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Shared office spaces are a rapidly growing phenomenon of the new economic model, the sharing economy. Fueled by the need for greater interaction and collaboration among the workforce, the trend of shared office furniture is here to stay.
Shared office spaces offer a professional work environment with infrastructures, such as workshops, social spaces, and a community for innovative work-life balance. The space is shared by professionals from various businesses and fields, including start-ups, entrepreneurs, self-employed individuals, and employees of established companies. With an optimal level of individualisation and diversity, Shared offices are becoming the workspace of tomorrow.
Shared office spaces – now and ahead
This new business model has clear benefits for design-driven innovation, sustainable economies, and creative industries—it is a push for more significant workplace interaction and collaboration.
However, it can result in some unfavorable social and cultural dynamics. E.g. noise is one of the critical factors that lower workplace productivity and livability. Noise control and noise-related issues are becoming increasingly crucial in shared offices, where workers share production areas with peers and strangers. Consideration in coworking space design will support a broader range of users’ privacy needs.
Likewise, as most shared offices use traditional office furniture, they need to meet the working needs of savvy millennials (i.e. flexibility, nomadism, networking, etc.). The future lies in developing new furniture systems to create desirable shared office environments.
Furniture and shared offices
What are shared offices?
Shared office space is a large workplace rented for different companies to have their offices and employees work beside each other. These spacious areas are outfitted with perks, technology, and features for a broader group of people.
While many employees share a shared office at various times, a shared workspace has one occupant who uses designated office space for a specific period. Because all occupants are dynamic, the same workspace is given to another occupant when the time is up.
What are furniture trends in shared offices?
Top office design trends have evolved with the times, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic; businesses are focusing on maintaining a healthy and happy working environment while increasing productivity.
Businesses must find new ways to maintain cost efficiency, corporate culture, and high levels of efficiency while promoting a much-needed sense of employee well-being.
Shared offices with appropriate office furniture that provides flexibility, comfortable surroundings, sustainability, and is equipped with digital technology will provide countless benefits. In addition to providing networking opportunities, the space enhances an organization’s likeability and makes a favorable impression on clients.
Upcoming Trends in shared office furniture
Privacy vs collaboration
The desire to promote collaboration and interaction jeopardises privacy; the design of shared offices should accommodate all work needs of individuals and teams.
While open-plan layouts promote collaboration and communication, they also introduce new challenges, such as increased noise and disturbance. According to studies, open-plan workplaces, despite the benefits they provide, distract employees through common office noises.
Furniture design can respond to a broader range of users while increasing privacy for a more productive work environment. Modeling furniture as visual barriers and demarcating zones is an excellent method. For example, full-height storage units can define zones and provide visual privacy. Sound-absorbing materials such as soundproof barriers and space dividers can ensure acoustic needs are met. Installing noise-canceling phone booths are another good option. The fitting allows members to make calls or connect on video calls without being disturbed by outside noise.
Hybrid work modes
Hybrid is the new normal – according to ET, nearly 70% of businesses are using hybrid work modes. Employees feel empowered when given the choice of a hybrid work mode. A suitable desk can help create an efficient and enjoyable office environment. For efficient functioning of hybrid teams, Tech-enabled furniture is an essential infra. The right furniture improves ‘at home’ experiences along with ‘at work’ experiences. For example, desks with adjustable height features provide greater user comfort. By allowing change of positions, it maintains energy and productivity throughout the day. Wireless charging pads for smart devices, a lockable mini drawer, and wire management to tuck in all wires and cables are some of the benefits of upgraded workstations.
Employee well-being
Companies and professionals recognize that workplace wellness and well-being are becoming increasingly important. Shared offices are collaborative spaces that allow people to escape isolation and find a life-work balance, which benefits productivity and well-being.
Shared office Furniture plays a vital role in creating modern spaces for function and comfort. They promote interaction between the community of workers, encourage connections, and cater to the well-being of its members. Ergonomic furniture boosts workplace efficiency and the users comfort. They keep the user’s body upright to reduce stress on the spine, neck, and hips. Sit-stand desks and adjustable-height seating keep members active throughout the day. Breakout social spaces help to build a sense of community by giving members a place to unwind and relax; think cafeteria table, chair, stool, and soft seating. Natural light and biophilic design elements, such as planters with green plants, also have several physical and mental health benefits.
Flex features
Coming to work at a specific shared office is a choice. There is always another shared office to try out and explore. Flexibility and modularity are essentials for the excellent functioning of coworking spaces that attract clients and retains them.
Comfort, convenience, and a pleasing appearance are factors that motivate and encourage workers to return to the shared space. Furniture can play a significant contributor with beautiful designs that offer multiple functions and adaptable and adjustable features.
Multifunctional and versatile modular office furniture is the key to creating flexible workspaces. They help design spaces that can adjust to fluctuating workspace requirements with a simple layout change. When not in use, the furniture can be folded and stowed away to save space.
“To explore further insights into emerging workplace design trends, including innovative approaches to shared office environments, consider delving into our comprehensive guide on Workplace Design Trends”
We are only beginning to understand the relevance of furniture design in shared office spaces. The ergonomic function and comfort, materials, and flexibility of form are a few of the main parameters. The focus is to create spatial opportunities for collaboration, learning, socialisation, networking, and individual focus. The future of shared office furniture design is about flexible modular furniture systems. Allowing easy and quick creation of diverse configurations that meet different workplace needs is the way ahead.
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“In addition to providing networking opportunities, the space enhances an organization’s likeability and makes a favorable impression on clients. To ensure a smooth and successful procurement process, ispt’s essential to avoid these 6 blunders when buying office furniture.”
