Office spaces are changing from the traditional chair and desk design to a more free-flowing workspace specifically designed for the cultivation of collaboration and creativity. More emphasis is being placed on productivity and what makes a productive employee. This has led to some truly innovative thinking and offices that are far removed from the traditional spaces our parents or grandparents worked in.

There has been a definite move to more dynamic and social workplaces in recent years, and this is likely to continue over the coming years. With that in mind, in this article, we will look at the office furniture trends for 2018.

Space Versus Function

Office design was always about getting the most out of the least amount of space, which inevitably led to poorly designed and cramped workspaces. The traditional linear designs of offices act as barriers to communication and collaboration, as the furniture is usually in a fixed space with little or no chance of moving. This model simply doesn’t work in the Information Age where open areas are seen as more conducive to group tasks.

Circular workstations, standing desks, and easily adaptable furniture are all being used by businesses to free up space and give employees more opportunities to share ideas.

Something Different

When people saw the office spaces of pioneering companies such as Google, there were many twinges of jealousy in office workers around the world. But for many, more open-plan offices are becoming a reality as sofas, communal seating areas, benches, and places to hang out are replacing cramped cubicles.

This trend is likely to continue as bosses start to see the benefits of increased collaboration and a more chilled-out environment at work.

Working in the State of Flux

The world we live in today is moving at an unprecedented pace, with new ways of living and working appearing on an almost daily basis. Working within this dynamic context requires a workplace that is similarly dynamic.

In the last few years, there has been a significant shift toward more open-plan office spaces that integrate adaptable furniture and fittings. This allows the office space to be changed to meet the needs of a particular task, which gives employees an opportunity to choose the type of layout that works best for them.

Throwing Out the Filing Cabinets

One way companies have been able to free up space in the office is the move toward more innovative storage options—either physical ones or cloud-based systems. Technology such as wireless charging and connectivity will significantly increase the portability of office equipment and furniture. In fact, many office tables now incorporate mobile USB charging points, which are ideal for any work task.

All these changes result in more space and ease of access to equipment without endless searches and the need to find a room with a power source. 

Time for Change

Many businesses have already made the change to a more adaptive and fluid office space and are already reaping the rewards. If you are planning an office remodel, it might be time to consider doing things a little differently.