Trends in future workplace design: building in stress downtime
Paulette Christophersen spoke about trends in workplace design. She had three key points. First - that flexible design is still important, because the need of the client changes over time. The architecture and workplace design must be flexible in order to be able to change and adapt to the changing needs of organisations and companies. Secondly - there is still a large demand for branding in architecture and workplace design. Companies and organisations want a strong identity. They also wish to decorate and brand spaces in order to maintain employees. Paulette’s final key point was that now, there is strong focus in workplace design on creating a social sustainable workplace by designing with plants and green areas and creating relaxing time-out areas with possibilities for movement. Both contributes to reducing stress and supports a happy, healthy and productive workforce.
Work-life, education and home environments coalesce
The trends should be seen in light of that fact that the way we live our lives is about to change radically. Previously, a lifetime was divided into different phases. We spent our youth learning and educating ourselves. Then we came out on to the labour market where we put our professional competences to use. Then, we became old and retired from the labour market finally having enough free time to live our lives. Now, the phases overlap – we expect that our workplace can integrate and facilitate that we live our lives, work and educate us at the same time. At the workplace of the future offices, educational institutions and home environments coalesce.