"What shapes my workplace? Current trends and their impact on the office space.

Just as the world changes, along with our needs and priorities, so does the nature of our work and professional activities. Activities that require different arrangements and adaptation of office space. An effective office follows the organization and its employees and is a significant factor influencing the success achieved by the entire company.

While it might seem that the office space is mainly influenced by decisions made by Facility or Office Managers, in reality, many other factors shape it. These factors can be grouped into three main categories: trends, global economic and social situation, and, above all, the individual needs of employees and the entire organization.

TRENDS:

1. Shared Economy: This social and economic phenomenon aims for the most efficient use of available resources. We see it in various aspects of our life like food, car or even house sharing. This trend is also reflected in the concept of desk sharing in offices. To follow this trend, we need furniture solutions that offer adjustable options to accommodate the preferences of many users, ensuring ergonomic work even when changing working locations.

2. Hybrid: Hybrid offices prioritize relationships and interactions among employees, with arrangements built on multifunctionality and mobility. Furniture solutions like Offa or Brainy from the Nowy Styl portfolio cater to the characteristics of hybrid offices, providing spaces for both collaborative work and quiet focus.

3. Ergonomics: Health is never out of fashion. Ergonomics, a continuously evolving trend, holds a crucial position in shaping modern office spaces. Furniture solutions are designed with the health and comfort of employees in mind, featuring adjustable options and proper lumbar and arm support. Prioritizing ergonomics not only improves the efficiency and well-being of employees but aligns with the modern approach of creating office spaces where health and well-being are as important as work efficiency.

GLOBAL ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL SITUATION

Implementing solutions that follow global trends has its limitations. Economic, social and political changes significantly impact decisions related to the office space, such as leasing/relocation, downsizing, or the budget allocated for office equipment. We must react flexibly and adapt to the current global situation.

INDIVIDUAL NEEDS OF EMPLOYEES AND THE ENTIRE ORGANIZATION

The last factor shaping the office space can be called a 'chief moderator' of our actions. Our conviction in this belief was reinforced during the collaboration with one of our customers. While arranging office space, our customer aimed to follow the trendy concept of 'hybrid offices,' featuring desk sharing and increased spaces for collaborative team work. Through surveys, observations, and conversations with the managerial staff, we learned that the nature of work and company policies did not align with the hybrid office arrangement. Employees in this company deal with confidential data and handle a large volume of documents daily, making the proposed office design a hindrance rather than support for their tasks.

The office always has to align with the needs and expectations of employees and the organization and has to be a place that supports and facilitates work. Neglecting this element leads to the creation of limiting and hindering workspaces.

To sum up, decisions regarding workplace should be based on a holistic approach, considering not only individual, above mentioned factors, but also analysing their mutual interactions. This enables the creation of office spaces that not only meet current needs but are ready to adapt to future challenges and changes. This is crucial because each factor plays a different – and equally important – role in the process of shaping office space and their mutual influence can lead to the creation of an entirely new quality.