The Office of the Future
The last several years have drastically changed how we work, when we work, where we work, and the equipment we need to do our jobs. Work from home developed into a major part of our lives and the way we use our commercial office space has changed. As a result, the needs of our business have changed and will continue to evolve well into 2022. Those of us who stay ahead of the trend and continue to do so will be able to be successful for years to come.
Commercial Office Space
For decades a commercial office is where most of us, and our family members, worked from 9-5 Monday-Friday. That norm has been drastically altered in the last year. Even though most companies have returned to in-person work, many businesses developed programs to allow employees to work partially from home. As a result of this trend, some companies have begun to downsize their commercial office spaces. Businesses can now have employees share workspaces by having them alternate days, most meetings have been moved to video conferences limiting the need for large conference and multipurpose rooms, and the need for fantasy waiting rooms has diminished as companies rarely invite guests to the office anymore. Additionally, smaller offices help reduce a company’s overhead cost and this has factored into the decision to downsize. In a world where profit margins are tight, most companies want to save as much money as possible and reducing the expense of a large office complex is an easy way to achieve this goal. Large commercial offices might one day return to their former glory but for the foreseeable future smaller spaces and remote work will continue to dominate the business world.
Technology
Office technology has also drastically advanced over the last several years and we have all seen the change. Five years ago, video conference calls existed but were rare. Today, we use a video conference application almost daily. The need for cameras on our devices is at an all time high and the use of desktop computers is rapidly falling in favor of laptops. Portable computers, seemed like an impossible luxury thirty years ago, are now the most sought-after technology. A laptop computer allows us to work from home, the office, or just about anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection. The technology continues to evolve and advance, and it has shaped our daily work routines in ways never thought imaginable. Gone are the days of large bulky computer storage racks and external storage devices. A modern-day laptop has the storage space and computing power of devices that would take up rooms twenty years ago. Additionally, smart phones have made emails simple and easy to answer from anywhere. We no longer must rush home to follow up on a task or to keep up with what is happening at the office. We can do it from the palm of our hands. Technology will continue to advance and will continue to shape the way we work. Who knows what the next breakthrough will be, but odds are it will revolutionize the way we work yet again.
Furniture
When it comes to how our commercial and home offices look, there is a large room for personal preference. Some people prefer a traditional look while other must have a modern décor. There is no right or wrong way to furnish a work area; however, the size and needs of the furniture has changed over the years. In the past, large work surfaces was a luxury that allowed us to spread out reference materials and still have plenty of room to write. Modern days desks no longer need as much surface area, most reference materials can be replaced by a computer screen. Which leads to the needs of the modern-day employee. Today, most people like to have two screens when they work. One for reference materials and the other to work on. Therefore, you see monitor arms and mounting kits become a major part of the modern office. Additionally, you can put a computer, with two screens, on a much smaller desk then you would be able to even ten years ago. This has resulted in a reduction in the footprint of many work areas.
Another modern feature that has come to fruition in the last decade has been the prevalence of adjustable height workspaces. Most of us now monitor our daily activity level and this has resulted in many of us wanting to spend more time on our feet. Adjustable height workstations have enabled us to modernize our furniture with the trend of the times. There are even many after market products that allow you to add height adjustability to an existing desk making any workspace a sit/stand option.
The luxury of having a large desk and a fantasy private office will never go away for good. People like to feel important and having nice things is how we express this emotion. However, the need for large spaces and high-end furniture to impress guests is in decline. Every company and every person has its preferences, but it is important to not get stuck in the past. So, if you are planning to move your office or remodel a workspace remember to think practically and do your research. Figure out what you will need and try to anticipate the needs of the future. The world will continue to evolve, and our workspaces will change with the times. Finally, no matter what look, technology, furniture, or office size you choose to go with make sure you pick an environment that makes you comfortable. This will ensure you stay focused and can remain a productive member of the work force.