace that is optimal for collaboration, and enhancing focus and productivity, from ergonomic furniture to biophilic designs, contact us to find out more!
And hey, here are the top 5 workspace design trends in 2024!
- Biophilic design
Biophilic design is a modern innovative approach to architecture and interior design that integrates elements of nature into built environments. The term “biophilia” refers to the innate human connection to nature, and biophilic design aims to nurture and enhance this connection by incorporating natural elements, patterns, and processes into workspaces.
Biophilic designs include the integration of natural light, indoor plants and greenery, views of outdoor spaces, water features, etc. Studies show that biophilic design can reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue, promoting overall well-being and mental health, because indoor plants and greenery not only add visual appeal but also help purify the air by removing toxins and increasing oxygen levels, leading to a healthier and more comfortable indoor environment. Besides that, it also boosts productivity, creativity, and focus, leading to better performance and innovation, while being more eco-friendly with the use of energy-efficient systems.
- Hybrid & collaboration workspaces
Collaboration workspaces, or coworking spaces, are shared workspaces where people from diverse backgrounds and organizations work independently or collaboratively. These spaces feature open layouts, flexible membership options, and a range of amenities such as high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and communal areas.
Collaboration workspaces foster a sense of community and networking among members, providing opportunities for knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration, offering a professional yet casual atmosphere promoting productivity and creativity, and attracting those seeking a dynamic work environment.
As hybrid work has become increasingly common post-pandemic, working from home can be sometimes unconducive with many distractions. Therefore, collaboration workspaces, or coworking spaces are the solution for meeting the needs of being close to home as well as providing a quiet and conducive space to work. INFINITY8 provides a comfortable collaboration working space, with facilities like a hotdesk, meeting rooms, and event spaces that are fully designed for focus without the need to waste time commuting to the office.
- Ergonomic design
Ergonomic workspace design involves the creation of environments and furniture that are specifically tailored to support the physical well-being and productivity of individuals. It focuses on optimizing the interaction between people and their work environment by considering factors such as body posture, movement, comfort, and safety.
Ergonomic workspace design aims to minimize the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and other ergonomic-related injuries by providing furniture, equipment, and layout arrangements that promote natural and healthy body positions during tasks. This may include adjustable chairs, desks, and workstations, as well as the incorporation of proper lighting, temperature control, and acoustic considerations to enhance overall comfort and efficiency.
Sit-stand desks have also become increasingly popular, allowing users to alternate between sitting and standing positions throughout the day to alleviate the negative effects of prolonged sitting. Additionally, ergonomic seating solutions, such as ergonomic chairs with lumbar support and adjustable armrests, are essential for maintaining proper spinal alignment and reducing discomfort during long hours of work.
Technology integration is also gaining popularity, with ergonomic accessories such as monitor arms and keyboard trays enabling users to optimize their workstation setup for comfort and efficiency.
- Wellness & mental health
As people return to offices after the pandemic, considerations about how the workspaces support mental health are increasingly important to job satisfaction and workplace productivity. Poor workplace design can lead to a wide range of mental health issues, including stress, anxiety, and depression. Conversely, a well-designed workplace can boost mood, improve focus, and enhance overall mental well-being.
Workspace designs to support wellness and mental health include allocating designated spaces for relaxation, incorporating facilities that encourage physical movement such as standing desks, walking paths, or exercise facilities, and social spaces for connection such as break rooms, cafeterias, or collaboration zones, implementing privacy and focus areas such as telephone booths and private work areas, etc.
- Sustainable offices
Sustainable offices are workplaces designed with a focus on minimizing environmental impact, conserving resources, and promoting social responsibility. These offices prioritize sustainability across various aspects of their operations, including building design, energy usage, waste management, and procurement practices.
For example incorporating energy-efficient lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, water-saving fixtures, implementing recycling programs for paper, plastic, glass, and other materials, prioritizing indoor air quality by using low-VOC (volatile organic compound) materials, providing adequate ventilation, and incorporating natural light and views of nature, etc.
Discover INFINITY8’s ergonomic and biophilic-designed workspaces
Take your productivity to the next level with workspaces designed for you and your team, enjoy soothing workspaces, make valuable connections, optimize collaboration, and enhance focus in INFINITY8.
Book a free personalised tour and see INFINITY8 for yourself! Contact us at +6018-2204138, email us at [email protected], or speak to our friendly sales personnel today!