The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have focused greatly on the challenges of mental health ...
Office design trends for 2019
A new year is always a good time to plan ahead. If you are thinking about a new office fit-out, refurbishment or relocation, check out the office design trends for 2019 from Evoke Projects.
1. Well-being at work becoming more holistic
Our total well-being affects our motivation and productivity. After all, we don’t leave our health and emotions at the workplace entrance, but instead bring them with us every day to work. Companies that take a holistic approach to well-being through office design and office fit-outs that support physical and mental health will reap the benefits of a more engaged team.
It is important to recognise that a change in approach to well-being starts at the top. If CEOs and Managing Directors expect people to read and respond to emails 24/7, it impacts work-life balance for the whole team. If flexible working, job sharing or part-time hours are not available, employees will potentially experience burn-out and perform poorly at work.
The office design trend towards holistic well-being has been gaining in prominence and is definitely here to stay.
2. Open plan offices that work
In 2019, office designers recognise that pulling down partitions, creating rows of desks and calling it ‘hot desking’ is not a strategic way to approach open plan office design. Instead, workflow analysis and activity based working zones are the difference between open plan offices that work and offices that are just open plan. Consider your objectives carefully when designing your next office fit-out, and you can gain more productivity as well as lower real estate costs.
3. Nature inspired office design
The biophilic office design trend shows no sign of abating. Greater exposure to nature during the working day can improve cognition and make people feel more at home. Water features are relaxing, while indoor plants filter the air and remove mould and bacteria. You’ll be amazed at what can be achieved even with a minor office refurbishment.
4. Greater co-working and flexibility
Whether you want to call it a hub, an incubator or a co-working space, this is definitely an office design trend to watch for 2019. Companies sharing office spaces, equipment and resources can benefit from economies of scale, flexibility, networking, community engagement and collaboration. Traditionally the domain of sole trader start-up businesses, co-working spaces are now expanding in scope.
5. Breakout spaces are not just for coffee
As Millennials enter the workforce, the breakout zone continues to evolve. Less formality and more interaction will keep ideas flowing. Think of your breakout zone as the very heart of your office, where people come together and collaborate to make things happen. You don’t need a major office fit-out to create a breakout zone. A new office design with clever partitioning can make better use of the space you have.
6. More experience-driven spaces
You’ve probably heard about ultra-trendy employers who use experience-driven spaces to attract and retain employees. Google has indoor putting greens, workplace scooters and an office fit-out with caravans for meeting rooms. As newsworthy as these office designs are, in Google’s words, the real aim is “to create the happiest, most productive workplace in the world.” 8-of-googles-craziest-offices
Treadmill desks, a table tennis corner or a work-out area are simple ideas to start creating experience-driven spaces that energise and excite people to be at your workplace.
7. People-centric office design trend
When it’s time for a major new office fit-out or even a smaller office refurbishment, putting people at the centre of the office design makes good sense. Catering for complete human beings, rather than a one-dimensional job title, creates an environment that nurtures the full potential of each person. Ideas include lounge furniture, a place for a parent to work with a nursing infant alongside, and rooms with individual temperature control.
People-centric office design also considers workflows, how people use the spaces available to them, and how productivity might be improved with a different office layout.
8. Colours and materials in vogue for 2019 office designs
We asked the Evoke Projects’ office designers about their micro-predictions for 2019. Green or moss-inspired walls (inspired by biophilic design), abstract and geometric patterning, hand-crafted and unique containers, green ‘eco’ branding and natural materials were at the top of the list.
Dulux is always the go-to place for colour trends and for 2019, the colour palettes are:
- Repair – Repair your connection with nature e.g. New Neutral and Cinnamon Sand
- Wholeself – Rituals of wellness to restore your Wholeself e.g. nurturing Shetland Lace and Limone
- Legacy – A legacy of eclectic elegance e.g. Federation Brown and Legendary Lilac
- Identity – Building a bold and spirited Identity e.g. Sunbird Orange and Apricot Fool
Some comments from our elated clients:
“Jerry and the team were a pleasure to work with, going above and beyond… and the dream they sold us, they delivered!”
Roxanne Bailey, Office Manager, Hunter Women’s Health Centre
“Evoke’s attention to detail was immediately evident – a high performing team with a strong focus on morale and wellbeing. We are tremendously proud of our office space and wouldn’t change a thing about it. When clients visit us, the comments are always the same, ‘we love your office!’”
Adam and Diane Loong, Founders, Directors, Skildare
Let the imagination run wild with ideas for your next office fit-out or office refurbishment. Please call Evoke Projects on 1300 720 692 to find out more about 2019 office design trends.