Workspace 2.0: Anticipating Trends in the Future of Work

As urbanization continues and people's working needs gradually change, what is the future of the workspace? With advances in information technology and frequent online interactions, many large multinational companies announce or plan to make remote working a permanent feature. Why do we still need physical office space? In this blog, we will explore how to design working environments that are functional, comfortable, and user-centered.

Employees spend most of their time in an office space during the day, and the office has always been a place for various hands-on activities. Telecommuting does not apply to all types of work, and some communication and collaboration at work inevitably require a physical location to serve as a platform. The design of an office space is about creating a better experience for this process so that people from different backgrounds and areas of expertise can communicate comfortably.

For a population that moves between roles daily, an ideal and friendly workplace must be an environment that enhances the well-being of its users - blurring the lines between life, work and leisure, while creating efficiency, community and resilience. We want to design a place where people want to stay, a place of inspiration. As for the transformation of office models, such as mobile working, cross-border working, and staff mobility, they all point to one core direction - resilience. In addition to providing different hardware and equipment to help employees perform, companies may also need to consider adjusting their work culture. Some large traditional organizations are also actively breaking out of old frameworks to respond to the changing needs of the new generation of workers.

What kind of workplace do we need today?

Moving from the exterior to the interior, we are also curious to see what kind of workspace design can meet the current needs of employees while at the same time providing a friendly and caring human space for those who go to work every day.

Office space is not a stand-alone entity, but interdependent with other functional elements to inspire a human and interactive space experience.

Smart Intelligence

As mobile working and shared spaces become a global trend, and the effects of the pandemic drive companies to work remotely, smart office is an important element in ensuring that all aspects of the business, including employees, customers and management, remain connected. Of course, smart offices also require relatively high levels of power, so energy-efficient design and eco-certification will help companies attract talents.

Display window for corporate image

In the context of the new generation of office models, the standard office function has been weakened and replaced by functions that emphasise more multi-party interactions, such as entertaining clients, and the focus is on how to display the corporate image to promote business.

As office space takes on the role of external image, more companies are willing to introduce artistic elements. By creating an exclusive taste for art, companies can convey a unique brand image to their customers. At the same time, supporting the development of community art is a way for companies to give back to society. For many international companies, art can even be used as an asset to preserve the value of their investments.

Functional flexibility

Flexibility is also an important consideration for businesses today. Not only does the number of people working in an office vary according to the mode of operation, but the function of each space tends to vary too. With movable or demountable furniture, a pantry can be transformed into a collaborative area or temporary workspace, or an open space can be used for lunchtime yoga.

The new generation of offices has abandoned the fixed office model and instead divides the space into different forms of collaborative areas, allowing employees to choose their preferred workspace. This type of interactive space increases human communication, strengthens team spirit and fosters a sense of belonging. From a business perspective, a comfortable and innovative work environment not only increases productivity but is also key to attracting and retaining talent.