2022 is upon us and with comes many new workplace trends that many businesses will want to implement into their office environment. As companies gear up to return to the workplace, there are many aspects to keep in mind from what furniture to have to the physical format of the office. No matter if a business continues to be remote, 100% in person, or a variation of a hybrid model, these are the trends that every business will want to focus on.
What Type Of Office Environment Is Best?
Before any business can focus on implementing trends into their workplace, one needs to figure out if their workplace culture works best being fully remote, fully in-person, or adopting a hybrid model. Most experts will agree that having a hybrid model, one where workers choose what days they are remote and what days they are in-person, will offer the most flexibility when it comes to maximizing an office furniture investment.
“I think trends in 2022 will still be inline with what we have been seeing in 2021. There will be a push to get back into the office to work within a hybrid model, with a mindset of employee safety and beliefs in mind.” Alex Nenadovic, Account Manager
Implementing The Right Furniture
Office furniture will be one of the biggest components that businesses will need to figure out when returning to the workplace. Picking the right collaboration spaces, ergonomic workstations, and privacy options will be a huge focus point when getting workers comfortable to back in the office.
“Slightly taller panels to give the illusion of health safety but no wing panels offer the ability to collaborate. More meeting areas so that people can be 6 feet apart or at the very least feel they have a safe space at their desk that has not been touched by others. Wellness rooms for individuals to retreat to if they are feeling ill while at work. Low cost products or used products are on the rise as companies are now weighing the costs of workstations when half of their employees are working from home half of their time. .” Nicole Wynkoop, Director of Design,
How Do You Bring People Back?
It’s no secret that everyone will have a different opinion with how to return to the office. As previously mentioned, some workers may not want to return while others will want to be in the office full-time. It is about finding that balance and having the correct approach to the hybrid model that will bring harmony to the workplace culture. Hybrid model is something that most businesses will want to strive for, as it offers the most flexibility and best value for capital investments when it comes to office furniture.
“I think there will be a hybrid back to work model with people having flex schedules and working from home more often. It will be important to still have defined spaces, but more in a relaxed, multiple user format..” Jessica Platt – Vice President
AOI Can Help
Looking to get your office ready for the return to work? Contact one of our experts today!
