Adapting Your Office for 2022

Here at Modern Office, we’ve gathered insights into how adapting your office can affect employee well-being, productivity, talent retention, and more. Since the events of last year, we have considered the most important trends of change for 2022. Companies around the world are adopting more sustainable practices, technological innovation is driving change, and a human-centred focus on employee well-being is shaping the way we live and work. As our office design experts respond to these signals, you'll want to keep up to date with the top 5 office design trends listed below.

1. Sustainable office design

As a global community, we are increasingly aware of our impact on the environment. As companies, we must do more to reduce our carbon footprint and build a more sustainable future. So it's no wonder that sustainable design methods and materials are a huge office design trend in 2022.

2. Flexible working

Flexible workspaces have been around for a while but have come of age recently. Living in times of uncertainty, the only way companies can prepare is to ensure and encourage flexible working practices so that they are ready for anything. If you want your business to continue attracting top talent, it's time to invest in this trend. It's time to think about how you can use your space to encourage different ways of working. Since many employees still choose to work at least part of the week remotely, only a fraction of your team will need to go to the office on any given day. So, instead of giving everyone an individual desk, design an office with bookable open workspaces, flexible non-reservable areas, activity-oriented workspaces, and modular furniture to accommodate a floating workforce. Giving employees different places to work based on the type of work they do gives your team more control over their work experience, increases productivity levels, and increases engagement.

black desks with white chairs

3. Wellbeing and human-centric design

Another cultural shift in office design in 2022 has focused on creating a workspace where safety and employee empowerment take precedence. The pandemic has once again reminded us of the value of individual employees and the importance of their health and well-being to the productivity and profitability of any business. Now that companies are truly taking the mental and physical health of their employees into account, the office design industry is taking notice. Anti-Covid safety measures such as integrated social distancing, flow management, handwashing stations, hand sanitiser stations and readily available PPE help alleviate any concerns employees may have about attending work. Employees are becoming more demanding of their workplaces, and rightly so.

4. Technology and smart offices

Smart workspaces can use digital sensors to monitor and respond to factors such as occupancy, air quality, daylight levels and more. Smart buildings can collect and share data, allowing companies to better understand when and how different spaces are used. This is a very powerful office design tool, especially important in the context of social distancing and safety. A closer relationship with technology can also help us move forward in our return to the workplace - thermal imaging systems and proximity doors can allow employees to move easily around the workplace.

work mates running

5. Connectivity and community

While this year will undoubtedly continue to change the way we look at work and the workplace, one of the biggest changes in the office is that it is no longer just a place with a desk, but a destination in itself. For many employees accustomed to working from home for months and limited opportunities for social interaction, the workday has become an event, a refreshing opportunity to meet friends, get inspired, meet, collaborate and connect. This trend will lead to an increase in office design patterns that are strongly associated with the hospitality and leisure sectors. This new emphasis on shared service and expertise will be another way for companies to attract and retain top talent.

Talk to us today about the modern needs of your office and how we can support change and growth.

Therese / Eftpos Now

"I wanted to say a huge thank you to Juliet for making our office fitout process so smooth. Juliet always found answers for us, provided an amazing design and made the whole process easy. Thanks team - we love our new furniture!"

Bethlehem Baptist Church / Staff

"Bethlehem Baptist staff have been very pleased with the furniture we have purchased through Modern Office. In particular we have found the office furniture of a high quality. As a company they have been very easy to work with."

Bruce Thompson / Vulcan Steel Tauranga

"Juliet and the team did a great job. We can’t fault the service or the resulting fitout. Very pleased to have been able to do business with you again and it is always good to support local business.”

Matt Stevenson / CEO / HSM Group

"HSM are delighted with the service received from Modern Office in undertaking the office furniture project for its new premises. The furniture suggested looks amazing and provides the right levels of space and storage as well as looking great. Their delivery and setup, as well as the communication with them and the prompt response has been fantastic and we would highly recommend them."

Kevin Marsh / Interior fit-out Project Manager / Property and Project Consulting Ltd

“Modern Office provided a range of height-adjustable desking, storage, and meeting room furniture for our WRC project. We found the team to be cooperative and flexible, and the risk management they applied during the Covid-19 lockdown meant we were kept informed of progress. A feature of the service provided was the support they provided during the installation phase, their on-site crew was outstanding and delivery and installation of furniture was achieved on time, every time.”

Kate / Chow Hill Architects Ltd

"The service I received as an interior designer is of a very high standard with extremely competitive pricing and a large and impressive range of furniture. I use Modern Office for the majority of my projects."

Annmarie Lee / General Manager Growers / Seeka

"Working with Modern Office was a really good experience. We required a complete fit out of new furniture for our new premises and I would go as far as to say they were the best contractor we used in the whole build. The service was outstanding – very professional and approachable. We are very happy with the products and the advice provided, and the staff feedback has been positive. I have already recommended Modern Office to others."

Melissa McBride / Office Manager / Hawkins

"We were extremely happy with everything. Very efficient and hassle free. Thanks heaps to you and your team for all your help."

Kieron Wain / National Projects Manager / SSA New Zealand

"Please pass on my thanks to your team…they did a great job! They removed every bit of wrapping…I couldn’t tell they had been there it was that tidy. They asked for guidance where the desks needed to be placed and went about their business until the job was completed…very professional. Thanks for your support."