It’s not easy to design a modern workplace fitout which works for every employee age group.
After all, the age of your workers may run the spectrum from late teens to early 70s.
So how do you create a smart workplace which pleases the eye, functions efficiently and suits the different working habits of every generation?
It involves clever design and flexible layout, drawing staff together while increasing mobility and wellbeing.
Technology
Technology in the workplace has fundamentally changed the way contemporary staff work and engage.
The number and type of devices we use in the workplace is constantly growing. ‘Hot desks’ have developed to cater for this trend, meaning desks are shared rather than allocated to individuals for permanent use.
Workers are therefore more mobile, responding more quickly to the changing demands of technology and modern work practices.
Collaboration in workplace fitouts
Workers are no longer anchored in their individual offices, separate from the activities of the broader workplace.
While baby boomers were raised in this kind of office environment, many are now adapting to more versatile working arrangements.
Contemporary workplace fitouts include:
- Open plan areas with interchangeable work-stations
- Communal areas for informal staff catch-ups
- Relaxed, more casual meeting areas
- Separate spaces for private meetings
- Quiet rooms where noise is restricted
Communal kitchens and open central stairwells both contrive to bring people together in a more natural way. Today’s offices are also often designed to accommodate teams rather than the ‘departments’ of old.
All these measures help to break down barriers to inter-generational socialising and collaboration.
Health and wellbeing
The wellness design industry is booming. This covers the spectrum of health-based features designed to improve the wellbeing of office workers.
Workers of every age are now demanding:
- Clean air and natural light
- Comfortable, ergonomic furniture
- Filtered water on hand
- Quiet spaces protected from noise
Biophilic design is also used to emulate the natural environment inside the office. The built environment can be softened using greenery, water features, natural textures like timber, natural colours and patterns, thermal comfort levels and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Employees across the generations also want more sustainable work practices including energy-efficient technology and reduced waste.
A new approach to workplace fitouts will help you meet the changing expectations of all your workers. Contact us to find out more.
