Living work in a new way

Remote work has worked, but at the same time many miss the change of scenery and the non-virtual encounters with colleagues. Even a well-functioning remote work culture cannot replace the interpersonal, spontaneous contacts, the inspiring coincidence, the brief exchange and the joint creation on site.

Creative activities such as project work and innovation are becoming increasingly important, and this must also be reflected in the work locations. It is important to exchange ideas with colleagues and to work together on projects. This requires suitable spaces for different activities and different equipment.

At the same time, studies show that opportunities for concentrated and undisturbed work are desired as a way to get back to the office.

Hybrid meetings and video calls are here to stay and demand suitable tools.

Expectations have become very complex. What is certain, however, is that the demands on the office workplace itself and the environment have increased. So the office is by no means becoming irrelevant, but the demands on office space are:

Wellbeing in the office

Providing employees with spaces that support their physical and mental well-being has become an integral part of many companies’ visions and goals.

In the future, interior design will therefore focus more than ever on individual well-being and comfort. Every employee should feel noticed and heard, and be offered a space according to his or her needs. A wellness-oriented workplace takes a holistic view of health. The different aspects are to be considered in the room design.

Colors, light, acoustics, room layout and furnishings can be used to improve mental and physical well-being.

Today, employees expect preferences from the work environment that are less given when working on the move. For example: The best workplace for the corresponding activity and the working environment that fits personal needs and moods. (Activity and mood based working), ergonomics, wellbeing, structuring and acoustics play an important role. The office space ideally supports the various activities in the course of a working day by providing the appropriate space and equipment.

Hybrid meetings offer advantages. They allow teams to work together regardless of geographical barriers and involve experts or colleagues from different locations in real time. This facilitates information sharing, decision-making and overall collaboration.

In addition, hybrid meetings can be more flexible as they allow participants to attend in person or virtually as needed.

However, it is important to also be aware of potential challenges with hybrid meetings. Adequate technology infrastructure to ensure smooth communication between participants is essential. In addition, the needs and perspectives of all participants must be considered to ensure that no one is excluded or feels disadvantaged.

If colleagues want to conduct video calls in the office, for example, to coordinate with colleagues on a project, there are some important things to consider to ensure a trouble-free and productive environment. In addition to the technical requirements, visual and acoustic shielding is important. This limits the field of vision and focuses on the team meeting. It can also reduce noise levels and improve privacy during the meeting. This applies in both directions – for the video call participant as well as for the colleagues who could otherwise be disturbed.

Inclusive design approach

The design process should aim to create environments that are accessible, usable and understandable for all people, regardless of age, gender, physical or mental limitations or other factors that could lead to exclusion. This approach goes beyond simple accessibility and incorporates a variety of user needs into the design process.

Some key elements of the inclusive planning approach in interior design are:

Diverse user needs: People with a wide range of abilities and needs are taken into account in planning and design.
Flexibility in design: Spaces and elements are designed so that they can be used in different ways. Flexible room design options allow people to adapt their working environment according to their individual needs.
Ease and intuitiveness of use: Spaces should be self-explanatory and supportive of the activity.
Adaptability: the ability to easily adjust spaces and furnishings as needed to meet different needs.
Aesthetics: inclusive design should not only be functional but also aesthetically pleasing.
Retreat options: It is important to include retreats in spaces where employees can retreat when needed. These quiet zones should be equipped with comfortable seating, soft lighting and a relaxing atmosphere to allow for relaxation and regeneration.

Creating a good working atmosphere gives employees a reason to come to the office and improves work efficiency at the same time.

The office as a versatile service and hub for corporate culture

The question of where employees work most efficiently is becoming increasingly important. The office offers the most options here – among other things, as a place for collective learning, exchange and creative collaboration.

The office is transforming from a place of work into the company’s cultural mile: This is where the company’s values become visible, where the staff’s sense of togetherness is created. This is where collaboration and co-creation physically take place.

The reduction of fixed workplaces creates space for new offerings. New space layouts emerge and are being shaped.

We believe in the future of the office – also as a hub for corporate culture.

Creating a good working atmosphere gives employees a reason to come to the office and improves work efficiency at the same time.

Product concepts and inspirations

Every company should find its own way to implement these new requirements. We are happy to support you on this path.