2021 Trends For Getting Back Into The Office | Affordable Office Interiors

2021 is finally here. With many businesses and employees looking for a path back to the workplace, it can be difficult to determine the best way to do so. Do you need PPE equipment, does the floorplan need to be redesigned, is an open office still suitable? These are just some of the questions many business owners need to ask when returning back to the workplace. With that said, here are some trends that Affordable Office Interiors is seeing for the path back to the office.

Safe Distancing

Probably the biggest trend that we will see when returning back to the workplace is creating a safe distance amongst co-workers. This means having desks being spaced apart from each other, having seating spread out in large open conference rooms, and more private areas. Creating safe distances in the office will be amongst the easiest to do when getting the office back to work friendly, as it is not too time consuming and won’t strain a company’s expenditure.

“Greater attention to safe distancing of staff & fewer collaboration areas; expecting more privacy screens/dividers to protect staff in their work areas will be one of the biggest trends in 2021.” Shirley Block – Senior Account Manager,

Privacy and Panels

Another big trend that we will see take into shape in 2021 will be physical hardware being placed in the office to make people more safe and comfortable. This can be anything from privacy panels, glass/acrylic panels in between desks, and much more. When thinking about adding equipment into the office, privacy must be addressed as well. Having more flexible collaboration spaces that will offer both a safe distance and privacy will be a key component to many workplaces, as mentioned above.

“Taller Workstation Panels, less guest and conference seating in smaller rooms, and stations that face away from each other.” Nicole Wynkoop, Director of Design,

Being Flexible

Probably the most important trend we will see is adopting a flexible working environment, or as others might know it as, a flex schedule. What this means is the ability to be able to work at the office and working at home freely; some days you will want to come into the office, others at home. A lot of people miss seeing their colleagues in the office and that office interaction/collaboration, but others have truly adopted the work from home mentality and have no plans on returning back to the office. Whatever an employees comfort level is, businesses must be able to adopt to this flexible environment.

“The working from home trend has been accelerated by 25 years due to the pandemic. While many workers prefer to be in the office with their colleagues some will never return to the office full time.” William Reid, Senior Account Manager,