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Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a huge shift in working models and the way businesses use their office space. Many businesses have embraced hybrid working models, allowing employees to work from home some or all of the time, depending on what better suits their needs.

In fact, figures from ONS show that at least one in four professionals are now operating on a hybrid working model.

This has had an impact on how many people are in the office and, therefore, the office design and functionality. With people flowing more freely, there is less of a need for every employee to have their own static workstation.

Creativity and collaboration have also become a bigger priority within organisations, and this needs to be built into the culture, including the design of the office and how this space is used.

If you’ve recently implemented a hybrid working model in your business and your office space is in need of a major spruce-up, we can help. In this guide, we will look at how you can transform your office space into something that supports work both in and out of the office, as well as encourage collaboration and innovation.

It could be as simple as changing up your decor and furniture and introducing some new internal fittings that complement this new way of working.

Read on to find out more.

1. Flexible furniture

As we said, there is seldom a need for every employee to have their own fixed workstation. Of course, hot desking is nothing new, but in many offices, it was still the norm for workers to sit at the same desk each day.

The new hybrid model requires flexibility. This is the key to the successful movement of the workforce, and it helps to foster creativity. So think about it, why have 20 desks in the office when only up to 10 are used each day?

There is a great solution to freeing up more space for comfortable, collaborative areas, and this is flexible furniture. Set to be a big trend this year, make use of foldaway desks and internal partitions on casters or wheels. These make re-organising and redesigning the office quickly much easier.

2. Privacy pods

Ditch the traditional meeting space and give your employees somewhere to work together peacefully with privacy pods. These are not like traditional office cubicles or boardrooms, which often lack character and comfort.

Instead, privacy pods, sometimes referred to as Zoom booths are acoustic hubs where employees can discuss ideas free of distractions and other workplace noises. These are accessible spaces where digital meetings can be held, and they are ideal for phone or video calls. They are often modular, so they fit easily into any office space and can be put together quickly and easily.

3. Sit to stand desks

Sitting down at a desk all day can take its toll on your mind and body. That is why so many professionals chose to invest in sit-to-stand desks, particularly during the pandemic when they were able to design their own office space at home.

Introducing sit-to-stand desks in your office gives your employees more ways to work – and that’s not all. Standing desks promote better mental well-being, aid weight loss, and can even reduce aches and pains. This helps to keep your team mentally and physically well, which in turn leads to higher levels of productivity.

Of course, it would be unreasonable to expect everyone to stand up all day, which is why sit-to-stand desks are the best option. This allows employees to sit when they want and raise their desks if they need a little time off their seats.

4. More power points

No, we’re not talking about giving your team more PowerPoint presentations. Instead, it’s a good idea to add more power modules around the office that allows employees to plug in their laptop or devices no matter where they are.

This is important for creativity and allows your teams to move about freely, plug in and work with their colleagues as and when they need to. No one is bound by their desks or the nearest extension lead. This can make collaboration much easier.

5. Home comforts

After working from home for so long, many professionals became accustomed to their home comforts. That doesn’t mean everyone should be walking around the office in their pyjamas; however, home comforts are going to be a big trend this year.

What do we mean by this? We mean things like sofas and armchairs in creative or break-out spaces, as these can help employees to feel more relaxed and positive. Not only this, but items like coffee makers or snack fridges make grabbing a drink or snack much quicker and easier, without having to leave the office. This can be important for a quick recharge and some brainfood before meetings.

6. Plants and shrubs

Biophilic design principles are going to be huge this year – and with good reason. As humans, we have an innate need to connect with nature, which is why we love spending time outdoors. This can be tricky when you work in an office and spend most of the day indoors.

That is why bringing nature indoors has been proven to increase happiness, well-being and productivity. In the office, this could translate to plants and shrubs being placed throughout. These can be added to desks, windows, bathrooms and meeting rooms.

Even having natural images or paintings on the walls can promote a healthier work environment, not to mention add a splash of colour and style to the room(s).

7. Storage solutions

Finally, getting the right storage solutions in place has always been a simple way to organise and transform an office. But we don’t mean clerical, faceless filing cabinets. No, this year is all about minimising clutter and maximising space, so consider storage that is on the walls rather than taking up floor space.

What’s more, opt for sets of drawers or bookshelves that are going to complement the style of your office. These can be the perfect place to put your plants and shrubs, and even better if these are made using recycled or sustainable materials!