As employees begin to make their way back into the office following the global pandemic, we are noticing a shift in corporate trends. Global surveys reveal that 73% of employees want flexible, remote work options to stay. However, they also prove that employees still want to use the office for social and collaboration purposes — with 67% of respondents indicating they want more in-person opportunities following the pandemic. This means employers are looking at creating more fluid spaces that staff can use as they see fit. Expect to see an increase in more relaxed furniture and locations such as company lounges, technology-powered patios, and workplace cafés. Spaces such as these, foster creativity, collaboration, and a place for people to refuel their minds.
Although some of these corporate trends have been on the rise long before 2021, the Hospitality industry has been forging the way with business travelers. Hotel lobbies, over the last 5 years, have been developing flexible spaces, such as small private dining and meeting areas that can be closed off from the main lobby when reserved, and providing power and data connections in lounge furniture so impromptu collaborations can happen anywhere, anytime. Expect this to continue to grow in the corporate sector as well.
Another big push from the hospitality sector is the simplified design of furniture. Employees have been working from the comfort of their own homes for the last year and upon their return to the office they will look for those same comforts in the office space. We expect a huge increase in casual, yet contemporary design. More formal, traditional office concepts may have staff running back to their sofas and dining tables. Do not be afraid to incorporate spaces that feel more like a living room so staff, clients, and guests can all have a place to communicate and innovate.
We all are familiar with what the hotel industry is known for: their hospitality. We anticipate for employees to ask their companies to take more interest in their personal health and wellness. Having concierge-type services will help employers compete for talent and increase brand loyalty and retention. Staff, now more than ever, are reviewing how their office environment affects the mental health, overall wellness, and safety. This can range from in-office gyms, quiet rooms, and enhanced break rooms.
Forbes research shows workplace design can positively influence health, wellbeing, employee satisfaction, and most importantly, performance. Hospitality is all about human-centered design, and now the Corporate Sector can be too.
Learn more about our Corporate and Hospitality projects.
JZ Design Group is capable of multidisciplinary design and architecture, with a team ready to take on any challenge. We bring quality, care and extensive experience to each project and look forward to our future opportunities.
