X Items in my basket 0
0 £0.00
0800 731 4592
0
Menu

Top Office Furniture & Design Trends For 2023

Top Office Furniture & Design Trends For 2023

Office design has always been a significant aspect of the business world, playing an essential role in boosting productivity, fostering creativity, and shaping company culture. However, the rapidly evolving work landscape has propelled many businesses to rethink their office designs. If you're considering a redesign of your office space, these top furniture and design trends for 2023 will help you create an environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and well-being.

Commute-Worthy Workspaces

The advent of hybrid work arrangements, spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, has significantly affected commuting patterns. In fact, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there has been a notable 26% decline in commuting across the UK from 2019 to 2022. This trend has been driven in part by the rising costs of travel, which has seen a further increase during 2023, as well as the flexibility and convenience that remote work offers.

However, this shift has posed a new challenge for businesses: How can offices be designed to be 'commute-worthy', encouraging employees to willingly leave their home offices for face-to-face collaboration? The answer lies in creating workspaces that offer more than just a desk and a chair.

A commute-worthy workspace is one that provides amenities and features which cater to the diverse needs of its users. For instance, adopting flexible hours can help employees avoid peak commuting times, reducing their travel costs and stress levels. Providing bike storage can support those who opt for a healthier and more sustainable commute.

Moreover, creating spaces that foster collaboration can make employees feel more connected and engaged. By making the office a dynamic and appealing place to be, businesses can motivate their hybrid workforce to balance their time between home and the office.

In the next sections, we'll explore specific office furniture and design trends that can help make your workspace more inviting, adaptable, and conducive to productivity.

Browse Our Office Furniture

Blending Home with Work in Multifunctional Spaces

With many employees used to the comforts of home, office design has evolved to incorporate various types of spaces within an open plan environment, effectively blending elements of home and work.

Comfortable workstations outfitted with ergonomic furniture provide a place for focused individual work. Sit stand desks offer flexibility and promote movement, catering to different working styles. Meeting pods and booths allow for private, focused discussions, while collaboration zones equipped with whiteboards or large monitors foster creativity and teamwork.

But it's not just about work; casual rest areas are also an essential part of the modern office. These could feature breakout fabric sofas, coffee tables, even hammocks or bean bags – spaces where employees can relax, recharge, or engage in informal conversations.

These diverse areas offer numerous benefits. For one, they provide variety and flexibility, allowing employees to choose where and how they want to work depending on their task or mood. This can lead to increased satisfaction and productivity.

Moreover, informal areas encourage spontaneous interactions and teamwork. Employees from different departments might strike up a conversation in the lounge, leading to fresh ideas and cross-department collaborations. These spaces also contribute to team bonding, helping to create a more cohesive and harmonious workplace culture.

In essence, by blending elements of home with work, offices can offer a diverse, flexible, and comfortable environment that meets the varied needs of their employees. This can boost morale, encourage creativity, and make the office a place where employees want to be, thereby making the commute all the more worthwhile.

Quiet Spaces

The shift towards remote work has brought with it a renewed appreciation for quiet and personal space. At home, an employee has the freedom to change their environment based on their needs – whether that means moving to a different room, stepping outside for fresh air, or simply enjoying the quiet. Bringing this versatility into the office environment is crucial.

Quiet spaces in the office are not just areas absent of noise; they are designated zones that allow for reflection, deep thinking, and focus. It's important that these spaces are distinctly different from the rest of the office to signal a shift in mindset when one enters them.

In terms of design, quiet spaces should minimise distractions. This could mean soundproofing, using calming colours, incorporating elements of nature, or employing soft, ambient lighting. Comfortable and relaxed furniture, such as breakout soft seating or meeting booths, can further enhance the user's experience.

By providing quiet spaces, companies demonstrate an understanding and respect for individual working styles and needs. This can boost overall productivity and morale, as employees know they have a place to go when they need to escape the bustle and concentrate on their tasks.

Browse Our Meeting Pods & Booths

Smart Offices

In the face of technological advancements, the concept of a 'smart' office has become a reality. These spaces leverage technology to enhance efficiency, comfort, and convenience, offering features such as automated systems for lighting, temperature control, and booking meeting rooms.

However, a key aspect of smart offices in 2023 extends beyond the typical amenities. As video conferencing has become a staple in the hybrid work model, offices can ensure they have dedicated spaces equipped with high-definition cameras, superior microphones, and reliable internet connectivity. Acoustic considerations and clear displays also play a role in creating efficient video conferencing spaces, ensuring employees, whether in-person or remote, can communicate effectively.

Remote First

As we further embrace the smart office trend, another factor to consider is the accommodation of remote workers in office design. The modern office isn’t just catering to the needs of on-site staff, but also those logging in from afar.

Advanced video conferencing systems, while crucial, are just one part of the equation. The physical layout of meeting rooms and shared spaces can also be designed with remote participants in mind. For instance, setting up conference tables to enable better camera angles helps remote workers to feel more engaged in meetings by visually 'having a seat at the table'.

Other office spaces can also facilitate seamless remote participation. Quiet zones can be equipped with technology for one-on-one virtual meetings or focused individual work.

The goal is to create an environment where on-site and remote employees can collaborate effectively. This remote-first approach is key to fostering an inclusive culture and maintaining productivity in a hybrid work model.

Browse Our Boardroom Tables

Encourage Movement

While designing a hybrid office, one key aspect to consider is how the layout and positioning of spaces can influence movement and interaction among employees. Careful planning can not only facilitate the practical needs of the workforce but also create opportunities for spontaneous collaboration and social interaction, which are harder to come by in a remote working setup.

Strategically positioning shared amenities, such as the coffee machine, printer, or lounge areas, can prompt employees to move around the office, step away from their desks, and engage with colleagues from various teams. These casual interactions can spark innovative ideas, foster a sense of community, and significantly enhance the cross-pollination of knowledge.

Moreover, encouraging socialisation between different teams can boost morale and create a more cohesive workplace culture. Casual conversations by the water cooler, shared lunch breaks in the breakout room, or a quick catch-up in the hallway are valuable moments that can build camaraderie and deepen interdepartmental relationships.

Design elements like mobile dividers, modular furniture, or convertible meeting spaces can also foster movement and flexibility. These can be easily rearranged for impromptu brainstorming sessions or team huddles, providing a dynamic environment that keeps the office landscape fresh and stimulating.

By promoting movement and interaction, offices can offer a vibrant, collaborative environment that's difficult to replicate at home, further motivating employees to make the commute and enjoy the benefits of face-to-face collaboration.

Biophilic Office Space: Embracing Nature

Biophilic office design, which integrates elements of nature into the workplace, has emerged as a prominent trend in recent years. The innate human connection to nature forms the basis of this trend, with research showing that natural elements can reduce stress, enhance creativity, and improve well-being.

In the context of office design, biophilia could be implemented in several ways. The most direct approach is the inclusion of indoor plants, green walls, or even office gardens, which not only enhance aesthetics but also improve air quality.

Natural light is another crucial component of biophilic design. Maximising the influx of sunlight can have significant benefits on employee mood and productivity. Hence, offices are prioritising large windows, glass walls, and open layouts that allow light to permeate the workspace.

Moreover, the use of natural materials in furniture and fixtures, such as wood, stone, or bamboo, can evoke a sense of calm and connection with the environment. Biophilic design also extends to colours and patterns that reflect nature, promoting a sense of tranquillity and peace.

Browse Our Cafe & Breakout Furniture

Sustainability

As the awareness of our environmental impact continues to grow, sustainability has emerged as a driving force in office design. The trend was pronounced in 2022, and with the ongoing shift towards eco-friendly office furniture designs, it's expected to hold strong in 2023.

Companies are increasingly incorporating sustainable practices into their office environments. Implementing energy-efficient lighting solutions like LED lights, opting for green appliances, and using sustainable materials are just a few ways businesses are working to reduce their carbon footprint.

Moreover, the choice of office furniture is now often guided by environmental considerations. Here, we see a shift towards high-quality, durable furniture made from natural materials. By investing in long-lasting pieces, companies can minimise waste and frequent replacement needs, promoting a circular economy.

We always strive to offer a product range that is as sustainable as possible, so you will find many natural materials within our office furniture ranges that are sourced from eco-conscious manufacturers.

Improved Focus on Wellbeing

In recent years, there has been an increasing awareness of mental health issues in the workplace, and as a result, there's a growing trend towards enhancing wellbeing through thoughtful office design.

A primary focus is on physical comfort, with ergonomic furniture being a key aspect of this. Ergonomically designed office chairs and desks can reduce strain and prevent injuries, making it easier for employees to maintain their physical health even while doing desk-bound jobs.

Plenty of natural light is also crucial for wellbeing. Exposure to daylight can boost mood and productivity, and even improve sleep. As such, office designs are increasingly incorporating large windows, skylights and open spaces to let in as much natural light as possible.

Spaces for physical activity are another emerging trend in office design. Onsite gyms, yoga spaces or even just a dedicated area for stretching can encourage employees to take breaks from sitting and move their bodies, which can have both physical and mental benefits.

Similarly, sit-stand desks are gaining popularity. These desks allow employees to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day, reducing the negative effects of prolonged sitting.

Browse Our Office Desks

Organic & Muted Colour Schemes

As we see an increased emphasis on sustainability and wellbeing, there's a parallel trend in the choice of colours and materials used in office design. This trend is about moving away from stark, industrial shades and moving towards a palette that is inspired by nature itself.

Earthy, muted tones such as browns, greens, and blues are becoming more prevalent in office environments. These colours are known to create a calm, soothing atmosphere, enhancing employees' comfort and productivity. These natural hues are occasionally punctuated by brighter colours, often used to represent company branding or to add an element of vibrancy and energy to the space.

This trend towards organic colour schemes also extends to the materials used in office design. Natural elements like wood and stone are increasingly being incorporated into both the furniture and the broader office decor.

The choice of furniture too has seen a shift towards softer, more organic shapes. Gone are the days of harsh lines and rigid forms. Instead, we see furniture that incorporates curves and fluidity, mimicking the shapes found in nature and adding to the relaxed, welcoming feel of the office.

As we move forward, it's clear that these earth-inspired design elements are here to stay.

Your Partner in Creating Trendy, Sustainable Office Spaces

As we've explored the top office furniture trends for 2023, one thing becomes clear: the office is no longer just a place to work; it's a space that needs to inspire, motivate, and promote wellbeing and sustainability. And that's where Southern Office Furniture steps in.

We are committed to offering premium quality, long-lasting office furniture that aligns with the latest trends. Our catalogue offers a huge variety of choice, from desks and ergonomic chairs to breakout furniture and meeting pods, ensuring that every aspect of your office design needs is covered.

As we look ahead to the future of office design, we're excited to continue providing our clients with the top-quality, stylish, and sustainable furniture they need to create inspiring workspaces.

To find out more about our predictions for office furniture in 2024, or to discuss our extensive collection in more detail, call us today. Together, we can create an office space that meets your needs, reflects your brand, and is ready for the future of work.

Browse Our Office Furniture

TOP
CLOSE X
Thank you for subscribing to the
SayuConnect Newsletter