Office Furniture in 2020

Office Furniture in 2020

What are the latest trends in office furniture in 2020 and workplace design for the near future? We’ve put together a list of 5 things for the latest trend for this year. 2020 is all about the vision of the world. This year and our vision are all about how eco-friendly we are.

Flexible workspace with a modular design

This is not a new trend, but it is certainly here to stay and growing. More companies and employees are adopting flexible working approaches which means the workspaces also need to be flexible. Use of hot-desking spaces and functional office storage can allow companies to make most efficient use of floor space and lighter, modular furniture with multiple configurations such as our Aries desking, can enable companies to meet the needs of a changing workforce.

Sustainable/eco-friendly furnishings and upholstery

A vegan lifestyle is not just about the food you eat, it also aims to promote sustainability/eco-friendly production of all sorts of products. More companies are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact. This means choosing furniture which uses eco-friendly materials and has been produced and transported in a more environmentally positive way. For office furniture in 2020, this means increasing the use of recycled/upcycled products. This is reducing the use of plastics and other man-made materials and finding ways to reuse and reconfigure existing furniture to meet new requirements. Additionally purchasing high-quality products which have longevity, such as Timber Oak decking, is a great way to be sustainable.

Collaborative working – creative huddle spots

Again, not a new idea, but introducing small collaborative workspaces for up to 6 people is a great way to encourage creativity and team-working. More companies are now providing pods and booths for comfortable, impromptu discussions and informal meetings. Such areas are designed with employee productivity and inspiration in mind and are therefore likely to contain sofas or other soft seating to enhance the “huddle” experience.

Better work-life balance and employee wellbeing.

Employers understand better the importance of providing a comfortable working environment which contributes to their employees’ wellbeing. Office furniture such as sit-stand desks which allow employees to move around during the working day is becoming more popular. There are several benefits of sit-stand desks and you can read more in one of our other blogs.

An informal seating area where employees can socialise and a well-equipped kitchen area can also be an easy way to show employees that the company keeps their health and wellbeing in mind when designing office space. A Millennials, who are set to make up 75% of the workforce by 2025, are looking for more amenities in their workplace such as lounges, kitchens, gyms and wash facilities which enable them to set their work schedule.

Ergonomic chairs are also incredibly important to ensure happy employees who can sustain productivity. Backache is one of the leading causes of lost manhours so investment in the best quality ergonomic seating will pay off in the longer term.

The Smart Office

Technology is becoming more integrated into the workplace. Smart lighting, for example, can help workplaces use resources more efficiently. Smart desks which include charging facilities, smart assistants and essential touch-screen technology are set to become more commonplace. This is because employees demand more from their working environment.

Office furniture in 2020 continues to evolve at a rapid pace to meet the changing needs of the workforce and here at GBN, we can’t wait to get involved in your latest office refurbishment or relocation. Check out our case studies to see how your office can benefit from our expertise.

Call us for a no-obligation discussion about your next project.